P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(3) The OIC will monitor weather conditions (such as altimeter, wind direction/velocity, and ceiling) and provide general safety and weather updates during range operations as required. e. Paradrops. (1) The unit using the drop zone (DZ) is required to survey the DZ 24 hours prior to use. (2) Paradrop aircrew and DZ personnel shall maintain communications with the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps). (3) DZs will be confirmed clear before commencement of parachute or paradrop operations. (4) Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS). (a) The unit dropping the load is responsible for using JPADS mission planning software before they fly the mission. (b) Range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps) will approve Improved-Container Delivery System deliveries only if the Precision Airdrop System-Mission Planner derived point of impact, the 3-sigma footprint for chute failure, and the guidance failure footprint overlay on government owned, leased, or otherwise controlled land with no unauthorized personnel present and a collateral damage estimate acceptable to the RMA (Army), RCO (Marine Corps). (c) Equipment, facilities and participating personnel are permitted within the 3-sigma success, chute failure, and the guidance failure footprints as long as range management has conducted and approved an operational risk assessment. (d) RMAs (Army), RCOs (Marine Corps) should note that JPADS users may desire to update weather observations by dropping a sonde (foot long metal wind sensor) for wind updates in order to revise footprint analyses up until the time of delivery. f. Countermeasures. The use of chaff/flares will comply with local range regulations/SOPs, FAA requirements, and in accordance with aircraft TMs. 11–2. Firing operations, general requirements a. Weapon danger zones. (1) Air-to-ground delivery of munitions can be accomplished from a variety of platforms to include fixed wing (FW), rotary wing (RW), and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). The hazardous zone associated with these munitions will now be generated through the use of the WDZ tool that can provide a WDZ for all aviation delivered ordnance. The WDZ is modeled to represent the distribution of impacts, ricochets/broaches, and the vertical hazard associated with fragmentation and the ricochet (see para 11–6). (2) The three-dimensional aspect of munitions delivery can present many challenges when determining the safe location of personnel and facilities operating on the ground. RMTK advances in computer modeling, programming, software, and improved risk analysis provided by the WDZ tool enables RMAs (Army), RCOs (Marine Corps) to reduce risks to personnel and facilities involved with aviation operations. (3) RMAs (Army), RCOs (Marine Corps) must employ safe management practices that provide the visibility and control required for the integration of both air and ground operations. The use of the WDZ tool supplemented with an aggressive risk mitigation program will help reduce the complications and dangers associated with this training. b. Aircrew currency qualifications for aviation weapons delivery. (1) Army. (a) During firing, qualified standardization instructor pilots or instructor pilots having immediate access to positive control of the aircraft and weapon systems being fired will accompany pilots and gunners who are not current and qualified in the aircraft. (b) Qualified nonrated crew member flight instructors or nonrated crew member unit trainers having immediate access to the weapons systems being fired will accompany door gunners who are not current and qualified. (2) Marine Corps. Marine pilot and aerial gunners will demonstrate flight and weapons system proficiency in accordance with the appropriate TMs/Training and Readiness manuals. c. Aircrew weapons qualifications for aviation weapons delivery. (1) Pilots and gunners will successfully complete an approved qualification course or qualification or transition training in accordance with an approved program of instruction. (2) Pilots and gunners will demonstrate flight and weapon systems proficiency in accordance with TC 3–04.11, FM 3–04.140, and the appropriate aircrew training manuals. d. Communications. (1) All firing elements must maintain positive two-way communications with the OIC. (2) Firing will be suspended immediately upon loss of communications with the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps), the OIC, or firing elements. (3) Command and control aircraft may be used at the commander’s discretion. e. Night operations. (1) Night range operations present unique challenges to both the aircrew and the OIC. Visual cues are greatly reduced, even with the use of night vision devices (NVDs). 136 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014