Which of the following describes an external sling configuration and its benefit?

• A. External sling with single tie-down; benefit: simplifies rigging.
• B. No sling; benefit: quicker rigging.
• C. External sling with multiple tie-downs; benefit: distributes weight and allows for versatility.
• D. Single-point sling with a hook attachment; benefit: faster rigging.

Answer: (C)

An external sling configuration means hanging the load from slings that attach around the outside of the load, using multiple tie-down points. The real power of this setup is that it spreads the weight across several straps, which helps balance the load and reduces stress on any single point. With multiple tie-downs, you can tailor the rigging to different shapes and weights, adjust for the load’s center of gravity, and accommodate various aircraft clearance scenarios. This combination—weight distribution plus versatility in rigging—is why this description and its benefit fit best. The other options don’t provide the same balance of stability and adaptability: a single tie-down doesn’t distribute load as well; no sling misses the external, distributed approach; a single-point sling changes the load’s handling in a different way and doesn’t offer the same multi-point distribution.