Edited by Rachel Duncan 4th Edition ISBN 0-907649-91-2 London ...

Transport and Travel 45
If it is not possible to have a team on the ground to receive the drop, then make sure
that one of the team is on the plane when the drop is made. The team member can then
note the area of spread over which the boxes have fallen and can relate the drop zone to the
relative position of key ground features such as moraines, ridges, crevasse fields etc.
In addition, take GPS readings as the plane makes repeated runs over the drop zone
to get a position fix. Where possible, cross check maps with aerial photos and corroborate
data with reports and personal accounts from previous parties who may have visited the
region. Items can be quickly buried by snow if left on the ground.
How you package up your supplies may be the key to either a successful or
disastrous airdrop. The outer packaging of the final container will take the heaviest impact
on landing and is the key to avoiding everything bursting on impact. If making a drop from
a relatively small aircraft then there will be a maximum dimension of outer case that will
fit through the door – check the dimensions with the pilot!
There are likely to be a number of suitable methods of packing items for airdrops.
From personal experience, a successful method is using strengthened corrugated card cases
and steel or nylon banding. This involves typically triple walled corrugated boxes with an
additional “liner” of similar material to increase the wall thickness. A number of “spacers”
of corrugated card are then used at the top, bottom and in the centre of the box to provide
some rigidity to help prevent the box from twisting. Once the box is packed, it should be
sealed up with industrial packing tape. To ensure maximum strength on impact, however,
the boxes must then be secured with 4 to 5 tensioned steel or nylon bands. It is these bands
that provide extra strength to the finished container. This type of steel or nylon banding is
very commonly used throughout the packaging industry.
5.2.5 Aircraft emergencies
Possible emergency and evacuation procedures are pertinent to each individual aircraft.
The air crew should give demonstrations and relevant information before every flight. If
you need to know more prior to the start of your journey, contact the air operator.
5.2.6 Safety considerations
The polar environment can be distant, hostile and unforgiving. Therefore you cannot rely
on others for your safe passage or return. All expeditions must be self-sufficient and as far
as possible the individuals within the group should also be. The secret of success on most
journeys is pre-trip planning, preparation of equipment and planning for all eventualities,
especially for the weather.
• Ensure you have established an expedition liaison person if you are not able to be
in direct contact with your air operator and that they know your intended route/s
and anticipated speeds; how much food and equipment you will carry; and what
form of communications and navigational equipment you will have available;
• Preferably have a method of voice communication such as HF radio or satellite
telephone to regularly update authorities/expedition headquarters of your position,
current weather and well being;
• Plan to have more than one independent method of summoning help in the event of
an emergency. For example, a combination of Iridium satellite phone, an Argos
transmitter and a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
(see section 7.4)