What does proper center-of-gravity control ensure during sling-load flight?

What does proper center-of-gravity control ensure during sling-load flight?

• A. The helicopter remains balanced and avoids excessive pitch or roll
• B. The helicopter climbs faster
• C. The load remains locked to the hook
• D. The crew can dismount safely

Answer: (A)

During sling-load flight, keeping the overall center of gravity within the helicopter’s allowed limits is crucial because the suspended load acts like a pendulum beneath the aircraft. When the system’s CG remains balanced, the helicopter’s attitude stays stable and predictable, avoiding excessive pitching or rolling that can occur as the load sways or as rotor forces try to re-balance the craft. This stability makes control inputs more effective, reduces dangerous oscillations, and helps the pilot maintain a steady hover and steady flight with the load beneath. Climbing speed, in contrast, isn’t governed by CG in this context, and the load being physically locked to the hook isn’t about CG balance. Dismount safety is important, but it’s a broader safety issue rather than the direct effect of CG control on flight stability.

During sling-load flight, keeping the overall center of gravity within the helicopter’s allowed limits is crucial because the suspended load acts like a pendulum beneath the aircraft. When the system’s CG remains balanced, the helicopter’s attitude stays stable and predictable, avoiding excessive pitching or rolling that can occur as the load sways or as rotor forces try to re-balance the craft. This stability makes control inputs more effective, reduces dangerous oscillations, and helps the pilot maintain a steady hover and steady flight with the load beneath.

Climbing speed, in contrast, isn’t governed by CG in this context, and the load being physically locked to the hook isn’t about CG balance. Dismount safety is important, but it’s a broader safety issue rather than the direct effect of CG control on flight stability.