Which statement correctly describes the relationship between cargo and rescue winch speeds?

• A. The cargo speed is 20 fpm and rescue speed is 100 fpm
• B. The cargo speed is 100 fpm and rescue speed is 20 fpm
• C. Both are 20 fpm
• D. Both are 100 fpm

Answer: (A)

In helicopter hoist operations, two separate winches control movement: one for cargo and one for the rescuer. The cargo winch is kept slow to maximize load control and minimize swinging or snagging, typically around 20 feet per minute. The rescue winch, used to quickly bring a rescuer or patient to safety, moves much faster, around 100 feet per minute, to reduce exposure time and speed the rescue. This difference in speeds is what keeps both safe and efficient: slow, controlled cargo handling versus rapid rescue operations. Choosing speeds that are too fast for cargo or too slow for rescue would compromise safety and effectiveness, so the relationship described as cargo at about 20 fpm and rescue at about 100 fpm is the correct one.