List two basic sling-load rigging safety checks.

List two basic sling-load rigging safety checks.

• A. Paint the rigging bright colors; avoid inspecting attachments
• B. Weigh the load; schedule maintenance next quarter
• C. Ensure load is secured and balanced; inspect rigging hardware and attachment points for integrity
• D. Only check the pilot's readiness; ignore gear condition

Answer: (C)

The main idea being tested is performing the essential safety checks before a sling-load to prevent load movement and rigging failure in flight. The best approach is to verify that the load is secured and balanced, and to thoroughly inspect all rigging hardware and attachment points for integrity. Secured and balanced means the load is restrained so it cannot shift or swing during handling, flight, or rotor wash. Use the appropriate lashings, tie-downs, and straps in a way that they are tight and evenly distributed, with no loose ends that could snag or loosen. The load’s center of gravity should lie within the aircraft’s safe envelope so the aircraft remains controllable and the sling lines aren’t subjected to uneven or unexpected loads. Inspecting rigging hardware and attachment points involves a careful physical check of every component. Look for wear, cracks, deformation, corrosion, or any damage to shackles, hooks, rings, straps, and chains. Ensure all attachment points on both the load and the aircraft are sound, that pins and retaining devices are in place and secure, and that hardware is rated for the load. Remove or replace any component that shows signs of weakness before flight. These two checks are fundamental because they directly address the two main failure modes in sling loads: movement of the load during flight and failure of rigging hardware. The other options describe unsafe or irrelevant actions and should not be part of the routine safety checks.

The main idea being tested is performing the essential safety checks before a sling-load to prevent load movement and rigging failure in flight. The best approach is to verify that the load is secured and balanced, and to thoroughly inspect all rigging hardware and attachment points for integrity.

Secured and balanced means the load is restrained so it cannot shift or swing during handling, flight, or rotor wash. Use the appropriate lashings, tie-downs, and straps in a way that they are tight and evenly distributed, with no loose ends that could snag or loosen. The load’s center of gravity should lie within the aircraft’s safe envelope so the aircraft remains controllable and the sling lines aren’t subjected to uneven or unexpected loads.

Inspecting rigging hardware and attachment points involves a careful physical check of every component. Look for wear, cracks, deformation, corrosion, or any damage to shackles, hooks, rings, straps, and chains. Ensure all attachment points on both the load and the aircraft are sound, that pins and retaining devices are in place and secure, and that hardware is rated for the load. Remove or replace any component that shows signs of weakness before flight.

These two checks are fundamental because they directly address the two main failure modes in sling loads: movement of the load during flight and failure of rigging hardware. The other options describe unsafe or irrelevant actions and should not be part of the routine safety checks.