What should be verified during a preflight test after securing a sling load?

What should be verified during a preflight test after securing a sling load?

• A. Clearances around the load and rotor arc; ensure a safe flight path.
• B. Skip preflight test; assume stability.
• C. Only verify load weight.
• D. Check weather only.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is ensuring a safe flight path by confirming clearance around the load and the rotor arc after the sling is secured. In sling-load operations, the area swept by the rotor blades plus the space the load and lines occupy must be free of obstacles and hazards. Before liftoff you inspect for anything that could collide with the lines or the rotor, such as trees, towers, power lines, buildings, or personnel, and you verify the planned path from pickup to drop zone is clear. You also confirm the load is properly rigged and secure, but the central focus is making sure there’s adequate clearance and an unobstructed flight path to prevent contact during lift, travel, and set-down. Skipping the preflight test isn’t acceptable because a sling-load can sway or shift with wind and rotor wash, creating new clearance issues after securing. Focusing only on weight neglects how the load and lines can move in flight and interact with obstacles. Checking weather alone doesn’t address clearance or load security, so it can’t substitute for a full preflight verification of the flight path and rotor arc safety.

The key idea is ensuring a safe flight path by confirming clearance around the load and the rotor arc after the sling is secured. In sling-load operations, the area swept by the rotor blades plus the space the load and lines occupy must be free of obstacles and hazards. Before liftoff you inspect for anything that could collide with the lines or the rotor, such as trees, towers, power lines, buildings, or personnel, and you verify the planned path from pickup to drop zone is clear. You also confirm the load is properly rigged and secure, but the central focus is making sure there’s adequate clearance and an unobstructed flight path to prevent contact during lift, travel, and set-down.

Skipping the preflight test isn’t acceptable because a sling-load can sway or shift with wind and rotor wash, creating new clearance issues after securing. Focusing only on weight neglects how the load and lines can move in flight and interact with obstacles. Checking weather alone doesn’t address clearance or load security, so it can’t substitute for a full preflight verification of the flight path and rotor arc safety.