AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 215
Chapter 16
MISSION PLANNING
16.1. General. This chapter provides combat mission planning guidance for general C-130
tactical operations (Airdrop planning guidance is contained in Chapter 19). It provides
parameters used to employ the techniques and procedures of AFTTP 3-3.C-130E/H. Mission
planning is normally conducted the day before the mission. The OG/CC or Sq/CC may elect to
use a ―same day mission plan‖ option. The aircraft commander is ultimately responsible for the
accuracy of the mission materials. Unit mission planning facilities should possess essential
mission planning material.
16.1.1. In addition to this chapter, AFTTP 3-3.C-130E/H, Chapter 2, must be referenced to
establish a sound understanding of the intricate combat mission planning process.
16.1.2. Mission Commander. Chapter 2 of this instruction specifies mission commander
requirements and qualification criteria.
16.1.3. Mission Timelines. Units will supplement this instruction with guidance for local
and off-station timelines to include crewmember pre-mission showtimes. These timelines
should allow for adequate pre-mission planning, especially while conducting missions away
from home station.
16.2. Mission Planning. Planners will thoroughly study enroute threats, terrain, ingress and
egress routes, target areas, operations and communications security (OPSEC and COMSEC),
political and cultural characteristics, climatology, and any other factors that enhance mission
success. Intelligence and meteorology and/or climatology requirements will be identified early
because this information may not be readily available. Mission support requests will also be
processed as soon as possible to allow coordination and planning. The level of coordination is
dependent on available time and means of communication. Aircrews will be ready to operate in
the joint arena with little or no face-to-face coordination.
16.2.1. Minimum Altitude Capable (MAC). MAC is the lowest altitude an aircrew can
descend to when they detect or suspect a threat. It is dependent on individual aircrew
capabilities, experience level, fatigue factors, terrain clearance, etc. Since maneuvering and
navigation capabilities are virtually negated at MAC, descending to this altitude is only
warranted as a defensive response to an engaged threat and only for the duration of
immediate threat activity.
16.2.2. NVG Mission Planning. One full day of planning should be allocated to missions
that will operate in the NVG low-level environment. This planning may be accomplished by
the pilot, navigator, or appropriate representative designated by the mission commander for
formation flights. CAUTION: Some red obstruction lighting systems are visible to the naked
eye but not visible though NVGs. These lighting systems employ LEDs instead of traditional
incandescent sources. The use of LEDs is becoming more common for almost all lighting
applications because of their energy efficiency and extremely long life. Aviation red light
ranges from about 610 to 700 nanometers, and NVGs (having a Class B minus blue filter) are
only sensitive to energy ranging from 665 to about 930 nanometers. Because LEDs have a
relatively narrow emission band and do not emit infrared energy like incandescent lights, it is
possible for them to meet FAA requirements for aviation red but be below the range in which