Fly with loads — Defence Awarding Organisation Vocationally-Related Qualification Motor Vehicle & Transport Revision
This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to safely conduct helicopter external load operations, specifically under-slung loads
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to safely conduct helicopter external load operations, specifically under-slung loads (USL). It covers pre-flight checks of the Cargo Release Unit (CRU), techniques for load pickup and controlled circuit flying, accurate load release at a designated point, and appropriate emergency procedures. Additionally, it addresses cabin loading principles, ensuring students can manage both internal and external cargo while demonstrating professional airmanship and adherence to standard operating procedures.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Helicopter Aerodynamics: Understanding lift, thrust, drag, and weight, including the effects of rotor systems, autorotation, and translational lift.
- Mission Planning: Techniques for route planning, fuel management, weather assessment, and risk analysis specific to helicopter operations.
- Crew Resource Management (CRM): Effective communication, leadership, and decision-making within a multi-crew environment to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Navigation and Avionics: Use of GPS, radio navigation aids, and map reading for low-level and tactical flying, including night vision goggles (NVG) operations.
- Emergency Procedures: Actions for engine failure, hydraulic failure, fire, and ditching, with emphasis on crew coordination and survival techniques.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- During practical assessment, verbalise each step of your checks and decisions, as assessors require evidence of your thinking process, not just the physical actions.
- Practice emergency procedures in a simulator or with a mental rehearsal to ensure quick, correct responses under pressure, especially the emergency release activation.
- Maintain a steady scan between the load, the cockpit instruments, and the external environment—demonstrating this division of attention is key to showing good airmanship.
- For cabin loading tasks, always refer to the aircraft’s weight and balance manual; show how you calculate and secure the load to prevent shifting in flight.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Neglecting to fully depressurise the cyclic or collective during load pickup, leading to jerky load lifting or pendulum effects.
- Failing to brief the crew or ground personnel on emergency procedures, leading to uncoordinated responses during a malfunction.
- Misinterpreting sling leg angles or load stability, resulting in an unsafe pickup or excessive swinging in flight.
- Attempting to release the load without confirming clearance from obstacles or personnel, risking damage or injury.
- Overlooking the need to maintain constant visual reference to the load during circuit flight, which can cause spatial disorientation or loss of situational awareness.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for systematically performing a pre-flight check of the Cargo Release Unit in strict accordance with the aircraft's flight manual, including visual inspection for damage, security of attachments, and functional test of the release mechanism.
- Assess the candidate's ability to demonstrate correct load-pickup technique, maintaining a stable hover, positive communication with ground crew, and gradual tensioning of the sling before lifting.
- Require the candidate to fly a precise circuit with the under-slung load, showing smooth control inputs, appropriate airspeed and altitude management, and anticipatory corrections for load oscillation.
- Expect accurate release of the load at the specified point, with the candidate verbalising decision-making points and confirming release clearance prior to activation.
- Confirm correct handling of simulated emergency scenarios, such as engine failure or load instability, including immediate execution of emergency release, call-out of emergency drills, and safe aircraft control.