TM  1-1520-240-10            8-1-1 CHAPTER  8 NORMAL PROCEDURES SECTION  I.  MISSION PLANNING 8-1-1.  Mission Planning. Mission planning begins when the mission is assigned and extends to the preflight check of the helicopter. It includes, but is not limited to, checks of operating limits and  restrictions,  weight/balance  and  loading,  perfor- mance, publications, flight plan, and crew briefings. The pilot in command shall ensure compliance with the con- tents of this manual that are applicable to the mission. 8-1-2.  Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE). All aviation life support equipment required for mission, e.g., helmets, gloves, survival vests, survival kits, etc. shall be checked. 8-1-3.  Crew Duties/Responsibilities. The minimum crew required to fly the helicopter is a pilot, copilot, and a flight engineer. Additional crewmembers, as required, may be added at the discretion of the com- mander. The manner in which each crewmember per- forms his related duties is the responsibility of the pilot in command. a.  Pilot.  The pilot in command is responsible for all aspects of the mission planning, preflight, and operation of the helicopter. He will assign duties and functions to all other crew members as required. Prior to or during pre- flight, the pilot in command ensure the crew is briefed on the  mission,  performance  data,  monitoring  of  instru- ments,  communications,  emergency  procedures,  and armament procedures. b.  Copilot.   The copilot must be familiar with the pi- lot’s duties and the duties of the other crew positions. The copilot will assist the pilot as directed. c.  Flight Engineer.  The flight engineer will perform all duties as assigned by the pilot in addition to the following specific duties. 1.  Performs or coordinates maintenance, servic- ing, inspection, loading, and security of the helicopter. 2.  Checks that log book is current and correct. 3.  Accompanies the pilot during preflight inspec- tion; performs the inspection with the pilot. 4.  Checks the security of each area inspected. 5.  Assists  in  seating  and  securing  passengers; checks load security. 6.  Ensures the helicopter is clear during all start- ing procedures and informs the pilot of any objects which would pose a hazard to the helicopter during all phases of ground operation. 7.  Visually  inspects  engine  and  ramp  area  for proper operation. 8.  Remove chocks and closes ramp door when called for by the pilot. 9.  Observes and gives clearance to pilots during taxi and hover operation. Reports any object or condition which would pose a hazard to the helicopter. When the helicopter is being taxied in obstructed areas, the flight engineer or other crewmembers may be required to act as  taxi  director  or  blade  watchers.  Taxi  directors  and blade watchers must be familiar with CH-47 ground turn- ing characteristics. (fig. 2-1-2 and FO-1) 10.  Perform  check  of  ramp  area  and  MAINTE- NANCE PANEL every 30 minutes of flight. 8-1-4.  Crew Briefing. A crew briefing shall be conducted to ensure a thorough understanding  of  individual  and  team  responsibilities. The briefing should include, but not be limited to, copilot, mission equipment operator, and ground crew responsi- bilities and the coordination necessary to complete the mission in the most efficient manner. A review of visual signals is desirable when ground guides do not have a direct voice communications link with the crew 8-1-5.  Passenger Briefing. The following is a guide that should be used in accom- plishing required passenger briefings. Items that do not pertain to a specific mission may be omitted. a.  Crew Introduction. b.  Equipment. 1.   Personal to include ID tags. 2.   Professional. 3.   Survival. c.  Flight Data. 1.   Route 2.   Altitude. 3.   Time en Route. 4.   Weather.