The correct answer to this question is 100 feet. Loose gear and other objects should be removed from a helicopter's lifting/depositing area at a distance of 100 feet. This distance is crucial to ensure the safety of the helicopter operation and the individuals involved.
Maintaining a clearance of 100 feet helps prevent any loose objects from getting caught in the helicopter's rotors or causing damage during takeoff or landing. It also reduces the risk of injury to personnel on the ground or onboard the helicopter.
By following this safety guideline of 100 feet clearance, the risk of accidents or incidents related to loose gear and objects near the helicopter's lifting/depositing area is significantly minimized, promoting a safer working environment for everyone involved in helicopter operations.