Refresher Training – Pre Test

The aircraft associated with the nickname “Sky Truck” is the PZL M-28 or in military terms the C-145A

The PZL M28, manufactured by the Polish company PZL Mielec (now part of Lockheed Martin), is a twin-engine, short takeoff and landing (STOL) utility aircraft. Known for its rugged design, the M28 “Sky Truck” is well-suited for operations in challenging environments, including unprepared or short airstrips, making it popular for both military and civilian missions that require high maneuverability and versatility.

3.3.1.1. DZ water depth will be a minimum of ten feet, and the area must be free of underwater obstructions to that depth. (T-2). The DZ should be free of floating debris, moored craft, protruding boulders, stumps, pilings, or other hazards within 440 yards/400 meters of the DZ center point.

3.3.7. Circular DZ. The PI of a circular DZ is normally at the DZ center to allow for multiple
run-in headings. For specific missions, the PI location may be adjusted to allow for sequential
HE or mass CDS, on circular DZs. Refer to Figure 3.1, option 2 for PI placement. Utilizing a
PI not at the center of the circular DZ may limit the run-in heading to only one direction. When
dropping mass CDS to a center point PI, aircrews may target the sticks middle bundle to the
center point. The minimum DZ dimensions for the type and number of loads being dropped
must completely fit into the surveyed circular DZs. (T-2). For both types of PI placement, use
Figure 3.1 to determine the number of jumpers per pass.

The acronym PCASE stands for Pavement-Transportation Computer Assisted Structural Engineering.

PCASE is a software suite developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to assist in the design, evaluation, and maintenance of airfield and roadway pavements for military use. It provides engineers with tools for analyzing pavement structures, including determining load-bearing capacity, predicting pavement performance, and planning necessary repairs or reinforcements. PCASE is essential for ensuring that airfield and transportation infrastructure can support the operational demands of military aircraft and vehicles.

1. Reduced RCR:
• The RCR value provides a measure of runway friction and surface condition, typically rated on a scale (e.g., from 5 to 23), where a lower RCR indicates poorer braking conditions, such as those caused by wet, icy, or snowy surfaces.
• When the RCR is reduced, the C-17 experiences less effective braking and a longer stopping distance.
• A lower RCR can increase the risk of skidding or hydroplaning, especially if other environmental factors, like rain or snow, are present.
• To compensate, pilots may need to adjust their approach speed and braking techniques, and the required landing distance may increase to ensure a safe stop.

2. Increased Pressure Altitude (PA):
• Pressure altitude affects aircraft performance, as it represents the altitude at which the air density is equivalent to a specific atmospheric pressure.
• At higher pressure altitudes, the air is less dense, which decreases engine thrust, reduces aerodynamic lift, and affects braking efficiency.
• For the C-17, an increase in PA results in a longer landing roll due to reduced braking effectiveness and the need for higher true airspeeds to maintain proper control.
• Higher PA also affects takeoff distance, but on landing, it primarily means the aircraft may need additional runway length to safely decelerate to a stop.

Combined Effect on C-17 Landing Operations:

• When both RCR is reduced and PA is increased, the C-17 requires significantly more runway length to land safely.
• Pilots must account for both factors in their landing approach, adjusting speeds, descent profiles, and possibly planning for alternative runways with better conditions or longer lengths if available.
• The combined impact may limit operations in certain high-altitude, poor-surface-condition airfields, as it reduces overall landing performance and increases the risk of overruns.

The Glideslope Ratio (GSR) for a C-146A “Wolfhound” typically aligns with standard approach angles used for tactical and short-field aircraft operations. The C-146A, being a tactical airlift aircraft, usually follows a 3-degree glideslope, which is standard for many aircraft types and provides a GSR of approximately 20:1.

This 20:1 ratio means that for every 20 units of horizontal distance, the aircraft descends by 1 unit vertically. This ratio allows for safe, controlled approaches to airfields, especially in shorter or more austere environments where precise landings are required.

3.5.6. Aerial Power Line Restrictions. Power lines present a significant hazard to jumpers. Personnel can sustain life threatening injuries from electric shock and/or falls from a collapsed canopy. All restrictions apply to aerial power lines operating at 50 kilovolts or greater. Power lines will be documented on both block 11, remarks, and block 10, DZ diagram, of AF Form 3823. (T-3).

also

A4.1.10. Block 10. Provide a legible, to scale diagram of the DZ including all obstacles or prominent features located within the DZ boundaries and 5 NM from DZ center that could affect ground or flight safety. Annotate the distance these items are from the DZ center in block 11 and depict on the DZ diagram, block 10 to include DZ dimensions. Ensure to annotate all charted or observed water hazards and power lines within 1,000 meters of the DZ boundaries (or 1,000 meters of the MFF PI). Diagram shall be oriented true north and indicated with an arrow. (T-1).