AFE updates parachutes, keeps C-17 aircrews safe

Photo By Staff Sgt. Faith Barron | A rack of BA-22 parachutes hang at the 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment warehouse at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 6, 2021. AFE members are responsible for ensuring all flight and safety equipment is in working order on Dover aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Faith Schaefer)  

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, UNITED STATES

05.18.2021

Story by Airman 1st Class Faith Barron 

436th Airlift Wing

At 28,000 feet over the Earth, the worst possible scenario is an in-flight emergency where the lives of aircrew members and passengers are at stake. Loss of oxygen, bird strikes or on-board fires can lead to catastrophic outcomes. While none of these scenarios is desirable, proper training, procedures and having adequate, updated equipment on board can be valuable in saving lives.

When it comes to ensuring equipment is functional and available, the Airmen of the 436th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment flight ensures Team Dover aircrews are equipped for a multitude of life-saving scenarios.

“We [AFE] take care of the gear that they would need in the event of something going wrong with their aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Nicole Harper, 436th OSS AFE supervisor. “We have life preservers, life rafts, parachutes, quick don oxygen masks and [equipment] to help protect passengers on the plane.”

While the job of AFE encompasses managing equipment on all aircraft assigned to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, a large part of their operations includes inspecting, rigging and packing parachutes on the C-17 Globemaster III. In an effort to maximize safety and accelerate change, they recently received the BA-30 back style parachutes, which phases out the older BA-22 parachutes.

“The previous back style had extra components that made them heavier,” said Harper. “These [BA-30] are lighter and have a new canopy which makes the opening less abrupt.”

The BA-30 model is 25% smaller, reducing the weight by almost 10 pounds. It also is integrated with an advanced line cutting system, which is a device that is used to cut a piece of nylon that allows the parachute to open.

“In the old parachute, there was a munition that cut the lines and that munition had to be turned in every once in a while,” said Harper. “They have to build a whole new one once it’s done with its service life…this new parachute has an electronic cutter and doesn't use any munitions. It reads the airspeed then cuts the lines. It can [then] be turned in, tested and then sent right back out.”

According to Harper, this technology will save money and time since the parachutes are sent back to the manufacturer periodically for inspections.

“I feel safe knowing that our aircraft has the latest and greatest parachutes,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Van Compernolle, 3rd Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “It’s great to know AFE has our backs and works hard to ensure we have the best lifesaving equipment available.”

BA-30 parachutes have been installed on all Dover AFB C-17 aircraft and are currently rolling out across Air Mobility Command.

• Date Taken: 05.18.2021
• Date Posted: 05.18.2021 09:40
• Story ID: 396681
• Location: DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, DE, US