PATHFINDER WRITTEN SLING LOAD
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025
Which reference covers Basic Sling Load Operations and
Equipment? - correct answer- TM 4-48.09
Which reference covers Single Point Sling Load Rigging
Procedures? - correct answer- TM 4-48.10
Which reference covers Dual Point Sling Load Rigging
Procedures? - correct answer- TM 4-48.11
Which reference covers Pathfinder Operations? - correct
answer- FM 3-21.38
Which reference covers airdrop of supplies and equipment:
rigging airdrop platforms? - correct answer- TM 4-48.02
Which reference covers Airborne and Air Assault Operations? -
correct answer- FM 3-99
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What are the 3 elements involved in sling load operations? -
correct answer- Supported Unit
Supporting Unit
Receiving Unit
The unit whose equipment will be moved is the _______. -
correct answer- Supported Unit
The aviation unit that will fly the load(s) is the _______. -
correct answer- Supporting Unit
An internal element of the supported unit who de-rigs the load
is the _______. - correct answer- Receiving Unit
Subject matter experts in all aspects of sling load operations;
can be a part of the three other units involved. - correct answer-
Pathfinder Unit
What is the ACL? - correct answer- Allowable Cargo Load
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What is the latest a supported unit should conduct
coordinations w/ the supporting unit? - correct answer- NLT 24
hours prior to mission
Pathfinders provide expertise in the planning and execution of
both _____ and _____ operations. - correct answer- PZ and
HLZ
What are the three types of loads? - correct answer- High
Density
Low Density
Aerodynamic
These loads have a greater weight to surface area ratio; most
preferred and stable load/ - correct answer- High Density Load
These loads offer the least stability and are the least preferred.
- correct answer- Low Density Load
This load is unstable until streamlined. - correct answer-
Aerodynamic Load
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What is the MEL? - correct answer- Maximum External Load
What is the MEL based on? - correct answer- Environmental
conditions and helicopter performance
What is the ACL based on? - correct answer- The type of
aircraft
Age of the airframe
Pilot Experience
Altitude above sea level
Humidity
Aviation unit's SOP
Temperature
What is the cargo hook tensile strength of the UH-1N/Y? -
correct answer- 5000 lbs
What are allowable POA for the UH-1N/Y? - correct answer-
Nylon POA (Donut Ring)
11K Cargo Hook Reach Pendant
Polyester Round Sling