What comprises a sling-load loading plan?

• A. Load distribution, attachment points, rigging configuration, and tie-down schemes
• B. Color of the rope
• C. Number of crew
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a safe sling-load plan centers on controlling how the load behaves during lift and flight. It must specify how weight is distributed across the sling points so the helicopter’s center of gravity stays within limits and no single sling or point is overloaded. It also identifies the attachment points on the cargo and on the sling system, chosen to achieve balanced lifting and to match the cargo’s shape and handling characteristics. The rigging configuration describes how the sling is arranged around or under the load—from single-point to multi-point setups and the arrangement of chokers or straps—to ensure stability and proper load orientation. Finally, the tie-down schemes detail how the load is secured to prevent movement relative to the sling or pallet during takeoff, flight, and landing.

Together, these elements provide a complete, actionable plan for safely picking up, carrying, and offloading the load. The color of the rope and the number of crew aren’t part of that plan, and options that ignore these essential components don’t capture what makes a sling-load plan effective.