Chapter 4. AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55~3930243-14

CHAPTER 4

AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

CAUTION

4-1. Scope

Do not allow the forklift to exceed 3 miles per

This chapter provides transportability guidance

hour (walking speed) on loading ramps or in-

for air movement of the forklifts. It covers sig-

side aircraft.

nificant technical and physical characteristics

and prescribes the materials required to prepare,

4-4. Preparation of Forklifts

load, and secure the forklifts in Air Force aircraft.

a. All of the forklifts may be transported in the

The RTL10, RTL10-1, and M10-A forklifts, in op-

C-5A in their operational configuration.

erational configuration, are certified for trans-

b. The forklifts may be transported by C-141

port in C-5A aircraft. They are certified for

provided that the total forklift weight does not

transport in C-141 aircraft provided that the roll

exceed 33,600 pounds and the axle weights do not

over protective structure (ROPS) and removable

exceed 19,260 pounds on the rear axle and 14,340

counterweights are removed.

pounds on the front axle. The ROPS must be re-

4-2. Maximum Use of Aircraft

moved, and if required, removable counterweight

and forks may be removed. The vertical exhaust

The loads prescribed in this chapter are not max-

stacks must be removed from the RTL10. Items

imum aircraft loads. Total cargo loads and oper-

that are removed must be secured on pallets or

ating ranges are subject to variables such as

as directed by the aircraft loadmaster.

weather, airfield conditions, individual aircraft

characteristics, and distance. General guidance

4-5. Transport by US Air Force Aircraft

on total cargo loads and operating ranges are pro-

a. Each of the forklifts require four stacks of

vided in Air Force Regulation 76-2. For specific

timber shoring between the floor of the aircraft

guidance contact the nearest Military Airlift

and the forklift axles or chassis. This shoring is

Command (MAC) Activity.

required to support any downward motion of the

4-3. Safety

forklift. If the forklifts are transported with the

forks attached, shoring must also be placed un-

In addition to the safety precautions listed in

derneath the fork tines to protect the aircraft

Chapter 3, the following should be noted:

floor.

a. Forklift fuel tanks must not be less than one-

b. Two stacks of shoring are required under

fourth or more than three-fourths full.

each axle. Each stack under the rear axle must

b. Forklift must be checked carefully to insure

measure at least 11- by 24-inches at the bottom

that all loose items are properly secured.

(on aircraft floor), and may be tapered to no less

c. Forklift must be restrained for air transport

than 11- by 4-inches where they contact the axle.

in accordance with the applicable procedures in

Each stack under the front axle must measure at

section IV of Air Force TO 1C-5A-9 or TO 1C-

least 11- by 14-inches at the bottom (on aircraft

141A9. Procedures outlined in this manual are

floor), and may be tapered to no less than 11-by

for general guidance.

4-inches where they contact the axle.

c. All shoring material will be furnished by the

WARNING

shipper and installed as directed by the aircraft

Fire extinguishers must be readily available

loadmaster.

during all loading and unloading operations.

d. Tiedown diagrams (figs 4-1 thru 44) and data

WARNING

tables (tables 4-1 thru 4-4) are based on accept-

Proper ventilation must be provided when

able methods and can be used as a guide in loading

loading or unloading. Prolonged inhalation

and securing forklifts aboard the aircraft. Tables

of exhaust fumes may be fatal.

list the type and capacity of tiedown devices re-

4-1