MCCONNELLAFBI21-101 — Low Altitude Operations (lao) And Very Low Altitude Operations (vlao)

MCCONNELLAFBI21-101 governs the identification, inspection, and documentation of aircraft performing low or very low altitude air refueling missions.

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  • Publication number: MCCONNELLAFBI21-101
  • Title: LOW ALTITUDE OPERATIONS (LAO) AND VERY LOW ALTITUDE OPERATIONS (VLAO)
  • Date: 2007-03-16

View MCCONNELLAFBI21-101 on armypubs.army.mil

MCCONNELLAFBI21-101 defines LAO and VLAO environments, establishes flight-hour inspection criteria, and requires mission coordination. It also requires flying schedule and AFTO Form 781A documentation for these operations.

Applies to: These home-station procedures apply wherever 22 ARW aircraft are operated.

Topics covered

  • Low altitude operations
  • Very low altitude operations
  • Airframe special inspections
  • VLAO approval
  • Aircraft tracking inspections
  • Flying schedule documentation
  • AFTO Form 781A discrepancies

Questions and answers

What airspeed and altitude define the LAO environment?

The LAO environment is defined as aircraft operating at airspeeds above 240 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) and at altitudes from 3,000 to 6,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). (paragraph 1)

When are LAO airframe special inspections required?

Substantial visual airframe special inspections are required upon accumulation of 25 flight hours of LAO. (paragraph 1)

What inspections are required before VLAO operations?

Substantial visual and non-destructive inspection (NDI) airframe special inspections are required to be performed by maintenance personnel prior to aircraft operating in VLAO. (paragraph 1)

What happens after an aircraft accumulates 50 VLAO flight hours?

Upon accumulation of 50 VLAO flight hours, the aircraft must be removed from service and re-inspected. (paragraph 1)

How must LAO and VLAO missions be coordinated?

LAO and VLAO missions must be pre-coordinated. 22d Operations Support Squadron scheduling (OSS/OSOS) will notify 22d Maintenance Operations Squadron Plans, Scheduling and Documentation (PS&D) of all anticipated LAO or VLAO missions. (paragraph 2)

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