Who determines the proper air speed for sling load operations?

Who determines the proper air speed for sling load operations?

• A. Aviation safety officer
• B. Aviation unit commander or pilot in command
• C. Ground crew supervisor
• D. Platoon leader

Answer: (B)

In sling load operations, the airspeed chosen for flight is controlled by the aircraft commander (pilot in command) or, at the unit level, the aviation unit commander who directs the mission. The pilot in command has the final responsibility for flight safety and must pick an airspeed that keeps the suspended load stable, minimizes sway, and clears obstacles given the load weight, wind, rotor wash, and aircraft performance. While the unit commander can set overall mission requirements and SOPs, the actual airspeed decision during flight rests with the PIC. The aviation safety officer provides safety guidance, but does not determine real-time flight parameters; ground crew supervisor and platoon leader do not have authority over flight dynamics.

In sling load operations, the airspeed chosen for flight is controlled by the aircraft commander (pilot in command) or, at the unit level, the aviation unit commander who directs the mission. The pilot in command has the final responsibility for flight safety and must pick an airspeed that keeps the suspended load stable, minimizes sway, and clears obstacles given the load weight, wind, rotor wash, and aircraft performance. While the unit commander can set overall mission requirements and SOPs, the actual airspeed decision during flight rests with the PIC. The aviation safety officer provides safety guidance, but does not determine real-time flight parameters; ground crew supervisor and platoon leader do not have authority over flight dynamics.