Drop! Drop! Drop!

 Human Factors: The most authoritative definition ever devised.

     Human factors are those decisions and actions, either voluntary or involuntary, by humans which affect in some capacity the activity being performed. (PHAK, 2016). The most important term here is human at five letters long it is a rather modest word. But it is nearly undefinable, and philosophers have been pursuing this question for millennia (Burns, 2015). Why muddle things up? Because we need to be clear that humans muddle things up quickly. Any resource management or safety system in place must acknowledge this or it is no good. Experience and training are some of the most effective ways to overcome and mitigate negative human factors.

Drops

     The United State Coast Guard uses C-130's as a long range search and rescue platform. A C-130 crew may be called to drop supplies to a vessel in distress. We will be focusing on the drop portion of the rescue. It is important to note however, that from the start of the duty day until the crew gets in their respective cars to go home, teamwork is built into every step of the rescue evolution.

     Once the boat has been located and communications have been established the crew decides what to drop. The Dropmaster, with the assistance of the Basic Aircrewman, arranges the gear on the ramp in the tail of the airplane. The pilots work together to establish a best approach. The Engineer is monitoring the instruments and especially the airspeed and altitude as a backup. The Navigator monitors the position of the airplane, the distressed vessel and any surrounding terrain. The Radio keeps contact with both the Operations center and the vessel.

     When lining up for the drop the Navigator inputs an approach angle into the flight computer as instructed by the pilot. As the the monitoring pilot reads the checklist the flying pilot stays in constant communication with the Dropmaster who opens the ramp and tail. The Radio instructs the boat how to position itself to best receive the drop and when the plane is about to drop.

     As the plane approaches the drop point no one except the pilot talks unless there is a need to abort, a call which any crewmember can make if there is a a problem. The Engineer and the monitoring pilot keeps a sharp eye on the altitude and airspeed, as the margin for error is very small and pilot flying has many things to keep track of. At the pilot's command the Dropmaster and the Basic Aircrew push the rescue supplies out the back of the airplane to the waiting vessel. Then the pilot immediately begins to ascend and turn to assess the drop. The Radio continues to talk to the boat to ensure they received the drop.

Airdrop of 2 pump cans.

      The most dangerous variation of this drop is the message block, a bag of sand attached to a streamer with a message inside. This is used in extreme cases when no other form of communication can be made with a vessel. This drop is done at an altitude of 50 feet which is less than half of the C-130's 132 ft. wingspan. (Lockheed, 2021) At this height ground effect becomes a major factor (PHAK, 2016). Flying this at night exponentially increases the risk involved. The slightest error can lead to a serious mishap.

Message Block Delivery Training

                The most effective solution to ensuring success is constant practice. Coast Guard Air Stations fly training missions every day. By following checklists, actively training and maintaining members, and constantly communicating before, during, and after the flights crews can anticipate problems, hone abilities, and ensure the mission is completed safely.

Burns, S. C. (2015). What does it mean to be human? How third graders' response to a         philosophical question changes through process drama (Order No. 3682297). Available from ProQuest One Academic. (1657428434). http://ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/login      url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/dissertations-theses/what-does-mean-be-human-how-third-graders/docview/1657428434/se-2?accountid=27203

C-130J Super Hercules Program Status and Fast Facts. Lockheedmartin.com. 
(2021, January). https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/aero/documents/C-130FastFacts/January2021C-130JFastFacts.pdf.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical      Knowledge (PHAK).                Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pak/

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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2016). Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/P