If the ground is firm enough to support a 1 1/4 ton truck, what size helicopters can be supported?

• A. Size 0-1
• B. Size 2-3
• C. Size 1-2
• D. Size 3-4

Answer: (C)

Ground bearing capacity determines the largest helicopter size you can safely support in sling-load operations. If the ground can support a 1 1/4 ton truck, that places you in the range that can handle about 1.25 tons. In this sizing system, that corresponds to the 1-2 ton category, meaning helicopters in the 1-2 size can be supported. Larger categories (2-3 or 3-4) would require more ground capacity than 1.25 tons provides, so they aren’t suitable. While smaller loads (0-1) would also be feasible, the question asks for the size that can be supported given this capability, which is 1-2.