Which statement best describes a disadvantage of sling load?

• A. Can bypass surface obstacles
• B. Requires specialized loading equipment
• C. Needs longer loading time
• D. It is the least efficient

Answer: (D)

Slings load involves suspending cargo from a helicopter to move materiel where there isn’t room for a landing zone. This method trades capability for efficiency. While it lets you bypass surface obstacles, the main drawback is that it’s the least efficient option overall because rigging, attaching, and inspecting external loads add substantial preparation and flight-time costs, and the aircraft must contend with greater drag and precision handling to keep the load stable. That combination of extra prep, slower handling, and higher fuel use per ton moved makes sling load less efficient compared to other lift methods. The other statements describe either a capability (bypassing obstacles) or narrower constraints (needing specialized gear, longer loading time), which are real but do not capture the overarching efficiency disadvantage as clearly.