Which light pattern has a 14-meter distance between the left and right stem lights?

• A. Inverted Y
• B. T
• C. Circle
• D. Cross

Answer: (A)

Light patterns on sling-load gear are used to give the pilot quick cues about where the load sits and how far it spans side to side. The 14-meter distance between the left and right stem lights is a hallmark of the inverted Y pattern. In this arrangement, the two outer lights form the arms of a Y and are set apart by 14 meters, while a stem light hangs below, creating a distinctive silhouette. That specific lateral spacing helps the pilot judge the load’s horizontal separation and maintain proper clearance during approach and hookup. Other patterns place lights in different shapes—T, circle, or cross—so their left-right separation isn’t the same fixed 14 meters, making them less suitable for signaling that exact distance.