AIRDROP By-The-Numbers Flashcards
1
Q
CDS
Airspeed
A
145 ± 5 KCAS
2
Q
CDS
Deck Angle
A
6°– 9°
[7° = MC default]
3
Q
CDS Wind Limits
USAF CDS or LV-LCADS using G-12 parachutes
A
13 knots
4
Q
CDS Wind Limits
USAF CDS using G-13 / G-14 parachutes
A
20 knots
5
Q
CDS Wind Limits
HAARS, HV CDS, HSLLADS, or HV-LCADS
A
no restriction
6
Q
CDS Wind Limits
CDS / Equipment using JPADS
A
17 knots
7
Q
CDS Wind Limits
USAF Training Bundles (SATB)
A
25 knots
8
Q
CDS
PI placement
A
225 yards
9
Q
CDS
Maximum # of containers
A
MAX: 40 containers
32 floor / 8 ramp
10
Q
CDS
Max # of containers without ECVR
A
30 containers
11
Q
CDS
What provides restraint for the majority of containers?
A
Buffer Stop Assembly (BSA) provides forward for 32 containers (16 / stick)
12
Q
CDS
What provides additional restraint for the rest of the containers?
A
Enhanced Container Vertical Restraint provides vertical restraint for last 2 on the floor & 8 on the ramp
13
Q
CDS
What is the purpose of the Gate Release Mechanism (GRM)? and how many are there?
A
- provides aft restraint & release capability
- 6 total GRMs
14
Q
CDS
How many CDS gates are there?
What is that based off of?
A
5 CDS gates
10 electrical outlets = 5 on each side for 5 gate installations
15
Q
CDS
When is the BSA required?
A
BSA required when combined weight per side > 9,400 lbs
16
Q
CDS
What is the max weight allowed per GRM?
A
18,800 lbs
17
Q
CDS
What is the max weight allowed per CDS bundle?
A
2,200 lbs
18
Q
CDS
What is the max height allowed per bundle?
A
101 inches
19
Q
CDS
What malfunctions are possible during a CDS drop?
A
(1) GRM Fails to Release
(2) Load Stops Moving Aft
20
Q
HEAVY
Airspeed
A
145 ± 5 KCAS
21
Q
HEAVY
Deck Angle
A
3.5° - 5°
[3.5° = MC default]
22
Q
HEAVY Wind Limits
USAF Equipment (Ground Disconnect) [M1 / M2]
A
17 knots
23
Q
HEAVY Wind Limits
Non-USAF Equipment
A
Discretion of supported force DZSO
24
Q
HEAVY
PI Placement
A
500 yards
25
**HEAVY**
What is the max allowable airdrop weight?
110,000 lbs
26
**HEAVY**
What is the max allowable airdrop weight for a single platform with restrictions?
55,000 lbs allowed up to 235 KCAS
> 55,00 lbs, single platform CG must be aft of 870 or max 180 KCAS
27
**HEAVY**
What is the max allowable weight for a single platform?
Dash-1-4
42,000 lbs
28
**HEAVY**
What is the max total platform length (& which combo)?
64 feet
= Type V platforms x 2
29
**HEAVY**
How much pressure is the actuator arm under?
175 lbs
30
**HEAVY**
What malfunctions are possible during a Heavy drop?
LPDTL: Let's Party DownTown Ladies
(1) Loose Platform
(2) PDM Malfunction
(3) Drogue Malfunction
(4) TRM Malfunction
(5) Load Extraction Malfunction
31
**DUAL ROW**
Airspeed
150 ± 3 KCAS
32
**DUAL ROW**
Deck Angle
3.5° - 4.5°
[4° = MC default]
33
**DUAL ROW** Wind Limits
USAF Equipment (Ground Disconnect) [M1 / M2]
17 knots
34
**DUAL ROW** Wind Limits
Non-USAF Equipment
Discretion of supported force DZSO
35
**DUAL ROW**
PI Placement
225 yards
36
**DUAL ROW**
When can AP/ATS be used?
DRAS with AP/ATS engaged is permitted for sequential dual row airdrop
37
**DUAL ROW**
What is a LM consideration / restriction?
2 LM are required to airdrop DRAS platforms / pallets
38
**DUAL ROW**
What malfunctions are possible during a Dual Row airdrop?
(1) Platform Fails to Move on the Cargo Floor
(2) Logistic Ramp Pallet Lock Indicators Fail to Extinguish
(3) Red Light Illuminates Before All Logistics Locks Are Released
39
**PERS**
Airspeed
130 ± 3 KCAS
40
**PERS**
Deck Angle
6° - 7°
[7° = MC default]
41
**PERS**
What is the timing for STBY & RDY during PERS airdrops?
35 sec / 30 sec
vs. 20 sec / 15 sec
42
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF Static Line LAND
13 knots
43
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF Static Line TREES
17 knots
44
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF Static Line WATER
25 knots
45
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF MFF LAND
18 knots
46
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF MFF TREES
22 knots
47
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF MFF WATER
25 knots
48
**PERS** Wind Limits
USAF Tandem
18 knots
49
**PERS**
PI Placement
2-ship vs. 3-ship offset?
300 yards
125 yards = 2-ship
250 yards = 3-ship
50
**PERS**
What are the drop parameters for Wingman positioning?
± 500' fore / aft
± 200' left / right
51
**PERS**
When can you crossover for PERS echelon?
auto-echelon in the descent to drop altitude
52
**PERS**
When can you move out of PERS echelon?
(1) MC red light
& (2) load clear
53
**PERS**
What is the max # of personnel that can be dropped? How many per door?
102 parachutists max total
51 parachutists / door
54
**PERS**
What is the max aircraft weight for 2 door drops? for 1 door?
385,000 lbs = 2 doors
400,000 lbs = 1 door
55
**PERS**
How do limitations change is parachutists are using T-11 chutes?
can drop with 2 doors up to max aircraft weight of 400,000 lbs (only if single ship)
56
**PERS**
How many door bundles can be dropped per pass?
2 door bundles max per door
(4 bundles total)
57
**PERS**
What is the max weight for a door bundle?
500 lbs
58
**PERS**
How many static lines can be retrieved per pass by 1 LM via manual static line retrieval? by 2 people (LM/JM/safety)?
10 static lines per door per pass
20 static lines
59
**PERS**
When does the door bundle drop within the personnel drop procedures?
door bundle will be the first object to exit the aircraft
60
**PERS**
When does personnel normally stand?
6 minutes prior to TOT
61
**PERS**
What is the standard planning factor exit time for calculating DZ length for static line personnel airdrop?
1 paratrooper per door per second
62
**PERS**
What is the latest wingmen in the element should be established in echelon geometry?
NLT 1 minute prior to the drop
63
**PERS**
For JM-directed drops, when should aircraft be at drop altitude & airspeed?
2 minutes prior to lime light
64
**PERS**
For JM-directed drops, when does the CP turn on the lime light?
1 minute warning
65
**PERS**
What malfunctions are possible during personnel airdrop?
(1) Emergency Parachutist Bailout
(2) Towed Parachutist
(3) Parachutist Retrieval
66
**PERS**
How can you retrieve a towed parachutist?
3 ways total
- parachute retrieval system (2) [1 per side]
- winch (1)
67
**PERS**
Spacing
.#2: 3,000 / 650
#3: 6,000 / 1,500
El Lead: 32,000 / 0
68
**PERS**
Drift / Banner
2-ship: R/L 125
3-ship: R/L 250
for drift up to 12
69
**PERS**
What are wingman restrictions for position tolerances?
LTRK: ±500 fore/aft [1 dot]
XTRK: ±200 L/R [touching post]
70
**PERS**
What stabilization requirements for PERS drops?
aircraft should be at/above drop altitude and at drop airspeed **NLT 1 minute TTG** (2 minutes for JM-directed drops)
71
**CDS & Equipment**
What are stabilization requirements for CDS & equipment drops?
aircraft should be at drop altitude & drop airspeed by **10 seconds prior to CARP**
72
**IFR Drop Corridor**
Ingress Point (IP)
- beginning of the corridor
- max of 40 NM from the Egress Point
73
**IFR Drop Corridor**
Slowdown Point
total distance from initial slowdown to PI
74
**IFR Drop Corridor**
DZ Entry Point
fixed point in corridor where aircraft / formation may safely begin descent from enroute / segmented altitude to drop altitude
- descent will not begin until last aircraft is at/past DZ Entry Point
75
**IFR Drop Corridor**
Earliest Descent Point (EDP)
earliest point Lead may descend entire formation to drop altitude & be assured of terrain clearance for entire formation
EDP = DZ entry point - form length
76
**IFR Drop Corridor**
Latest Descent Point (LDP)
latest possible point where Lead may begin descent to drop altitude and:
(1) be assured of terrain clearance for entire formation &
(2) ensure all aircraft are stabilized on altitude & airspeed
77
**IFR Drop Corridor**
Stabilization Point
point after DZ entry where Lead will plan to be stabilized at drop altitude & airspeed
- typically **6 NM from PI**
78
**IFR Drop Corridor**
DZ Exit Point /
Drop Corridor Egress Point
- fixed point on escape path centerline where each aircraft will be at min IFR enroute altitude
- calculated based on 3-engine performance at gross weight
- min distance of **4 NM** from DZ TE
79
Day VMC Drop Altitude
min drop altitude IAW 11-231
80
Night Drop Altitude
**500'** above highest obstruction within **3 NM** of run-in centerline from **slowdown to escape** or **IAW 11-231** (whichever is higher)
- if DTED not available: 400' + 1 chart contour interval above highest depicted terrain contour
81
NVG Drop Altitude
11-231 minimum drop altitude **after slowdown**
- must visually identify obstacle within run-in corridor NLT 3 NM or climb to 500' above until past obstacle
82
IFR Drop Altitude
**500'** above highest obstruction within 3 NM of centerline from **DZ entry to DZ exit**
* no DTED
83
What do you need to descend from min IFR enroute altitude to drop altitude?
(1) ANP ≤ 1.0 to fly lower than MSA at night
(2) ANP = 0.3 to fly tactical corridors < 3 NM wide
(3) Lead requires NO UNABLE RNP to descend from min IFR to IMC drop altitude
(4) no DEGRADED NAV or UNABLE RNP for GPS drop in IMC
(5) Wing may descend & drop using Lead SKE timer regardless RNP status
84
No Drop Signals / Criteria
- authenticated radio transmission
- red smoke / flares / lights
- scrambled panels
- other planned signal
- off parameters
- lost comms
85
What does the **NO AUTO DROP** MC message mean?
the aircraft is predicted to be ≥ 300 yds XTRK from the CARP/HARP
86
When can you comp ACTUALS?
(1) with 2-minute winds
(2) at drop altitude
(3) on drop A/S
87
What does the MC use to calculate actual winds?
PTWAG
(1) pressure altitude
(2) temperature
(3) winds
(4) altimeter setting
(5) ground speed
88
SKE spacing
#2: 4,000 / 500R
#3: 8,000 / 500L
EL: 12,000 / 0
89
VIS spacing
.#2: 2,000 / 180R
#3: 4,000 / 180L
EL: 12,000 / 0
90
Awaiting AR spacing
1 NM on 60° line
3,000 / 5,000R
91
Post-AR spacing
2 NM on 60° line
6,000 / 10,000L
92
**VIS** Minimum / Desired LANDING spacing
45 sec / 60 sec
93
**SKE** Minimum / Desired LANDING spacing
10,000' / 12,000'
94
What do you need to do for **SKE** positioning on equipment drops?
send / accept the drift
95
What do you need to do for **VIS** spacing on equipment drops?
1-3: follow me
4+: FPV on upwind inboard engine
96
What factors matter most for each type of drop?
CDS / HVY / DRAS / PERS
PERS & HVY: airspeed
CDS / DRAS: deck angle
97
What are PF actions for malfunctions?
- fly smooth, stable platform
- avoid yawing aircraft & flying over populated areas
- disarm ADS mode select (if engaged)
- disengage SKE LTRK/XTRK (if engaged)
98
What are PM actions for malfunctions?
- turn on red light
- state "RED LIGHT ON"
- select ADS mode to MANUAL
99
What form do you have to check for loads? What are you checking on the form?
Form 1748
- 3 signatures: rigger / JAI / LM
- verify chute type
100
For HEAVY loads, what do you mark? What do you put on the labels?
(1) platform
(2) extraction line
(3) drogue line
C/S / date / load #
101
Weather Minimums for Formation TAKEOFF
200' ceiling & 1/2 mile visibility (RVR 24)
102
Weather Minimums for Formation LANDING
published minimums for the airport
- no lower than 200' - 1/2 vis
103
Weather Minimums for **NVG Formation Departures**
- Non-current / unqualified
- Current & qualified
- OG/CC approval
- Non-current / unqual: 1500/3
- Current & qualified: 600/2
- OG/CC approval: 300/1
104
Weather Minimums for IMC Airdrops
Peacetime Unilateral Training
300' ceiling & 1/2 mile visibility
105
What are the minimum requirements for chart annotations?
NAVigate TIDE CCC
NAV - navigation information
T - Turn points
I - IP / OA
D - VVOD Data & Date
E - ERAA
C - Course line
C - Chart series / date
106
What are minimum requirements for route study?
ROLLTIDE = OLE CHART
O - Obstacles/Obstructions
L - Leg information
E - ERAA
C - Crewmember responsibilities
H - Hazards & mitigation
A - Airspace restrictions
R - Route overview
T - Terrain
107
Inadvertent Weather Penetration
**with SKE**
"XX flight, execute IWP **with SKE** now, base altitude / heading / airspeed. Acknowledge."
- climb @ **1,000 fpm** & **cruise speed**
- [W] **select SKE** (**XTRK 1,000 R/L**)
When level @ base altitude:
[L]: "assume SKE interval now"
[W]: select SKE in-trail interval (4k / 8k) , then reset XTRK (500)
108
Inadvertent Weather Penetration
**without SKE**
"XX flight, execute IWP **without SKE** now, base alt / hdg / airspeed. Acknowledge."
- climb @ **1,000 fpm** & **cruise speed** to base altitude
[#2]: turn **R** w/ **30° AOB** to **30° from base heading** for **30 sec**
[#3]: turn **L** w/ **30° AOB** to **30° from base heading** for **30 sec**
- use A/A TACAN, TCAS or skin paint to maintain separation
- **last EL** occupies **base altitude**; preceding EL **stacks 1,000' above**
109
Inadvertent Weather Penetration
**PERS Echelon without SKE**
"XX flight, execute IWP without SKE now, base alt / hdg / airspeed. Acknowledge."
- climb @ **1,000 fpm** & **cruise speed** to base altitude
[#2]: turn w/ **20° AOB** to **20° from base heading** for **30 sec**
[#3]: turn w/ **30° AOB** to **30° from base heading** for **30 sec**
then resume base heading after 30 sec
110
Inadvertent Weather Penetration
**MOUNTAINOUS**
"XX flight, execute **mountainous** IWP now, base altitude / heading / airspeed. Acknowledge."
- climb @ **1,000 fpm** to base altitude
[#2]: 1,000 VVI to **base altitude + 500'** on **base heading** at **base airspeed - 10 knots** for 30 sec
[#3]: 1,000 VVI to **base altitude + 1,000'** on **base heading** at **base airspeed - 20 knots** for 30 seconds
111
