bo 3500.1n - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

BO 3500.1N
25 Mar 08
a. All parachute operations will be conducted in accordance with MCWP 3-
15.7, Static Line Parachuting Techniques and Training [reference (g)]. The
RSO will have the final approval authority for drops based on the wind
condition. The RSO will suspend or cancel drop operations if, in his
judgment, wind direction or wind gusts in combination with aircraft position
make the drop unsafe.
b. During static-line parachute operations, the winds on the surface
will not exceed 13 knots, or 30 knots through the jump altitude. When
utilizing Ram-Air parachutes, either static-line deployed or manually
deployed, the winds on the surface will not exceed 18 knots; the winds
through the jump altitude are unlimited.
c. The RSO must maintain two-way radio communication with the drop
aircraft, and with LONGRIFLE. In the event of radio communication failure,
operations shall be suspended until air-ground LONGRIFLE communication is
reestablished.
d. No drops will be made from altitudes exceeding the height restrictions
of Camp Pendleton Restricted Airspace, unless coordinated in advance
with the Base Airspace Manager at (760) 725-8183. Within R-2503B, the
maximum drop altitude is 15,000’ MSL; in R-2503A, the maximum drop altitude
is 2,000’ MSL. If a training requirement exists for parachute/paradrop
operations above these altitudes, advanced coordination and approval
authority will be required from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In this case, notification and coordination with the Camp Pendleton Airspace
Manager shall be made at least ten (10) working days prior to the desired
paradrop operation.
e. All high altitude high/low opening paradrops shall be conducted in
VFR conditions to include aircraft transit/pattern and jumper descent to DZ.
f. Cargo drops will not be made at an altitude above 3,000’ AGL in
R-2503B or 2,000’ MSL in R-2503A, unless coordinated with the Base Airspace
Manager at (760) 725-8183. A cold pass is required prior to dropping cargo.
g. Units conducting cargo drops at DZ Basilone shall provide road guards
to stop traffic while the A/C is conducting its cargo drops. Operations
shall not require a road to be closed for more than ten minutes.
h. Parachute and paradrop operations will be conducted in designated DZ
areas only as established by the Director, Range Operations Division. Requests
for parachute/paradrop operations in areas other than established DZs
will require advance approval from the Director, Range Operations Division;
and shall be coordinated in advance with the Range Scheduling Office, and
Airspace Manager.
4. Hazards. The Commander and RSO perform the following actions to reduce
the risks associated with hazards.
a. Commander
(1) Ensure a risk assessment analysis has been conducted to
determine the risk level for jumpers. If a high risk exists, select (if
possible) an alternate DZ that allows mission conduct at a lower risk level.
4-27