Abstract: A hoist is provided for an aircraft, such as a helicopter or VTOL, capable of hovering flight and has a boom pivotally connected to the structural frame of the aircraft for movement between retracted and extended positions. A cable powered by a winch is engaged with the boom and is used with the extended boom for conventional hoisting operations. The arrangement of the cable guide pulleys relative to the pivot axis of the boom and the operation of the winch control system is such that the cable and winch are additionally usable to effect movement of the boom between its retracted and extended positions thereby eliminating the need for a separate boom extending and retracting motor.