Aircraft loading apparatus includes a frame removably attachable to an aircraft (e.g. a helicopter). The frame is constructed for assembly and disassembly in a transitional position and includes a pair of raising and lowering mechanisms. The mechanisms include a pair of belts with free ends attachable to form a sling and connected for simultaneous extension or retraction of equal lengths of each belt. In operation, the frame is attached to the aircraft adjacent an area at which an article (e.g. an auxiliary fuel tank) is to be connected. The article is positioned under the frame and the belts are extended to form a sling around the article. The mechanisms are activated to simultaneously retract equal lengths of each belt to raise the article into a connecting position, the article is connected, and the frame is disassembled into a removable configuration and removed from the aircraft.