Pathfinder Sling Load Written Exam 2026 – 100
Sample Questions and Answers PF-SLING-OPS –
Helicopter Sling Load Operations, Aircraft Hook
Capacities & Rigging Procedures
Here are 100 sample questions and answers for the Pathfinder Sling Load Written
Exam, based on 2026 preparation materials. These questions cover the core
domains of the exam, including regulatory references, unit responsibilities, aircraft
capacities, rigging equipment specifications, inspection criteria, and safety
procedures .
Section 1: References and Foundational Knowledge (Questions 1-10)
1. Which technical manual covers Multiservice Helicopter Sling Loads: Basic
Operations and Equipment?
Answer: TM 4-48.09
Rationale: TM 4-48.09 is the foundational manual for basic sling load operations
and equipment, covering A-22 cargo bags, cargo nets, and general procedures .
2. Which technical manual covers Single-Point Load Rigging Procedures?
Answer: TM 4-48.10
Rationale: TM 4-48.10 provides detailed procedures for rigging single-point sling
loads, including certified and non-certified configurations .
3. Which technical manual covers Dual-Point Load Rigging Procedures?
Answer: TM 4-48.11
,Rationale: TM 4-48.11 covers rigging procedures for dual-point loads, which
require two attachment points on the aircraft .
4. Which field manual covers Pathfinder Operations?
Answer: FM 3-21.38
Rationale: FM 3-21.38 is the doctrinal manual for Pathfinder operations, including
planning, sling load operations, and air traffic control .
5. Which field manual covers Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging
Airdrop Platforms?
Answer: FM 4-20.102
Rationale: FM 4-20.102 covers procedures for rigging equipment on airdrop
platforms, which relates to sling load operations .
6. What are the three essential elements involved in sling load operations?
Answer: Supported Unit, Supporting Unit (Aviation Unit), and Receiving Unit
Rationale: The three units work together: the Supported Unit provides the
equipment and rigs it, the Supporting Unit (aviation) flies the load, and the Receiving
Unit accepts it at the destination .
7. Is the Pathfinder Unit considered one of the essential elements in sling load
operations?
Answer: No
Rationale: Pathfinders are subject matter experts who can provide advice and
support, but they are not considered a required unit for sling load operations. They
may be attached to any of the three essential units .
, 8. What is the purpose of the Supported Unit?
Answer: Advance coordination with the supporting unit, actual rigging of the loads,
furnishing all equipment, and ensuring all loads are properly rigged and do not
exceed the Allowable Cargo Load (ACL)
Rationale: The Supported Unit owns the equipment being moved and is
responsible for preparing it for transport .
9. What is the purpose of the Supporting Unit (Aviation Unit)?
Answer: Ensure that loads fall within the transporting aircraft's ACL, provide
assistance in the recovery and return of sling-load equipment, and establish
coordination with the supported and receiving units
Rationale: The Aviation Unit provides the aircraft and crew and must verify that
loads are within aircraft capabilities .
10. What is the purpose of the Receiving Unit?
Answer: Selecting, preparing, and controlling the LZ; receiving and de-rigging the
load; providing the return of lifting equipment and/or personnel
Rationale: The Receiving Unit is responsible for the landing zone and for recovering
the equipment after it arrives .
Section 2: Load Types and Stability (Questions 11-15)
11. What are the three types of loads based on stability characteristics?
Answer: High Density, Low Density, and Aerodynamic
Rationale: Loads are classified by how they behave during flight based on their
density and aerodynamic properties .
Sample Questions and Answers PF-SLING-OPS –
Helicopter Sling Load Operations, Aircraft Hook
Capacities & Rigging Procedures
Here are 100 sample questions and answers for the Pathfinder Sling Load Written
Exam, based on 2026 preparation materials. These questions cover the core
domains of the exam, including regulatory references, unit responsibilities, aircraft
capacities, rigging equipment specifications, inspection criteria, and safety
procedures .
Section 1: References and Foundational Knowledge (Questions 1-10)
1. Which technical manual covers Multiservice Helicopter Sling Loads: Basic
Operations and Equipment?
Answer: TM 4-48.09
Rationale: TM 4-48.09 is the foundational manual for basic sling load operations
and equipment, covering A-22 cargo bags, cargo nets, and general procedures .
2. Which technical manual covers Single-Point Load Rigging Procedures?
Answer: TM 4-48.10
Rationale: TM 4-48.10 provides detailed procedures for rigging single-point sling
loads, including certified and non-certified configurations .
3. Which technical manual covers Dual-Point Load Rigging Procedures?
Answer: TM 4-48.11
,Rationale: TM 4-48.11 covers rigging procedures for dual-point loads, which
require two attachment points on the aircraft .
4. Which field manual covers Pathfinder Operations?
Answer: FM 3-21.38
Rationale: FM 3-21.38 is the doctrinal manual for Pathfinder operations, including
planning, sling load operations, and air traffic control .
5. Which field manual covers Airdrop of Supplies and Equipment: Rigging
Airdrop Platforms?
Answer: FM 4-20.102
Rationale: FM 4-20.102 covers procedures for rigging equipment on airdrop
platforms, which relates to sling load operations .
6. What are the three essential elements involved in sling load operations?
Answer: Supported Unit, Supporting Unit (Aviation Unit), and Receiving Unit
Rationale: The three units work together: the Supported Unit provides the
equipment and rigs it, the Supporting Unit (aviation) flies the load, and the Receiving
Unit accepts it at the destination .
7. Is the Pathfinder Unit considered one of the essential elements in sling load
operations?
Answer: No
Rationale: Pathfinders are subject matter experts who can provide advice and
support, but they are not considered a required unit for sling load operations. They
may be attached to any of the three essential units .
, 8. What is the purpose of the Supported Unit?
Answer: Advance coordination with the supporting unit, actual rigging of the loads,
furnishing all equipment, and ensuring all loads are properly rigged and do not
exceed the Allowable Cargo Load (ACL)
Rationale: The Supported Unit owns the equipment being moved and is
responsible for preparing it for transport .
9. What is the purpose of the Supporting Unit (Aviation Unit)?
Answer: Ensure that loads fall within the transporting aircraft's ACL, provide
assistance in the recovery and return of sling-load equipment, and establish
coordination with the supported and receiving units
Rationale: The Aviation Unit provides the aircraft and crew and must verify that
loads are within aircraft capabilities .
10. What is the purpose of the Receiving Unit?
Answer: Selecting, preparing, and controlling the LZ; receiving and de-rigging the
load; providing the return of lifting equipment and/or personnel
Rationale: The Receiving Unit is responsible for the landing zone and for recovering
the equipment after it arrives .
Section 2: Load Types and Stability (Questions 11-15)
11. What are the three types of loads based on stability characteristics?
Answer: High Density, Low Density, and Aerodynamic
Rationale: Loads are classified by how they behave during flight based on their
density and aerodynamic properties .
