A ground crew is using an engine hoist and sling to remove a heavy powerplant from an aircraft for overhaul. Which practice is critical to prevent the engine from shifting or dropping during the lift?
- AUse a sling rated well above the engine's weight, attached at manufacturer-specified lift points, keeping the load balanced and centered under the hoist
- BRig the sling loosely to allow the engine to self-level as it is raised
- CUse a sling with a rated capacity equal to the engine's weight, with no additional margin needed
- DAttach the sling at a single lift point directly above the engine's estimated center
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Use a sling rated well above the engine's weight, attached at manufacturer-specified lift points, keeping the load balanced and centered under the hoist
Proper hoisting requires slings rated with sufficient safety margin above the actual load weight, attached only at manufacturer-designated lift points, with the load kept balanced and centered directly under the hoist to prevent shifting, swinging, or dropping. Using minimum-rated slings, guessing lift points, or rigging loosely all significantly increase the risk of a dropped or unstable load.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Loose rigging increases risk of the engine shifting or swinging uncontrolled.
- C. Slings must have margin above the exact load weight per manufacturer/rigging standards, not an exact match.
- D. Estimated center points are unsafe; manufacturer-specified attachment points must be used.
Hoisting and Rigging Safety
Safe lifting of heavy components requires slings rated above the load weight, attached at approved lift points, with the load kept balanced and centered.
- Sling/hoist rated capacity must exceed actual load weight with safety margin
- Attach only at manufacturer-designated lift points
- Keep load centered and balanced under the hoist to avoid swinging or dropping
Memory trick: Rate it high, hook it right, keep it centered and tight.