Who approves a Unique Load?

• A. O-6 aka Full Bird Colonel
• B. Captain
• C. Major
• D. Lieutenant Colonel

Answer: (A)

In Air Assault planning, approving a Unique Load rests with a colonel (O-6) because it involves nonstandard payloads that affect aircraft performance, balance, and safety. Standard loads stay within defined weight, center-of-gravity, and rigging parameters that lower-ranking officers and NCOs can authorize. When a load falls outside those parameters, the risk management process requires escalation to a senior officer who has the authority to approve deviations, authorize special rigging, and coordinate with maintenance and safety to ensure the aircraft can safely lift and carry the payload. The other ranks listed do not have the authority to grant these exceptions, since their scope covers standard procedures.