AFMAN11-409 — High Altitude Airdrop Mission Support Capability Program

AFMAN11-409 governs the High Altitude Airdrop Mission Support (HAAMS) Capability Program and its operations.

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  • Publication number: AFMAN11-409
  • Title: HIGH ALTITUDE AIRDROP MISSION SUPPORT CAPABILITY PROGRAM
  • Date: 2020-11-20

View AFMAN11-409 on armypubs.army.mil


AFMAN11-409 provides roles, responsibilities, guidance, and procedures for HAAMS operations and personnel duties. It addresses high-altitude airdrops, supplemental oxygen, waivers, HAAMS staffing, and physiological incidents.

Applies to: This publication applies to all members of the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including all civilian employees and uniformed members of the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol when conducting missions as the official Air Force Auxiliary.

Topics covered

  • High altitude airdrop operations
  • HAAMS capability
  • Supplemental oxygen requirements
  • Unpressurized flights
  • Physiological incidents
  • HAAMS staffing ratios

Questions and answers

When must aircraft descend to a lower block during high-altitude airdrops?

Aircraft must descend to a lower block (or below FL180) once the maximum block exposure time is met. (paragraph 2)

What supplemental oxygen guidance must aircrew follow?

Aircrew follow supplemental oxygen requirements within the guidance of AFMAN 11-202V3 (see paragraph 3.5.2.1). (paragraph 3)

When is a waiver required for unpressurized airdrops above FL250 MSL?

A waiver to AFMAN 11-202V3 is required from AF Flight Standards Agency for unpressurized flights when conducting airdrops FL250 MSL and above. (T-1). (paragraph 4)

What oxygen equipment must be provided for people aboard unpressurized airdrop aircraft?

Aircraft Commander will ensure MA-1 portable oxygen units equipped with A-21 regulators (or equivalent) and serviceable web-carrying straps are provided for each person aboard and be readily available except for parachutists who all possess on their person ready and usable personal O2 equipment.(T-1). (paragraph 4)

How many mission-ready HAAMS personnel are required for unpressurized missions at or above FL300 MSL?

One USAF mission ready HAAMS individual is required for each 12 personnel (aircrew, parachutists, MEP, etc.) in the cargo area of the aircraft for all unpressurized missions conducted at or above FL300 MSL. (T-2). (paragraph 4)

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