Checking The Kevlar Line

I got a Email question on how to check the condition of the Kevlar line:

After the third flight of the Quest X-15, I pulled the Kevlar loop off the rear of the engine mount tube.
This model had the "Replaceable Kevlar Line Install" as described in an article in the Apogee Peak Of Flight shown HERE

Using tweezers, it did take a few moments to wiggle the tied loop off the back end of the motor mount tube. It slipped easily through the guide straw.
You can see the blackened area that was right above the upper centering ring.

No need to replace the line - yet!

To replace the loop after the check -
Don't try to push the line back through the straw.
Instead, pull the nose cone forward and that will draw the Kevlar line back inside the model.
When the tied loop gets close to the end of the engine mount, work the loop over the end with your fingers.
Use tweezers to get the loop against the lower centering ring.

I does take a few moments to get the line off and back on again. Still, it's better than trying to replace unreachable Kevlar tied below the upper centering ring.