TM 1-1500-250-23
1--2
Change 4
Section II. DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION
1-5.
Necessity of TM.
This General TM became necessary be-
cause of the apparent ineffectiveness of past tie-
down and mooring procedures. In the spring of 1989
Army aircraft at Ft. Hood and Ft. Polk experienced
extensive and costly damage as a result of very high
winds. In each instance, severe storm warnings had
been issued and current procedures were followed
within available time and capabilities. Despite these
measures serious damage to aircraft and losses to
the Army in combat readiness and resources oc-
curred.
1-6.
Army Policy.
The following Department of
the Army policy has been established: when noti-
fied of the potential for severe windstorms in excess
of 50 knots all Army aviation units will take the ac-
tions prescribed in this General TM.
a.
If unable to evacuate to a safe haven, air-
craft will be placed in hangars in the following prior-
ity; OH-58D/C/A, AH-64A, UH-60A, AH-1 all series,
UH-IV/H, and CH-47D/C. The priority for special op-
erations aircraft is: MH/AH-6, MH-60, MH-47, and
OH-6. For helicopter with more than two main rotor
blades, if feasible, the blades will be removed or
folded to maximize available hangar space.
b.
All aircraft remaining outside will be tied-
down and moored in accordance with appropriate
procedures described in this General TM. When
feasible, units will face the aircraft into the fore-
casted wind before mooring.
c.
Aviation units will also take additional
protection measures to include use of all available
shelters and/or artificial barriers such as revet-
ments, berms, igloos, trucks, buses, tanks, ar-
mored carriers, etc.
d.
Army aircraft located in areas that expe-
rience severe windstorms will tie down blades after
each flight and moor aircraft after the last flight of
the day regardless of the weather forecast. If air-
craft are not to be flown they shall be left tied down
and moored.
e.
Every installation with Army aviation
units will have secure mooring points for all as-
signed aircraft. Where points are not sufficient,
installation engineers will take immediate action to
install required mooring points.
f.
All units with assigned aircraft will en-
sure tie-down/mooring hardware, particular to each
aircraft, is in good repair.
g.
The horizontal stabilator of the UH-60
and AH-64 aircraft are to be set in the neutral posi-
tion (zero degrees).
NOTE
If unable to conform to the configurations
shown, contact AMCOM Engineering
(DSN 897-4905) or comm. 256-313-
4905 for guidance.
