SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR SKYDIVING OPERATIONS

Due to the recent accident at the South Pole from the commercial operation there, we would like to demonstrate the safety precautions which we have built into our planning for SPE98. These safety precautions are included in the planning documentation circulated prior to that tragic accident. We have taken precautions to prevent similar results.

Below are the specific planning items aimed at preventing the onset of hypoxia, curriculum for training so that any problems in procedures are worked out before we reach the continent of Antarctica, and procedural issues meant to enhance the safety of this operation.

· Overflight of the skiway at the South Pole at 500 feet AGL to calibrate Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) to set the zero datum point higher than ground level as well as calibrate altimeters to higher zero datum level. This adds an additional margin for error in judgment, increased freefalls speeds and any possible instrument errors.
· 5 training jumps in Santiago exiting the aircraft from over 18,500 feet AMSL with opening at above 12,000 feet AMSL to simulate actual conditions at the South Pole. Further, this training will allow us to acclimate to the tailgate aircraft and work out exit procedures in preparation for the South Pole Expedition. This will immediately shake out anyone who is not competent to accomplish these tasks - both mentally and physiologically.
· Use of the Il-76 aircraft since that aircraft possesses cabin pressurization, a tail-gate for ease of exit without the Oxygen-depleting exertion needed to exit a smaller aircraft. Also, the Il-76 has the room to accommodate sufficient Oxygen supplies for all aboard. The Il-76 is the safest aircraft for this operation.
· 2 days of classroom and lecture on Antarctic Survival Techniques including crevasse survival and rescue techniques, operation and usage of the Supplemental Oxygen Systems as well as bailout systems, High-Altitude Physiology, High-Altitude Altimetry and proper sequencing of deployment for safe operations.
· All parachute systems will be equipped with the CYPRES Digital Automatic Activation Device without exception. All jumpers will carry the Dytter Audible Altitude Warning Device set for 3,500 feet above the zero datum point (i.e. 4,000 feet AGL). All jumpers will wear clearly visible altimeters calibrated for this operation.
· Maintenance of the cabin temperature of above +5C until 10 minutes prior to drop in order to maintain battery temperature of the AAD above the minimum rated temperature of -20C (CYPRES battery is installed within the bottom of the reserve container and is partially insulated).
· Maintenance of cabin pressure up until 5 minutes prior to jump to limit the jumpers’ exposure to low ambient pressures.
· Pre-breathing 100% Oxygen for 1 hour before jump to Oxygen-saturate body tissues before exposure to high-altitude and low temperature conditions.
· Minimum experience levels of 500 jumps - 100 of which must have been in the past 12 months.
We have a very unique opportunity to show the world the technical expertise of the Russian Antarctic Expedition by demonstrating the ease of this operation. With the proper planning and safety precautions, we will alleviate its hazards. This will demonstrate what international cooperation and technical expertise can accomplish - with the right people, experience and planning.

Innovation and courage brought about the birth of aviation in France - which eventually spread around the world. Let us boldly press forward for another milestone in French and Russian Aviation!

Page by: Bob Christ, D-14650