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BS6's Dude
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For those who may be interested, here's the USAF procedures for Static-Line and Military Freefall Parachuting Operations from AFI 11-410.
AFI11-410 27 MAY 2002
Chapter 7
STATIC LINE PROCEDURES
7.1. Static Line Procedures. For the majority of Air Force missions, the procedures defined in AFMAN 11-420(I)/FM 57-220 will be used.
7.2. Common Exceptions to AFMAN 11-420(I)/FM 57-220. Due to the small size and other limitations of Air Force airborne units, the following exceptions are provided for all AF units with parachuting missions:
7.2.1. Air Force units are not required to use non-jumping safety personnel. The JM may designate aircrew personnel to act as safety personnel. Aircrew members performing safety duties will be thoroughly
briefed and trained in the handling and control of static lines.
7.2.2. Air Force units do not normally designate a Departure Airfield Control Officer (DACO). These duties are performed by the team leader and unit operations section.
7.2.3. AF operations require only one JM onboard the aircraft and may be the first to exit. When the JM is to be the first to exit the aircraft, he will brief his exit procedures (normally the “GO” command
and a visual reference indicating it is safe to exit).
7.2.4. A jump briefing, to include a detailed review of emergency procedures will be conducted prior to each individual’s first jump of the day.
7.2.5. Flotation devices other than the B-7/LPU-10P Life Preserver may be used IAW prescribed MAJCOM directives.
7.2.6. When flight time permits, JMs may choose to have personnel don parachutes and equipment in-flight.
7.2.7. Air Force parachutists are authorized to use the GENTEX (HGU-55/P), or other AF/ MAJCOM approved helmet.
7.2.8. Surface Wind Restrictions. During operational missions, the Airborne Commander and/or Team Leader will coordinate wind restrictions with the Airborne Mission Commander/Aircraft Commander
based on operational requirements.
7.2.8.1. Training Surface Wind Limits for Static Line (S-17/18, MC-1B/C, T-10):
7.2.8.1.1. Land - 13 knots or less
7.2.8.1.2. Tree - 17 knots or less
7.2.8.1.3. Water - 25 knots or less
7.3. Static Line Deployed Ram Air Parachutes. Hybrid systems such as the MC-5 have the ability to be used as a MFF or static-line deployed system. These systems are restricted to use by MFF qualified jumpers that have received specific system transition training. Hybrid systems are not authorized to be used by non-MFF qualified parachutists. Consult the system specific TO for instructions and restrictions.
Chapter 8
FREE-FALL PROCEDURES
8.1. General. This chapter provides specific guidance and procedures for unilateral AF MFF operations. This chapter will be used in conjunction with AFMAN 11-411(I)/FM 31-19 and supplements to this
instruction.
8.2. Common Exceptions and Restrictions. In addition to the exceptions listed in the Chapter 7, the following exceptions and restrictions are provided for all AF units with parachuting missions:
8.2.1. Exit Altitudes and Parachute Activation Altitude. For MC-X/MT-XX jumps use AFMAN 11-411(I)/FM 31-19. All altitudes are either above ground level (AGL) or above water level (AWL). For all other systems, the minimum exit altitude for routine land and water MFF training and proficiency deployments is 5000’. Exception: The minimum exit altitude for intentional water jumps and dissimilar parachute training may be reduced to 3000’ (clear and pull) IAW MAJCOM mission
requirement and after a command risk assessment and decision. The minimum planned activation altitude will not be lower than 3500’ for routine land MFF training and proficiency deployments. The minimum planned activation altitude will not be lower than 2500’ for routine water and dissimilar parachute training deployments. Parachutists may only conduct one jump operation that involves unpressurized flight above 18,000 per 24-hour period.
8.2.2. Altimeters. Each parachutist will wear an altimeter when conducting free fall operations. Exception: Does not apply to water jumps until waterproof altimeters are fielded. Altimeters will
have either an integral working light or be configured with an additional light source adequate to light the face of the altimeter.
8.2.3. Automatic Activation Device (AAD). Inspection, arming, calibration and documentation procedures for the AAD are contained in applicable TOs. Each MFF parachutist will be equipped with a functional AAD set according to the applicable TO. The AAD will be armed prior to exit. AADs are not required for the following free-fall operations:
8.2.3.1. Intentional water deployments. This exception is valid until a waterproof AAD is fielded for USAF use.
8.2.3.2. Emergency Bail-out.
8.2.4. Surface Wind Restrictions. During operational missions, the Airborne Commander and/or Team Leader will coordinate wind restrictions with the Airborne Mission Commander/Aircraft Commander
based on operational requirements. Maximum allowable surface winds are based on specific parachute systems canopies (to include reserve parachute) and their ability to “drive” against the
wind. MAJCOMs will publish specific surface wind limitations for dissimilar parachute systems approved for use by the MAJCOM.
8.2.4.1. For training mission using MC-X/MT-XX parachutes:
8.2.4.1.1. Land – 18 knots or less.
8.2.4.1.2. Tree – 22 knots or less.
8.2.4.1.3. Water – 25 knots or less.
8.2.4.2. Tandem – 17 knots or less.
8.2.5. Drop Zone Criteria.
8.2.5.1. Minimum Size. The JM will determine the minimum size DZ based on the number of personnel to be dropped, jumper proficiency, prevailing winds, related information found in AFI 13-217, and AF/MAJCOM published guidance. During operational missions, the Airborne Commander and/or Team Leader will select the DZ based on operational requirements.
8.2.6. Oxygen Requirements. Oxygen requirements for MFF operations are prescribed in AFI 11-409, High Altitude Airdrop Mission Support Program, Chapter 2.
8.2.7. Dissimilar Parachute Systems. Parachute systems not covered by a TO /depot support and procured through local purchase (examples: locally constructed or systems employed by military services
of other countries) or commercial systems primarily designed for the sport parachuting market, are considered dissimilar parachute systems. Dissimilar parachute systems must be approved by the MAJCOM
and are required to be equipped with a functional AAD that is approved by the manufacturer. Dissimilar systems are not authorized for routine use for proficiency or any other use in lieu of the
unit’s primary parachute system. Parachuting units will train with the parachute systems that they use to conduct their primary mission (combat infiltration, rescue, aircrew training, etc.). MAJCOMs may
approve use for AMF training programs, or for parachutists providing specialized support (i.e., air-to-air video, test jumpers, etc.). Dissimilar parachute equipment is authorized for use by the USAF
STARS and the USAFA PTWOB. No AF parachutist will employ such systems unless the following requirements are met:
8.2.7.1. The MAJCOM complies with the conditions of para 3.17.3.
8.2.7.2. Use of these systems can be supported by the local Life Support, Survival Equipment, and/or contractor provided FAA certified riggers.
8.2.7.3. Unit Commanders approve system use and designate in writing individuals authorized and trained to use these systems. Systems will be jumped IAW manufacturers operating procedures and limitations.
8.2.8. Canopy Relative Work (CRW). USAF personnel will not engage in canopy relative work (CRW) as part of military jump operations except for specifically authorized USAF STARS and USAFA PTWOB demonstration team operations.
8.2.9. Contact Flying. Only personnel who have demonstrated ability to perform basic free fall maneuvers will conduct close proximity flying using contact procedures. Close proximity flying is an integral part of maintaining team integrity during military free fall operations. Contact flying, an advanced technique of close proximity flying, increases jumper air awareness and improves body control. Contact flying is defined as pre-meditated contact between jumpers in free fall. Skills in contact flying can improve team integrity and thus improve overall ability to perform the mission. Personnel conducting contact maneuvers will be certified using the AF Form 797, Job Qualification Standard Continuity/Command JQS.
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President for Life
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BS6's Dude
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: 11/16/2008 1:14 PM
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It was an in-house course run back in the 1980s when all USAF SOF types were assigned to the 23rd Air Force of the Military Airlift Command.
No longer in use, but graduates are grandfathered as MFF jumpers.
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President for Life
Group: Moderators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 1:05 PM
Posts: 5,167,
Visits: 5,469
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