Locking cargo in helicopter external load

In helicopter external load the flights, we use cargo slings or strops, when the load is lifted for transport. These slings or strops  "lock" the cargo so that it is ensured safely for helicopter external load carriage. For the "lock" to work, the cargo must be prepared for and organized so that locking concept works.

Lifting points are placed so that the strop is tightened diagonally over the cargo. Heavy goods must be placed on a surface suitable so that the strops can be placed and locked securely . Bundles with different materials in length shall have the varying length in one end only to prevent rotation during the flight. Below are some examples of stropping.

Materials with different length should be strapped into lifts with the most equal height and width, and with one end with equal lengths. Roofing cardboard in similar rolls placed on pallets, can also be transported in a cargonet. Ceiling plates and corrugated sheets placed on pallets should be elevated by diagonal fixed slings.  Thin building plates must be placed on pallets, between two frames in its entire size. This is to prevent that the plates are torn apart under wind pressure. Windows and doors placed on pallets ; try not to mix formats. Complex items like roof frames etc should be stropped in lifts according to wind condition and size. Remember diagonal stropping. Tiles, bricks, etc. Leca, transported on pallets, should be well packaged in heavy cardboard or plastic shrink. Sand, gravel and rubble should be transported in a large Big-bags.