In a counterweight fly system, which component balances the load on the batten so it can be moved safely?

• A. Counterweight
• B. Main line
• C. Purchase line
• D. Rope lock

Answer: (A)

In a counterweight fly system, balancing the load is done with counterweights on an arbor. These weights offset the weight of the batten and whatever scenery or hardware is attached, so the batten can be moved with minimal effort and in a controlled, safe way. The other parts—the line you pull to move the batten (purchase line), the line that runs through the loft blocks (main line), and the rope lock that holds a line in place—serve to move or secure the load, but they do not provide the balancing force themselves. Without counterweights, you’d have to lift the entire load directly, which is risky and difficult.