AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 259
emergency procedures until they have confirmed no parachutist is being towed. Crews
should take special effort to confirm towed jumper status at night with limited rearward
visibility. They should consider using an additional source of illumination to view the
rear of the aircraft.
19.39.2. The jumpmaster or safety observer is responsible for identifying how the
parachutist is towed. If being towed by anything other than the static line, the jumpmaster or
safety will attempt to free the parachutist. If being towed by the static line, the jumpmaster or
safety will make a recommendation to the PIC, through the loadmaster, whether to retrieve
the parachutist or cut him or her free. If all parachutists have exited and there is no safety
person onboard, this responsibility rests with the loadmaster.
19.39.3. The PIC will make the final decision whether or not to cut the towed parachutist
free. If the decision is to cut the parachutist free, the loadmaster will cut the static line on the
PIC‘s command. NOTE: Towed parachutists indicate consciousness and that reserve
parachute is ready by maintaining a tight-body position with both hands on reserve
parachute. This indicates the jumper is prepared to be cut away.
19.39.4. If the parachutist is towed after exit from a paratroop door, the pilot should lower
the landing gear and set flaps to 100 percent to reduce parachute buffeting. (See warning
below.) If possible, avoid turning the aircraft in the direction of the towed parachutist as this
often causes parachutist to swing violently and increases the possibility of injury. All turns
should be shallow and coordinated to reduce the severity of parachutist oscillation. During
training, the first priority is to retrieve the parachutist whether he or she is conscious or
unconscious. However, if the parachutist cannot be retrieved and indicates consciousness, cut
the parachutist free. WARNING: Although 100 percent flaps selection provides an improved
airflow for a towed parachutist, under certain conditions the landing gear down, 100 percent
flap configuration may reduce aircraft performance. The PIC must consider density altitude,
aircraft weight, position in formation, or other factors deemed important in determining what
flap setting between 50 and 100 percent should be used.
19.39.5. For a parachutist towed after exit from the cargo ramp and door, the first priority is
to cut the parachutist free if consciousness is indicated. Retrieve if the parachutist is
unconscious, does not signal, cannot be observed, or if a condition exists that prevents
cutting the static line. NOTE: If the parachutist is towed following a ramp exit, it will be
necessary to partially rewind the static-line retriever to reach the static line for cutting.
19.39.6. There are two methods for the retrieval of towed parachutists from the paratroop
doors. The primary method of retrieval is use of the TPRS. The secondary method of
retrieval is to rig a 5,000-pound tiedown strap/paratroop retriever bar in the paratroop door
prior to retrieval of the towed parachutist. When the secondary method must be used, the
maximum rigged weight of the parachutist is limited to 250 pounds (including equipment,
parachute, etc.). WARNING: The 5,000-pound tiedown strap/paratroop retriever bar shall
not be used with the TPRS.
19.39.7. Parachutist Retrieval Through Paratroop Door Using TPRS.
19.39.7.1. Install the retrieval sling assembly (choker) around all static lines immediately
below the static line snap hooks.
19.39.7.2. Install Retriever Assist Strap (RAS) around all static lines.