AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

258 AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012
19.36. NVG Airdrop Procedures. Qualified NVG airdrop pilots are authorized to perform
normal night operations (including low level flying and formation) at night VMC altitudes IAW
the tactical chapters of this regulation and AFTTP 3-3.C-130E/H. Airdrops may be accomplished
on drop zones marked IAW AFI 13-217 lighting patterns (covert and overt) while wearing
NVGs. NVG airdrops on unmarked DZ are prohibited unless permitted by contingency SPINs or
coordinated through contingency ATO.
19.36.1. Loadmasters will use NVGs during airdrops if the mission dictates. Loadmasters
are authorized to perform airdrops with minimum lighting. Use NVGs as necessary to assist
with operations and keep cargo area lighting to a minimum.
19.36.2. Cargo Compartment Lighting. After the Combat Entry Checklist, all cargo
compartment lighting will be minimized. Blacked out (no-light) operations in the cargo
compartment are not authorized. Loadmasters will carefully consider cargo compartment
lighting intensity prior to opening ramp and door to minimize interference with formation
wingmen‘s NVG vision.
19.37. Emergency Procedures. Loadmasters will complete a detailed emergency procedure
coordinated task briefing. All crewmembers should review the applicable emergency procedures
for the airdrop to be performed before takeoff. If a malfunction occurs during an airdrop, the
loadmaster immediately notifies the PIC and takes appropriate action. After all appropriate
emergency actions are complete, run the completion of drop checklist. NOTE: In the event of
a malfunction, incident, or off-DZ drop, do not de-rig, handle or move items unless required for
safety of flight. Any follow-on investigation will benefit from seeing the items in the position or
state they were in at the time of the event.
19.38. Emergency Parachutist Bail Out Procedures.
19.38.1. Under satisfactory conditions (static-line exit), the minimum acceptable emergency
bailout altitude is 400 feet above the terrain. When an aircraft emergency occurs during
static-line airdrops, the PIC maintains an acceptable attitude and altitude for the parachutists
to evacuate the aircraft. If the jump must be made at an airspeed in excess of 150 KIAS,
advise the parachutists of the airspeed and altitude. Order evacuation by turning on the green
light and giving the briefed alarm bell signals.
19.38.2. Minimum emergency bail-out altitude for free-fall parachutists is 2,000 feet AGL.
19.38.3. If conditions are unsuitable for aircraft evacuation, turn the red light on until exit
doors are closed. The PIC advises the jumpmaster through the loadmaster to have the
parachutists unhook, take their seats, and fasten seatbelts.
19.39. Towed Parachutist.
19.39.1. The jumpmaster will stop the remaining parachutists; the loadmaster will notify the
PIC; and the PM will turn on the red light. The PF will maintain drop airspeed, at least the
minimum drop altitude (AGL) for the type parachute being used, and avoid flying over or up
wind of water or built up areas.
19.39.1.1. Crews should suspect they have a towed parachutist if static lines are not fully
tucked into the upper corner of the paratroop door or if a D-bag appears to be stuck
outside the door. It is unlikely for a D-bag to become caught on the outside of the aircraft
and is a probable indicator a parachutist is being towed. In any case, crews should follow