AASLT: RIGGING AND SLINGLOADING

FM 4-20.197, Multi Service Helicopter Sling load: Basic Operations and Equipment
FM 4-20.198, Single-Point Load Rigging Procedures
FM 4-20.199, Dual-Point Load Rigging Procedures
ATTP 3-18.12, Air Assault Operations
FM 3-21.38, Pathfinder Operations
101^st ABN DIV (AASLT) Gold Book

A. The cargo compartment cannot hold the load.
b. The load exceeds the helicopter's internal load limitation.
c. The ground crew must load or unload the cargo at once.
d. Landing zone conditions prevent the aircraft from touching down.

(1) Allows rapid movement of heavy, oversized equipment, or emergency supplies directly to the user.
(2) The rapid relocation of supplies and equipment.
(3) The ability to bypass surface obstacles.
(4)The use of multiple flight routes and landing sites to enhance sustainability and security of ground units.
(5) The establishment of multiple landing sites to support the maneuvering unit requirements.
(6) Greater movement flexibility for the ground commander to accomplish the tactical mission.

(1) The weight of the load is restricted to the aircraft’s operating capability.
(2) Load instability during flight may restrict aircraft airspeed or maneuvering capabilities.
(3) Adverse weather and darkness (low visibility) may limit sling load operations.
(4) Atmospheric conditions (pressure, altitude, temperature, and winds) affect the helicopter’s lift capacity.
(5) A limited number of helicopters are available for sling load missions.
(6) Landing site surface conditions may restrict helicopter operation. Loose debris, dust, and snow are safety hazards that also limit pilot visibility.
(7) Landing site size must be increased during the hours of darkness or reduced visibility to allow the pilot more room to maneuver.

(1) Actual maximum weight is determined by factors such as fuel in the A/C, distance to be flown, density altitude, temperature, altitude, humidity, and age of airframe.
(2) UH-60A: 8,000 lbs
(3) UH-60L/M: 9,000 lbs
(4) CH-47D:
17,000 lbs front or rear hook
26,000 lbs center hook
25,000 lbs combination of front and rear hooks (tandum)

(1)Ground crew may manually release cargo hook. This is only done when the hook malfunctions and will not release by other means.
(2) UH-60
(a) Pilot or crew chief can release hook
(b) Manual release lever on right side
(3) CH-47D
(a) Pilot or crew chief can release all hooks electronically
(b) Crew can release all hooks manually from inside the aircraft.
(c) Fore and aft hooks have manual release knob on right side. Turn counter-clockwise to activate. They are 13 ft apart.
(d) Center hook has no release lever for ground crew.

1. Supported unit,
2. Aviation unit, and
3. Receiving unit

(1) Selecting, preparing, and controlling the PZ (Pick-up zone)

(2) Requisitioning all the equipment needed for sling load operations

(3) Storing, inspecting, and maintaining all sling load equipment

(4) Providing trained ground crews for rigging and inspecting as well as filling inspection forms, controlling aircraft, aircraft guides, hooking up loads, and clearing the aircraft for departure

(5) Securing and protecting all sensitive items

(6) Providing load dispositions and instructions to the aviation and receiving unit for the sling load equipment

(7) Verify the load weight (to include rigging equipment)

(1) Establish coordination with the supported and receiving units

(2) Advises the supported unit on load limitations

(3) Advises the supported and receiving units on the suitability of selected LZs and PZs

(4) Provides assistance in the recovery and return of sling load equipment

(5) Establishes safety procedures and understanding of duties and responsibility between the flight crew and ground crew

(1) Selects, prepares, and controls the LZ (Landing zone)

(2) Provides trained ground crews to guide the aircraft and de-rig the loads

(3) Coordinates with the supporting unit for the control and return of the sling load equipment

(4) Inspects the rigging of back loads (sling load equipment returning to supporting unit)

1. Sling set, helicopter, 10,000 lbs capacity
2. Sling set, helicopter, 25,000 lbs capacity

1. Rope
a. Double-braided nylon
b. Olive drab colored
c. 7/8 inch in diameter
d. 12 feet long
2. Chain and grabhook assemblies
a. Forged steel
b. 8 feet long (chain)
c. 110-115 chain links
3. Apex fitting is dull gray aluminum. a. The pin portion is 1 1/8 inches in diameter.
4. Weight is 52 lbs (with four leg assemblies)

1. Rope
a. Double-braided nylon
b. Black colored
c. 1 1/4 inch in diameter
d. 12 feet long
2. Chain and grabhook assemblies
a. Forged steel
b. 8 feet long (chain)
c. 84-88 chain links
3. Apex fitting is gold colored steel. a. The pin portion is 1 1/2inches in diameter.
4. Weight is 114 lbs (with four leg assemblies)

(1) Inspect equipment IAW FM 4-20.197, damage criteria chart in Chapter 6. Inspect before and after every use or every six months.

(2) Inspect metal for rusts, nicks, burrs, cracks, dents, bends, metal distortion, and proper operation.

(3) Inspect nylon portion for grease, oil, acid, and foreign matter.

(1) Wash off dirt and all substances with a mild detergent or hand soap.

(2) After washing, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Do not wring water out or dry in the sun.

(3) Remove corrosion from metal part with a wire brush, emery cloth, or similar material.

(4) Remove burrs or sharp edges from metal parts with a file. Metal distortions, 1/8 inch dents, or missing components will render equipment unserviceable.

(5) Replace any defective components.