A removable hoisting apparatus for use on an aircraft to hoist cargo and people into the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus comprises a base member, a telescoping mast member, a boom member, and a hoist assembly carried by the boom member. The base member is of negligible weight and is adapted for attachment to the floor of the aircraft. The telescoping mast has a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion is releasably connected to the base member, and the top portion is releasably connected to the bottom portion. The top portion extends through an opening in the aircraft. A shoulder member is connected to the top portion, and a boom member is connected to the shoulder member. A rigid link member connects the boom member to the aircraft. The removable hoisting apparatus can be quickly removed from the aircraft by releasing only three quick-release fasteners, leaving only the base member attached to the aircraft.