Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist
This helicopter hoist and external load operations checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 133 (Rotorcraft External-Load Operations), FAA Advisory Circular AC 133-1 (Certification and Operations - Rotorcraft External-Load Operators), and rescue hoist operational requirements for public safety and EMS operators. Designed for helicopter external load supervisors and Pilot in Command to verify safe and compliant hoist and sling load operations.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: External Load Supervisor / Pilot in Command
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operations, FAA AC 133-1 External Load Operator Certification, FAA Operations Specifications D262 External Load, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.550 Cranes and Helicopters, NAEMSP Helicopter Hoist Medical Operations Guidelines
Pre-Operation Setup
Pre-operation planning and setup.
- Load weight calculated and within helicopter sling load limit?
- Cargo hook inspected and function-tested?
- Rescue hoist cable, motor, and limit switches checked?
- All rigging equipment (slings, shackles, nets) inspected?
- Load secured and balanced per load plan?
Crew and Ground Briefing
Operations briefing for all participants.
- Roles and responsibilities briefed (PIC, crew chief, ground crew)?
- Hand signals and radio communications confirmed?
- Emergency and abort procedures briefed?
- Hazards (wires, obstacles, terrain) briefed?
- Static discharge procedure briefed for conductive loads?
Operations Area Survey
Operations area safety check.
- Power lines and obstacle locations confirmed?
- Wind speed/direction acceptable for operation?
- Bystanders outside rotor/load hazard zone?
- Ground crew wearing PPE (hard hats, hi-vis vests)?
- Landing/hover zone clear and adequate size?
Hoist/Rescue Operations
Rescue hoist specific requirements.
- Hoist operator current and qualified on aircraft hoist system?
- Survivor/patient briefed on rescue procedures?
- Rescue collar/jungle penetrator/litter pre-rigged correctly?
- Flight medic/paramedic on board for medical hoists?
- NVGs and supplemental lighting available for night hoist?
Post-Operation
Post-operation inspection and documentation.
- Cargo hook post-operation inspection completed?
- Hoist cable post-operation inspection for fraying or kinking?
- All rigging equipment inspected post-operation and retired if damaged?
- Load or patient successfully delivered?
- Aircraft exterior inspected for damage post-operation?
Records
External load operation documentation.
- External load operation log completed?
- Hook cycle count updated in maintenance records?
- Hoist cable cycles updated in maintenance records?
- Any incidents or near-misses documented?
- Hoist/External Load Notes
Related Aviation Checklists
- Airline Flight Operations Control and Dispatch Compliance Checklist
- Airport Lighting System Inspection and Maintenance Checklist
- Bird and Wildlife Strike Reporting and Prevention Checklist
- Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and Sport Pilot Operations Checklist
Why Use This Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist?
This helicopter hoist and external load operations checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for external load supervisor / pilot in command professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operations, FAA AC 133-1 External Load Operator Certification, FAA Operations Specifications D262 External Load, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.550 Cranes and Helicopters, NAEMSP Helicopter Hoist Medical Operations Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist?
A Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by external load supervisor / pilot in command to ensure consistent aviation operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE helicopter hoist external load operations checklist PDF. FAA 14 CFR Part 133, FAA AC 133-1, rescue hoist SPIFR operations, sling load safety compliance. 30+ hoist/external load checks. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this aviation checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed per event. Regular use ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operations and FAA AC 133-1 External Load Operator Certification and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 133 Rotorcraft External-Load Operations, FAA AC 133-1 External Load Operator Certification, FAA Operations Specifications D262 External Load, OSHA 29 CFR 1926.550 Cranes and Helicopters, NAEMSP Helicopter Hoist Medical Operations Guidelines. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this aviation inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Operator Name / FAA Part 133 Cert #, Date/Time, Pilot in Command Name / Cert #, Aircraft Registration, and Load Type. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
What are the key sections in this aviation checklist?
This aviation checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Pre-Operation Setup, Crew and Ground Briefing, Operations Area Survey, Hoist/Rescue Operations, Post-Operation, Records. Each section contains specific inspection points that external load supervisor / pilot in command must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during aviation inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 20-30 minutes to complete.
Who should use this Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for external load supervisor / pilot in command working in aviation operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that aviation standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Helicopter Hoist and External Load Operations Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.