How many personnel are normally used for slingload operations, and what are their roles?

• A. 3, signal person, static wand person, hookup person
• B. 2, pilot and loadmaster
• C. 4, commander, spotter, rigger, driver
• D. 5, operator, loader, supervisor, instructor

Answer: (A)

During slingload operations, a small ground team works with the helicopter to keep the lift safe and coordinated. The team normally has three people with specific roles. The signal person communicates with the pilot using standard hand signals (and radios if needed) to guide the helicopter during approach, hover, and pickup, ensuring proper distance, alignment, and timing. The hookup person handles the rigging and physically attaches the load to the sling or hook, checks that all rigging is secure, and watches for hazards as the load is prepared for lift. The static wand person carries a long wand and provides a visual reference for the pilot, helping to keep the load steady and aligned by signaling position and drift, which is especially important in rotor wash and near obstacles.

This arrangement keeps clear communication and distinct responsibilities, reducing the risk of entanglement or misloading. The other options mix in roles that aren’t part of the typical ground sling-load team or assign roles to people who aren’t stationed on the ground during the hookup, which is why they don’t fit standard practice.