External Load Training

External Load or sling line training teaches the pilot to lift and move an external load by employing a sling line attached to the helicopter. Typically, this skill will help pilots when looking for work with utility operations, such as logging, emergency evacuation, and moving objects into or out of remote locations.

One of the most amazing things about helicopters is the versatility of the machine. A lot of us have dreams of someday fighting fire or rescuing someone or moving equipment around. This would be the start to fulfilling any of those dreams. The idea behind this course is to introduce vertical reference flying and longline operations to any pilots who are interested to give it a whirl. If your dream job is to be a utility pilot, this course would be a great opportunity to get out there and feel the ropes of how the flying would be.

The course will include ground lessons involving pre-flight procedures, load manifest planning, inspection of equipment used, commonly used signals and communication procedures as well as in flight teaching of pickup, departure, approach, and landing techniques. A variety of line lengths as well as loads and scenarios shall be used to emulate different mission scenarios.

Upon completion of the course to MLH standards, the student will be given a professional evaluation and critique to further the student’s foray into this specific mode of flying.