P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(2) OICs should use NVDs during night operations and have access to a minimum of Generation III NVDs. 11–3. Firing conditions, general procedures a. General. (1) Pilots and gunners will be familiar with the impact area, firing limits, and safety regulations for the range on which they will fire. (2) The firing aircraft pilot in command will ensure that firing aircraft are properly oriented with the target and are safe to fire. (3) For FW operations: If the OIC cannot positively determine that the aircraft can release safely, the OIC will delegate ordnance release clearance to a qualified flight lead, individual pilot, forward air controller or other briefed person. The OIC will maintain overall authority on the range for the training event and can abort the release or direct a ceasefire at anytime. In all cases the pilot assumes sole responsibility for the safe release of ordnance and confirmation of the approved target. (4) For UAS operations: The mission commander will maintain the responsibility for the safe operation of payload and platform. (5) All live-fire training must be observed. b. Armament safety procedures. (1) Aircraft weapon systems will be loaded or unloaded only in approved areas. Selection of these areas will ensure total containment in the event of accidental discharge. The weapon systems dispersion angle and maximum range will be considered if natural or manmade barriers are not used. (2) Airspace routing used by RW aircraft flying from the ammunition loading site to and from the firing range will be plotted on a map or chart and maintained by both the using unit and the installation range operations office (Army), range control office (Marine Corps). This course will be selected so that accidental firing at any point on the course will minimize risk to life and property, however, aircraft weapon systems will be maintained in a safe condition until within the range boundary. RW aircraft routing from the ammunition loading site to the firing range will be published in local SOPs. (3) When training requirements dictate, commanders (battalion, squadron, or higher) will direct the loading and unloading of ammunition from aircraft while the engines are running. Such operations are authorized when a thorough risk assessment has been conducted, control measures implemented and residual risks identified and accepted by the appropriate commander. (4) A dry pass or range sweep for the entire range, focusing on the target area, will be accomplished to ensure personnel are clear from hazardous effects. Aircraft may use onboard sensors (advance targeting pods, sniper, lighting), or UAS targeting payload in lieu of a dry pass. Terminal controllers observing the target area may waive the dry pass. (5) Prior to first weapons release/firing for each pass, final switch configuration will not be accomplished until the aircraft is in such a position that accidental activation or release will be contained within the range, and not represent a danger to ground personnel. (6) Aircraft will be a minimum of one switch position (excluding trigger) away from weapons release/firing when not oriented toward the target area unless approved by range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps). Switch manipulation shall not occur until after safe recovery of weapons delivery/firing. RW aircraft will be in a safe condition prior to departing an aerial firing point unless otherwise directed. (7) Prior to leaving a range area, FW aircraft will conduct a hung ordnance check. If hung ordnance remains on board the aircraft due to malfunction, loss of range time, and so forth, then ensure compliance with local restrictions to avoid undue risk for the return flight. For RW aircraft, the pilot in command shall ensure that all weapon systems are clear of ammunition prior to departing the range. Upon completion of training, aircraft weapon systems will be safed in accordance with aircraft TMs before leaving the range. (8) Crash rescue personnel will be knowledgeable of safety precautions associated with armed aircraft and impact areas and the hazards associated with burned aircraft (for example, radioactive and advanced composite materials). c. Hung ordnance and jettison areas. (1) Range operations (Army), range control (Marine Corps) will ensure all aircraft report ordnance expended, hung ordnance, and UXO locations to the range operations firing desk (Army), range control (Marine Corps) prior to departing the range. (2) Installation SOPs and range directives will designate ordnance jettison and emergency landing areas for use by aircraft experiencing weapons malfunctions or in-flight emergencies. (3) Jettison areas will be located such that maximum protection is provided to personnel and range facilities in case the jettisoned ordnance detonates. d. Fuel spill materials (spill kits) will be available at forward arming and refueling points. Fuel tankers used to refuel aircraft will be equipped with sufficient absorbent material to handle small to moderate spills. e. Commanders will develop and implement an aggressive program to ensure crew coordination and combat identification procedures concurrent with the gunnery training program. For the Army, combat identification training 137 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014