AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 257
19.34.4.6. Execute the airdrop with 50-percent flaps and the ramp and door open.
19.34.4.7. Drop Airspeed. LCLA drop airspeed is 130 KIAS. CAUTION: LCLA parachutes
are limited to 150 KIAS. The parachute‘s opening shock increases with PA.
19.34.4.8. Drop Altitude. The primary altitude reference should be the planned MSL drop
altitude based on the most accurate altimeter setting available. It is critical to cross-check the
radar altimeter against the MSL altitude during the run-in.
19.34.4.9. Release Point. Base navigator-directed airdrops on navigator sight angle. The
SCNS-derived CARP is secondary for situational awareness.
19.34.4.10. Navigator calls ―‖5 SECONDS…GREEN LIGHT.‖
19.34.4.11. The LM must hear ―GREEN LIGHT‖ before initiating the airdrop. Seeing the
GREEN LIGHT is highly desired, but not required.
19.34.4.12. LMs should use a J-knife to cut the release gate. Ensure loadmasters cut both
layers of Type VIII above the excess if utilizing the Nate Gate. Ensure to cut above the knot
if utilizing 1, 9/16, or ½-inch nylon. Do not position the knife near the gate. CAUTION: Cut
the gate towards the inboard of the aircraft. Failure to do so may cause the static line to
become entangled with the J-knife and be severed from the load.
19.34.4.13. Escape. Upon hearing ―LOAD CLEAR‖ the PF should advance the throttles as
necessary and begin the egress.
19.34.4.14. LMs should clear the ramp and door to close as soon as able after static line
retrieval. Once the door is closed, accelerate and continue to climb above the threat, if
possible.
19.34.4.15. Load Drift Back. LMs may reposition (i.e., drift) containers weighing up to 650
pounds rigged weight with the ramp and door open for racetracks or multiple DZs.
CAUTION: Do not drift back bundles weighing over 650 pounds in-flight. NOTE: Conduct
a preflight, static rehearsal of drifting to prevent inadvertent bundle release during execution.
19.34.4.15.1. Do not move bundles onto the ramp until the ramp is horizontal. Advise
the pilot ―Drifting.‖
19.34.4.15.2. Immediately after the bundle is in position, take an additional carabineer
and route it around the type VIII gate and attach it to a tie down ring immediately
forward of the load. When tight, this gate will prevent the load from exiting prematurely.
The additional carabineer will limit forward travel in the event of defensive maneuvers.
19.34.4.15.3. Two bundles may be moved simultaneously, provided they are positioned
side-by-side and both LMs have positive control of each bundle.
19.35. SATBs. A 15-pound training bundle may be dropped to simulate personnel, equipment,
or CDS airdrops. Use the applicable tactical airdrop checklist for the type airdrop being
simulated. EXCEPTION: The loadmaster will use the equipment checklist for simulated CDS
airdrops. SATBs may be dropped on the actual heavy equipment or CDS CARP for sight angle
airdrop training provided the bundle will land on the DZ. Adjust the drop score for the difference
between the SATB CARP and the actual CARP.