Which hand and arm signal is demonstrated by arms extended horizontally sideways, beckoning upwards, with palms up?

• A. Move upwards
• B. Move to left
• C. Release sling load
• D. Hover

Answer: (A)

The signal described is used to tell the helicopter to lift the load—to move upwards. In sling load operations, ground personnel use standardized hand signals that are easy to see in the wind and noise. When arms are extended straight out to the sides and then beckon upward with palms up, it communicates a request to increase altitude or raise the load, letting the helicopter crew know to apply lift.

This is why the signal best matches “move upwards.” The other options don’t fit the gesture: moving to the left would be conveyed with a leftward motion or directionality, releasing the sling load involves a different cue, and hovering implies holding position rather than changing altitude.