Which statement best describes manual fly systems compared to motorized rigging?

• A. Manual fly systems rely on hand-cranks or jacks; motorized uses electric motors or hydraulics controlled by a switch or software
• B. Manual fly systems use electric motors; motorized uses hand-cranks
• C. Both rely on electricity but differ in speed
• D. Manual uses hydraulics; motorized uses rope and pulleys

Answer: (A)

Manual fly systems move scenery through human effort, using hand-cranks, capstans, or jacks to wind or unwind rope and lift a battens or other loads. The operator physically provides the motion, so no powered drive is involved in the act of moving. Motorized rigging, on the other hand, uses powered components—electric motors or hydraulic drives—to move the same loads, with movement commanded by a switch, pendant, or show-control software. This control method lets you achieve faster, more precise, and repeatable motions, often with safety interlocks and automated limits in place. The core idea is the source of energy and how movement is controlled: manual equals human effort, motorized equals powered motion with electronic or hydraulic control.