EXTERNAL-LOAD HOOKUP PERSONNEL—
There are several areas in which these personnel should be knowledgeable. First, they should know the lifting capability of the helicopters involved. Since some operators have helicopter models with almost identical physical characteristics but different lifting capabilities, this knowledge is essential. For example, a hookup person may be working with a turbocharged helicopter on a high altitude project when a non-turbocharged helicopter, which looks exactly the same to the ground crew, comes to pick up a load. If the hookup person attaches a load greater than the non-turbocharged helicopter can handle, a potentially dangerous situation could exist.
 

Second, know the pilots. The safest plan is to standardize all pilots in the manner in which sling loads are picked up and released. Without pilot standardization, the operation could be hazardous. The operator should standardize the pilots on operations while personnel are beneath the helicopter.
Third, know the cargo. Many items carried via sling are very fragile, others can take a beating. The hookup person should always know when a hazardous article is involved and the nature of the hazard, such as explosives, radioactive materials, and toxic chemicals. In addition to knowing this, the hookup person should be familiar with the types of protective gear or clothing and the actions necessary to protect their own safety and that of the operation.
Fourth, know appropriate hand signals. When direct radio communications between ground and flight personnel are not used, the specific meaning of hand signals should be coordinated prior to operations.
Fifth, know emergency procedures. Ground and flight personnel should fully agree to and understand the actions to be taken by all participants in the event of emergencies. This prior planning is essential to avoid injuries to all concerned.
PASSENGERS—All persons who board a helicopter while its rotors are turning should be instructed in the safest means of doing so. Naturally, if you are at the controls, you may not be able to conduct a boarding briefing. Therefore, the individual who arranged for the passengers' flight or is assigned as the ramp attendant should accomplish this task. The exact procedures may vary slightly from one helicopter model to another, but in general the following should suffice.