Point of Safe Return Minimums ... How Low Can You Go
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DOD) has supported the National Science Foundation (NSF) for over 60 years in Antarctica. Missions flown in support of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) require specially qualified aircrew and aircraft operating under guidance specific to this operation. The LC-130 is modified with skis which allow it to deliver cargo and personnel to the remote ski ways throughout the continent. The aircraft also performs inter-theater airlift between Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica when the C-17 is not available. Neither aircraft can fly this mission without regulations and procedures specific to ODF. The aircrews flying this mission are required to calculate a Point of Safe Return (PSR) prior to each flight. This calculation determines how far the aircraft can fly enroute to McMurdo then return to Christchurch while maintaining required fuel reserves. Aircrews receive an updated weather forecast as they approach the PSR which determines whether or not they can continue to McMurdo or boomerang back to Christchurch.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 16, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1054223
Entities
People
- Bret Echard
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology