Which of the following lists the three factors of in-flight safety for sling load operations?

• A. Proper weight (minimum 500 lbs), proper drag surface (achieved by proper link count), proper air speed (determined by aviation unit commander or pilot in command)
• B. Weight distribution, angle of sling, altitude
• C. Drag surface only
• D. Weight minimum 100 lbs, drag surface, air speed

Answer: (A)

The three things that govern in-flight safety for sling load operations are weight, drag surface, and airspeed. The weight must meet a minimum threshold (500 pounds) so the load has enough inertia to stay stable in the rotor wash and gusty conditions. The drag surface is created by using the correct number of links, which gives the load enough surface area to create damping and prevent dangerous swinging. The airspeed is set by the aviation unit commander or the pilot in command to keep the load within its stability and structural limits; too slow or too fast can increase oscillations or strain the aircraft and rigging.

Other options miss parts of this picture or use incorrect minimums: weight distribution, sling angle, and altitude are important considerations but aren’t the three in-flight safety factors themselves; a list that includes only the drag surface is incomplete; and a different minimum weight (like 100 pounds) contradicts established safety thresholds.