Requirements for a Helicopter Sling Load Rating
61.22.1 (1) For the purpose of this Subpart, the definition of “Helicopter Sling Load” includes rappelling, towing, and the lifting and laying down of external cargo while they are being fixed to or disassembled from a surface during the helicopter operation.
(2) An applicant for the issuing of a helicopter sling load rating must—
(a) hold at least a valid CPL(H);
(b) hold the appropriate helicopter class rating or type rating by name;
(c) have acquired the experience that include at least completion of not less than 250 hours of flight time as PIC of a helicopter of which not less than 5 hours flight time of sling load operations must have been undertaken under the supervision of an appropriately rated Grade I or Grade II flight instructor who is the holder of a valid helicopter sling load rating;
(d) have successfully completed the appropriate training as prescribed in Document SA-CATS 61; and
(e) have successfully undergone a skills test demonstrating to an appropriately rated Grade I flight instructor, or to a person designated by the Director in writing for the purpose, his or her ability to perform as PIC of a helicopter the procedures and manoeuvres as prescribed in Document SA-CATS 61, with a degree of competency appropriate to the privileges granted to the holder of a helicopter sling load rating.
(3) The applicant must undergo the skills test referred to in paragraph (e) of subregulation (2) within 30 days immediately preceding the date of application.
Application for a Helicopter Sling Load Rating
61.22.2 (1) An application for a helicopter sling load rating must be made to the Director in the appropriate prescribed form.
(2) The application must be accompanied by—
(a) a copy of the relevant page of the logbook of the applicant;
(b) certified proof that the applicant has successfully completed the training prescribed in regulation 61.22.1; and
(c) the appropriate fee as prescribed in Part 187.
(3) The Director must issue a helicopter sling load rating, in the appropriate prescribed format, if the applicant complies with the prescribed requirements.
Privileges of a Helicopter Sling Load Rating
61.22.3 (1) The holder of a helicopter sling load rating may act in VMC under VFR as PIC of a helicopter, in respect of which he or she holds the appropriate class rating or type rating by name, engaged in sling load operations.
(2) The privileges referred to in subregulation (1) may only be exercised at night if the holder of the sling load rating is also the holder of the night rating, and the position of the helicopter, its flight attitude and its height can be maintained by reference to external objects, adequately illuminated by helicopter, ground or celestial lighting.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (1), the privileges may be exercised in IMC under IFR by an appropriately rated helicopter pilot who is also the holder of a valid helicopter instrument rating, provided that the uplift and laying down of the sling load is carried out with the use of external visual references by day or night and prior approval is received from the Director.
Period of validity for a Helicopter Sling Load Rating
61.22.4
(1) A helicopter sling load rating shall be valid as long as the pilot licence of the holder of the rating is valid.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulation (1), the privileges of the rating may not be exercised by the holder thereof unless he or she complies with the provisions of regulation 61.32.3.
