CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 2 of 12 3/21E/1

1.0 General 

This supplement is applicable to all FLETCHER Model

FU24-950/954/950M and FU24A-950/954/950M series 

aircraft with stretched turbine conversion STC 3/21E/1 

embodied and which have been modified for parachuting 

operations. 

Under NZCAR Part 91 aircraft operating in the parachute 

dropping role in New Zealand must be certificated in the 

Standard Category. 

The information contained herein supplements or 

supersedes the basic Flight Manual only in those areas 

described. For Limitations, Procedures and Performance 

Data not contained in this supplement consult the basic 

Flight Manual. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 3 of 12 3/21E/1

2.0 Limitations 

2.1 Aircraft Configuration 

All aircraft must operate in an approved configuration, and 

this particularly applies to an agricultural aircraft like the 

FU24 when it is converted to a completely different role 

such as parachute dropping. This usually involves a range 

of separate modifications which must all be individually 

approved. Approval will normally be indicated by the 

presence of an Approved Flight Manual Supplement, or 

they may be listed in the airframe logbook. Modifications 

may be required for the following areas of the aircraft: 

a) The aircraft must be approved for operation with the 

rear door removed, or the door must be openable in 

flight and be approved for in-flight door opening. 

b) The aircraft must have an approved configuration for 

the rear cabin. (The hopper will have been removed,

and a new interior fitted, including a floor. This is not 

covered by the turbine conversion STC.) 

c) The cabin floor and sidewall linings should not have 

any protrusions or items (handles or fittings) which 

could damage or snag an occupant or their parachute. 

d) There must be an approved method of communication 

between the pilot and the rear cabin occupants. (This is 

typically achieved by an intercom, or by light signals.) 

e) There may be external grab handles and/or a step for 

the parachutists to use. 

f) For flight above 13,000 ft AMSL, or between 10,000 

and 13,000 ft for 30 minutes or more, there must be an 

approved oxygen system (fixed or portable) which 

provides sufficient oxygen for the pilot and all the 

occupants to comply with NZCAR Part 91 requirements

or the equivalent requirements of the State of Registry. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 4 of 12 3/21E/1

2.2 Operating limitations 

a) Parachutists must exit the aircraft through the rear 

door, either with the door removed or through an 

openable door that is approved for in-flight operation. 

b) VFR operations only. 

c) Smoking is prohibited. 

d) The pilot and any non-jumping crew members must 

wear a parachute. 

e) Parachute static lines must be kept clear of control 

surfaces. 

f) Unless the occupants are restrained the weight and 

balance calculation must assume that the occupants 

are at the most aft positions that result from the 

rearmost members of the group sitting against the aft 

cabin wall and subsequent members of the group 

located immediately forward of them. 

2.3 Speed limitations 

Observe any speed limitations specified by any applicable 

flight manual supplements for any embodied modifications. 

2.4 Weight and Balance 

For each individual flight, a weight and balance calculation 

must be performed to establish that the aircraft C of G will 

remain within the AFM limits for the duration of the flight. 

The weight and balance calculation must use the actual 

weights for all occupants and their equipment. 

Observe the weight limitations of the cabin floor at all times. 

(Both maximum weight and maximum floor loading, as 

applicable.) 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 5 of 12 3/21E/1

2.5 Placards 

Fuselage Station [STA] reference lines must be clearly 

marked inside the rear cabin on the walls just below the 

lower window line at a maximum of 35 inch spacing. 

Starting with the cockpit bulkhead at STA 101, measure 

backwards and mark off the Station Lines at 30 inch

intervals. Make the first interval 34 inches to round off the 

numbers. Place the following placard at each Station Line: 

 I STA “xx”

OCCUPANTS MUST STAY IN THEIR 

ALLOCATED POSITION UNTIL SEQUENCED 

TO JUMP 

OBEY ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE CREW 

NOTE: 

The “xx” refers to the actual Station Line. i.e. STA 135, STA 

170, STA 205. (The rear bulkhead is at STA 240). 

Fig.1 Fuselage Stations PT6-EX 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 6 of 12 3/21E/1

3.0 Emergency Procedures 

If a parachutist hits the fuselage fin or horizontal stabiliser 

when departing the aircraft or a parachute or lines become 

snagged the pilot needs to make a quick determination if 

there is any effect on the control of the aircraft. 

a) Carry out a handling check in the landing configuration 

to check on elevator control. Note it is recommended 

that flaps are lowered gently and progressively. 

b) If a safe landing is deemed possible land at the earliest 

opportunity. If a safe landing is not thought possible, all 

occupants should abandon the aircraft immediately if 

height permits or attempt an emergency landing as per 

the AFM Emergency section. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 7 of 12 3/21E/1

4.0 Normal Procedures 

4.1 Additional pre-flight checks 

a) It is recommended that parachuting occupants should 

be restrained securely from movement forward or, 

particularly for the Fletcher FU24, rearward. 

b) Parachuting occupants are in the correct loading

position in accordance with the weight & balance sheet. 

c) Parachuting occupants must be fully briefed with the 

procedure for the parachute drop, including seating

distribution, any exit sequencing, and any emergency 

actions (such as what to do in the event of an engine 

failure). 

d) Oxygen supply is adequate for all occupants for the 

route planned on flights above 13,000 ft AMSL or for 

between 10,000 ft and 13,000 ft AMSL for 30 minutes

or more. 

e) No loose articles in the cabin. 

4.2 Take-off 

Ensure that the elevator trim is in the take-off position. 

WARNING 

An out of trim elevator, in combination with 

cabin loading, flap position and power 

setting, can result in large control forces 

and/or unrequested pitching/yawing after 

leaving the ground. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 8 of 12 3/21E/1

4.3 Parachute Dropping 

The following recommended procedure should be used 

when dropping parachutists: 

a) Reduce speed, using flaps if required, still maintaining a 

safe margin above the stall speed. 

b) Aircraft should be in straight and level flight.

c) Pilot to communicate with parachutists to prepare to 

exit. Parachutists must correctly stow oxygen systems 

and any other equipment that will remain in the aircraft. 

d) Pilot to instruct when parachutists can release restraints 

(if fitted) and exit the aircraft. 

e) Maximum side slip angle = 10 degrees (There may be a 

side load on the aircraft with parachutists on the step.) 

WARNING

The Centre of Gravity position will shift 

with the unloading of parachutists. Ensure 

familiarity with the characteristics of the 

aircraft at low speed operations and 

centre of gravity changes. 

WARNING

The potential exists for parachutists to 

strike the fin and horizontal stabiliser of 

the aircraft when exiting the airplane in 

flight. It is recommended that parachute 

drops should be made with the aircraft in 

level flight with reduced power and 

airspeed, and flaps if necessary. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 9 of 12 3/21E/1

5.0 Performance 

No change. 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 10 of 12 3/21E/1

6.0 Weight and Balance 

METRIC UNITS TABLE: 

ITEM: WEIGHT: 

(kg) 

ARM: 

(m) 

MOMENT: 

Aircraft Empty Weight: 

Pilot: -0.513 

Observer: (Front cockpit) -0.513 

Fuel: +0.249 

First Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between front Bulkhead (STA 101) and STA 135 

(Moment arm between +0.02 and +0.88 metres) 

Second Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between STA 135 and STA 170 (Moment arm 

between +0.88 and +1.77 metres) 

Third Row of Parachutists: *

* IF CARRIED (See WARNING overleaf) Typically located between 

STA 170 and STA 205 (Moment arm between +1.77 and +2.66 metres)

Last Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between STA 205 and STA 240 (Moment arm 

between +2.66 and +3.55 metres)

 

Other equipment: 

TOTAL 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 11 of 12 3/21E/1

IMPERIAL UNITS TABLE: 

ITEM: WEIGHT: 

(lb) 

ARM: 

(in) 

MOMENT: 

Aircraft Empty Weight: 

Pilot: -20.2 

Observer: (Front cockpit) -20.2 

Fuel: +9.8 

First Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between front Bulkhead (STA 101) and STA 135 

(Moment arm between +0.8 and +34.8 inches) 

Second Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between STA 135 and STA 170 (Moment arm 

between +34.8 and +69.8 inches) 

Third Row of Parachutists: *

* IF CARRIED (See WARNING overleaf) Typically located between 

STA 170 and STA 205 (Moment arm between +69.8 and +104.8 inches)

Last Row of Parachutists: 

Typically located between STA 205 and STA 240 (Moment arm 

between +104.8 and +139.8 inches)

 

Other equipment: 

TOTAL 
CAA APPROVED AFM SUPPLEMENT 

Parachuting Operations 

PT6 Fletcher-EX 

15 October 2012 

AIR2817-FMS-P1 Page 12 of 12 3/21E/1

WARNING

The potential exists to exceed the maximum 

takeoff weight and centre of gravity limits of 

the aircraft when carrying a full load of 

parachutists. A specific calculation should be 

made for each individual flight. 

NOTES: 

1. The moment arms for the fuselage Station Lines in the 

Table above are provided for reference purposes. They 

can be used to estimate the actual moment arm for the 

individual parachutists or tandems (as applicable) based 

on relative position to the marked Station Lines in the 

cabin. 

2. Aircraft datum for c.g. calculations is the wing leading 

edge at STA 100.21 (2.545m). 

3. The maximum number of parachutists which can be 

carried will be determined by the individual weight and 

balance calculation. 

4. Other equipment (at the bottom of the table) may include 

an approved oxygen system or any other portable 

equipment which may be carried on the flight.