After 20 years of propagating cuttings and grabbing suckers I have attempted air layering for the first time. I used the sphagnum moss / aluminum foil method and cut the outer layer of skin off about 2" of bark between 2 nodes. I wet the moss every few days or so and after about 5 weeks I couldn't wait anymore and cut it and planted it. Its a tree that was originally in a pot and I decided to put it in the ground next to the house and give it a try here in Northern NJ zone 7a uncovered. It became an experimental tree as I had lost the tag and aren't quite  sure what variety it is. Hoping for some expert help out there when I get a fig to slice open. It can only be one of about 4 types that I have bought through the years that I can't remember what happened to.
Anyway, What do you all think about the size of the root mass for transplanting and potting? (check photos)  Should I have waited longer?
Sometimes you just cant wait.
The original  tree has many figs on it as does my cutting. I will update the plants progress as the summer goes by. Right now I'm crossing my fingers.
By the way, the shape of the tree next to the fenc   e has sparked an esplanade idea I would like to explore. 
What you think?
Coop

I really don't know whether it is necessary or not but when I do an air layer like yours I cut off everything back to about 2 nodes above the pot I put it in.  I don't have to baby it then and they all seem to grow like weeds after that.  I will be interested to see if I am doing it all wrong from watching yours.

thanks
goss

Coop,
Your root mass is too small to support all those leaves. IMO you should remove most of the leaves and all the figs. Leave the growing tips and maybe 1 leaf on the ends of each branch, also place the plant in the shade for now. Try a larger container next time to get a larger root mass.
Good Luck.

Most likely the airlayer will drop almost all leaves and figs.

Ascpete could not have said it better .

Bigger the plant airlayered bigger the root mass needed to match.
Similar to when one root prunes and trims canopy to match so resulting less root mass can support it.

Thanks everybody for the tips. I've taken your advise and are cutting all except one leaf on the tree. Makes sense. As an experiment I have another air layered branch which is a bit smaller that I will leave the leaves as an experiment. I will let you know my findings..
Thanks for the help and heads up..I'm air layering quite a few..
Coop