M1102 FLIGHT AIRDROP 1.5 hours

Simulated Airdrop Execution

Module 2: Simulated Airdrops - Flight (C-17/C-130 Style) | Prerequisite: M1002

OBJECTIVE

Execute C-17/C-130 style simulated airdrop missions using the SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE profile. Demonstrate proficiency in low-level route navigation, S-curve pop-up maneuver, level drop run, and escape procedures while maintaining altitude/airspeed tolerances, accurate TOT, and proper crew coordination calls.

PRE-FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS

Student will select and plan their own low-level route and drop zone prior to the flight. Present the following to the instructor:

Route Planning

  • ☐ Low-level route with waypoints
  • ☐ Slowdown point identified
  • ☐ Pop-up point identified
  • ☐ IP location and coordinates
  • ☐ DZ/PI location
  • ☐ Exit Point (EP) defined

Timing & Data

  • ☐ Planned TOT
  • ☐ IP-to-DZ timing calculated
  • ☐ Drop altitude selected
  • ☐ Drop airspeed selected
  • ☐ Winds aloft data
  • ☐ Terrain/obstacle study

⚠️ ROUTE SELECTION

Student selects their own route and DZ. Coordinate with instructor for suitable areas. Avoid restricted airspace, populated areas, and terrain that exceeds aircraft performance limits.

SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE PROFILE

1. SLOW

Decelerate

2. POP

Climb

3. IP

Start Timing

4. DROP

Green Light

5. ESCAPE

Accel & Egress

📖 REFERENCE

Review the full SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE profile and side-view diagram in M1002: Simulated Airdrop Procedures

EXECUTION

Low-Level Ingress

  • • Descent to low-level: Descend to 300-500 ft AGL at route entry point.
  • • Ingress speed: 210-250 KIAS typical for tactical ingress.
  • • Terrain following: Maintain consistent AGL, adjust for terrain variations.
  • • Checkpoint timing: Cross waypoints on time, adjust speed as needed.
  • • SA: Continuous terrain awareness, obstacle avoidance, fuel monitoring.

LOW-LEVEL PARAMETERS

Altitude: 300-500 ft AGL
Airspeed: 210-250 KIAS

Phase 1: SLOW (Slowdown)

  • • Initiate: 2-3 minutes prior to DZ at pre-planned slowdown point.
  • • Decelerate: Reduce from ingress speed to drop speed (130-160 KIAS).
  • • Configure: Set flaps as required for drop configuration.
  • • Altitude: Maintain low-level altitude during slowdown.

CREW CALL

"SLOW"

Phase 2: POP (S-Curve Climb)

  • • Initiate: At pre-planned pop-up point after slowdown complete.
  • • S-Curve maneuver: Smooth pull-up, brief level, continue climb to drop altitude.
  • • Target altitude: 800-1,500 ft AGL (per mission planning).
  • • Level off: Must be wings level at drop altitude BEFORE crossing IP.

CREW CALLS

"POP UP"

Call "LEVEL" when stabilized at drop altitude

Phase 3: IP (Initial Point)

  • • Cross IP: Level at drop altitude, stabilized at drop airspeed.
  • • Start timing: Begin IP-to-DZ clock (typically 3-5 minutes).
  • • Final checks: Altitude, airspeed, heading verified.
  • • Drop checklist: Complete final drop configuration checks.

CREW CALL

"IP INBOUND"

Phase 4: DROP (Airdrop Execution)

  • • 1 Minute call: Verify stable - altitude, airspeed, wings level.
  • • 30 Seconds call: Final stabilization, ready for release.
  • • Green Light: At CARP - execute simulated release.
  • • Hold parameters: Maintain heading/altitude until load clear.
  • • Load Clear: Confirm release complete.

DROP SEQUENCE CALLS

"1 MINUTE"

"30 SECONDS"

"GREEN LIGHT"

"LOAD CLEAR"

DROP TOLERANCES

±50 ft

Altitude

±5 kts

Airspeed

Wings Level

Bank

Phase 5: ESCAPE (Egress)

  • • Accelerate: Immediate power increase after "Load Clear."
  • • Altitude: Maintain drop altitude or climb as tactical situation dictates.
  • • Clean up: Retract flaps, close ramp/door (simulated).
  • • Proceed to EP: Continue to Exit Point, resume enroute profile.
  • • Report: "Drop complete" to controlling agency.

CREW CALLS

"EGRESS"

"[C/S], DROP COMPLETE"

Timing & TOT Control

  • • Time on Target: Arrive at DZ within ±30 seconds of planned time.
  • • Speed adjustments: Increase/decrease ground speed to make up or absorb time.
  • • Holding: If significantly early, execute holding pattern or S-turns.
  • • IP timing: Critical - sets the final run timing to DZ.

TOT TOLERANCE

±30 seconds

Maximum deviation from planned TOT

Contingencies

  • • Red Light (Abort): If parameters not met at CARP, call "RED LIGHT" - no drop.
  • • Go-around: Execute escape, reposition for another run.
  • • Report: "Drop aborted, repositioning" to controlling agency.

ABORT CRITERIA

• Altitude deviation > ±50 ft at CARP

• Airspeed deviation > ±5 kts at CARP

• Aircraft not wings level

• DZ not visual / unsafe conditions

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in the SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE profile. Must:

  • • Present complete route planning package prior to flight
  • • Maintain low-level altitude ±100 feet during ingress
  • • Execute proper S-curve pop-up, level before IP
  • • Maintain drop altitude ±50 feet through DZ
  • • Maintain drop airspeed ±5 knots
  • • Achieve TOT within ±30 seconds
  • • Execute all timing calls (SLOWDOWN, POPPING, IP INBOUND, 1 MIN, 30 SEC, GREEN LIGHT, LOAD CLEAR, ESCAPE)
  • • Maintain wings level through drop zone

FLIGHT TOLERANCES

±100 ft

Low-Level Alt

±50 ft

Drop Alt

±5 kts

Drop Speed

±30 sec

TOT

Completion: Successfully execute dro run demonstrating full SLOW-POP-IP-DROP-ESCAPE profile with proper calls and tolerances

NOTES

  • • Student selects their own low-level route and DZ - coordinate with instructor prior to flight.
  • • Emphasis on timing accuracy - TOT is critical for tactical airdrop missions.
  • • Simulated drops - no actual cargo release in MSFS, focus on procedures and tolerances.
  • • Debrief using recorded data to analyze timing, altitude, and airspeed traces.
  • • If time permits, vary wind conditions between runs to build adaptability.
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