What are indicators that a sling-load has been released and is clear of the aircraft?

What are indicators that a sling-load has been released and is clear of the aircraft?

• A. The load remains in contact with the hook.
• B. Audible/visual signal of release, load distance from aircraft increases, ground crew confirm safe clearance, no contact.
• C. The pilot nods to indicate release.
• D. The load moves closer to the aircraft.

Answer: (B)

When a sling-load has been released and is clear of the aircraft, you look for a combination of indicators that the hook has disengaged and the load is distancing from the helicopter. An audible or visual signal of release confirms the hook has released. The load‑to‑aircraft distance should increase as the load moves away and hangs freely. Ground crew should acknowledge safe clearance and there should be no contact between the load and the aircraft or hook. If the load remains in contact with the hook, or if it moves closer to the aircraft, that would indicate the release hasn’t happened or isn’t safe yet. A pilot’s nod alone isn’t enough for ground verification; reliable indicators come from the release signal, increasing separation, and confirmation of clearance on the ground.

When a sling-load has been released and is clear of the aircraft, you look for a combination of indicators that the hook has disengaged and the load is distancing from the helicopter. An audible or visual signal of release confirms the hook has released. The load‑to‑aircraft distance should increase as the load moves away and hangs freely. Ground crew should acknowledge safe clearance and there should be no contact between the load and the aircraft or hook. If the load remains in contact with the hook, or if it moves closer to the aircraft, that would indicate the release hasn’t happened or isn’t safe yet. A pilot’s nod alone isn’t enough for ground verification; reliable indicators come from the release signal, increasing separation, and confirmation of clearance on the ground.