PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-600

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 600

NOVEMBER 2002

PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-600 - Page 19 of 33
PS 600
35
For sling-out operations:
o
Locate helicopter sling-out areas at least 550 meters from ammunition storage
structures, inhabited buildings, or other vital facilities.
o
Consider prevailing winds in the sling-out site selection. Select a site that heli-
copters could normally approach and depart without flying over magazines, inhab-
ited buildings, personnel areas or other vital facilities. Provide a windsock or other
wind direction indicator so pilots can determine the current wind direction.
o
The sling-out area must have a
good earthen ground. Ground helicop-
ters before loading. Make sure you
touch the grounding cables to bleed
off any static charge prior to loading.
Ground a hovering helicopter by using
a grounding wand (shepherd’s crook)
prior to hooking up the cargo net.
See FM 55-450-3 for a list of stan-
dard grounding wands and fabrication
instructions.
o Never use the sling-out area for long-term stor-
age of ammunition. The only ammunition that
should be present is the load the last helicopter
just left or the load the next helicopter is about to
pick up.
o If possible, the loads
should be assembled in
cargo nets, ready to be slung
out, prior to the arrival of the
helicopter.
PS 600
NOV 02
34
Airlifting Ammunition
Make sure all boxes and con-
tainers are tightly sealed, clearly
marked and in good shape with no
leaks or burst seams. Load and
secure the ammunition according
to the aircraft commander’s SOP.
Moving an internal
load by helicopter
presents different
problems.
wait a
minute!!
are you
sure
that ammo is ok?
During loading
and unloading,
the helicopter
must…
For more information
on load limits, safety,
grounding and
ammunition compatibility,
see TM 38-250,
Preparing Hazardous
Materials for Military
Air Shipment,
and DA
Pam 385-64.
o
Be properly grounded.
o
Have all switches
turned off.
o
Have its rotors secured.
o
Be loaded away
from the ammunition
storage area.
whoa! I don’t
think this ammo is
going anywhere!
600. 34-35 (C)
9/27/02
11:17 AM
Page 1


Back to Top
Back to Top