Aviation BOLC MDO Practice Test 2026 - Free Aviation MDO Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sling-load operations involve moving a load that is suspended from a helicopter by a sling or cable. The key risk considerations center on how the load behaves in flight and on the ground: it must remain stable and securely rigged to prevent shifting or detachment, and the rigging must be appropriate for the load’s weight and attachment points. Rotor downwash and wind can cause the load to swing or sway, so pilots and ground crew must plan for clearance from people, obstacles, and structures, maintain clear zones, and communicate effectively throughout hookup, flight, and drop or placement. Proper rigging, securing the load, stable flight, and awareness of environmental factors are essential to prevent accidents or injury.

The other scenarios describe different operations: a ground-based lift with a crane is a land-based lifting method with different risk factors; in-flight refueling with a sling line is not how refueling is typically conducted; passenger transfer to a hovering helicopter is not a standard sling-load operation and involves separate procedures and safety considerations.