What are the proper steps to secure an external load or sling load on a UH-60?

What are the proper steps to secure an external load or sling load on a UH-60?

• A. Use approved rigging, verify weight/CG, attach load to cargo hooks with appropriate slings, secure with tie-downs, ensure clearances, and perform preflight test.
• B. Clamp load directly to the helicopter skin.
• C. Attach load after flight test.
• D. Only verify weight; no other steps.

Answer: (A)

Securing an external sling load on a UH-60 starts with ensuring the load is rigged correctly and within the helicopter’s flight envelope. Use approved rigging equipment and methods, and set up the load with the proper slings and hardware so it attaches securely to the cargo hooks. Before flight, verify the weight and center of gravity to confirm the load will balance predictably and stay within the helicopter’s limits. Attach the load to the cargo hooks using the appropriate slings and hardware, making sure the connections are secure and free of sharp edges or pinch points that could cause slippage or damage. Then lash or tie the load down as needed to prevent shifting, swinging, or coming free during flight, especially in turbulence or during maneuvers. Maintain safe clearances throughout the entire load operation: keep the load and rigging clear of the rotor disc, tail rotor, fuselage, landing gear, and personnel on the ground. Consider rotor wash, sway, and pendulum effects that can change the load’s position in flight, and ensure there’s ample space for safe operation. Finally, perform a preflight test of the sling system and rigging to confirm everything remains secure, the load is balanced, and there are no interferences with flight controls or aircraft structure. This combination of proper rigging, weight/CG verification, secure attachment, adequate restraints, clearances, and a preflight check is essential for safe sling-load operations. Clamping the load to the aircraft skin is unsafe and not how loads are secured. Attaching after flight test is not feasible, and verifying weight alone neglects critical rigging, balance, and restraint steps.

Securing an external sling load on a UH-60 starts with ensuring the load is rigged correctly and within the helicopter’s flight envelope. Use approved rigging equipment and methods, and set up the load with the proper slings and hardware so it attaches securely to the cargo hooks. Before flight, verify the weight and center of gravity to confirm the load will balance predictably and stay within the helicopter’s limits.

Attach the load to the cargo hooks using the appropriate slings and hardware, making sure the connections are secure and free of sharp edges or pinch points that could cause slippage or damage. Then lash or tie the load down as needed to prevent shifting, swinging, or coming free during flight, especially in turbulence or during maneuvers.

Maintain safe clearances throughout the entire load operation: keep the load and rigging clear of the rotor disc, tail rotor, fuselage, landing gear, and personnel on the ground. Consider rotor wash, sway, and pendulum effects that can change the load’s position in flight, and ensure there’s ample space for safe operation.

Finally, perform a preflight test of the sling system and rigging to confirm everything remains secure, the load is balanced, and there are no interferences with flight controls or aircraft structure. This combination of proper rigging, weight/CG verification, secure attachment, adequate restraints, clearances, and a preflight check is essential for safe sling-load operations.

Clamping the load to the aircraft skin is unsafe and not how loads are secured. Attaching after flight test is not feasible, and verifying weight alone neglects critical rigging, balance, and restraint steps.