IMPORTANT Info and Link:

Duff's Aircraft strives to assist you with the smoothest possible process as you prepare for your Commercial Charter.  Please review the below information and links as the below information and guides will ensure fewer issues or delays in processing for your flights.  Disseminating this information down to the lowest element will help ensure your Troops are prepared on Movement Day.  Please feel free to pass this link to others if you find it beneficial as the information below applies to all DTR Regulated Military Charters.

*** Cargo Items on Passenger Flights***: When you request a Commercial Military Charter, you are basically requesting to transport: your Troops, a Weapon, a Carry-On, One Ruck (MOLLIE) and One Standard Issue Duffle Bag.  Based off of this standard request, you get awarded an aircraft capable of carrying THAT load for the number of people you have stated.  If you KNOW that you are having a Late RFI issue, Last Minute Supplies, issuing Monster Bags for the Duffle Bag, etc…. PLEASE state in your request that you have Bulk Cargo.  Bulk Cargo is requested in Short Tons; this will allow a larger aircraft to be awarded and the issues of bulking out will be negated.  Again, this is to YOUR BENEFIT

 

"In all situations, anything that is NOT a Ruck (MOLLIE) or Duffle Bag, and is NOT a PERSONAL Checked Bag, that item is considered CARGO.  You MUST have a DD1750 attached to Each Item and a DD1385 (Cargo Manifest) completed for all Cargo Items.  The DD1385 MUST be presented when you arrive at the ADACG and present your Cargo for acceptance.  Your Cargo MUST be accessible (With Key Holder standing by) as All Cargo will be inspected for Hidden Hazards and Forbidden Items."

 

*** Approved Military Firearms in Aircraft Cabin ***

Per DTR, Shoulder Fired and Smaller weapons are allowed to be carried in the Cabin of the Aircraft once the weapon has been rendered inoperable (by removing the Bolt or placing an APPROVED Chamber Block or Zip-Tie in the weapon).  As DTR cannot list every weapon in the Military’s arsenal, DTR list M4/M16, M249, M9/M17 as examples of approved weapons.  DTR further states that all Crew-Served weapons (.50 Cal, M240 as examples) must be loaded as Checked Baggage.  Although a bit ambiguous as stated in the DTR, for definition of a Shoulder Fired weapon, this is regarded as a weapon in which the Butt Stock of the weapon is placed in the Pocket of the Shoulder and fired.  A Weapon that sits on TOP of the shoulder (i.e. Carl Gustaf) does NOT fit the definition as intended.  This should be understood that ALL Crew Served Weapons (including Mortars with Plates, Carl Gustafs, M240 to give example) MUST be placed in the Cargo Hold with Checked Baggage of ALL Commercial Military Charters.  Further, the carrying of Sniper Rifles MAY be accommodated if the suppressor is removed to bring the rifle down to the length of an M16.  This is due to the weapon needing to be secured (depending on Airline) in the Overhead or Under the Soldier’s feet and not protrude into the Isle of the Aircraft.  Please plan accordingly with your Charter as this is a steadfast rule and has been increasingly challenged by Using Units.  This regulation has been in place for Many years and is not expected to be changed anytime in the future.  If you have further questions on this particular matter, please reach out to U.S. Transcom or TACC for any clarification that you may need PRIOR to your day of flight.

*** Empty Weapon Magazines ***: Recently, the carrying of Empty Spare Magazines in Carry-On Baggage was questioned. On a Military Charter, the Flight Deck and Ops Rep correctly questioned the carriage of empty magazines in the passenger compartment – THEY ARE PROHIBITED IN CARRY-ONS.

 

Most references within the DTRs and airline manuals stipulate that the magazines must be removed from the weapon, but they don’t clearly state what should be done with them.

 

From the TSA’s website: “Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on, but may be transported in checked bags.”

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/parts-guns-and-firearms

 

The Note below "Figure T-2" of DTR Part III, Appendix T points directly to the TSA’s website for a detailed list of prohibited items (which closes the loop).  This means: ALL Weapon Magazines MUST be in Checked Bags and CANNOT be in Carry-On Bags.

 

*** Lithium Batteries ***: Spare Lithium Batteries are NOT allowed in Checked Baggage.  All Spare Lithium batteries MUST be in Carry-On baggae or on person.  Batteries MUST be protected to ensure shorting is not allowed.  This includes CR123, Lithium AA and AAA, Spare Laptop Batteries, Camera and Radio batteries, E-Cigs or Portable Battery Packs.  Lithium Battery Powered Electronic Devies may be carried in Checked or Carry-on Bags.   Per 49 CFR 175.10:

18) Except as provided in §173.21 of this subchapter, portable electronic devices (e.g., watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, laptop and notebook computers, camcorders, medical devices etc.) containing dry cells or dry batteries (including lithium cells or batteries) and spare dry cells or batteries for these devices, when carried by passengers or crew members for personal use. Portable electronic devices powered by lithium batteries may be carried in either checked or carry-on baggage. Spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Each installed or spare lithium battery must be of a type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Sub-section 38.3 and each spare lithium battery must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (e.g., by placement in original retail packaging, by otherwise insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals, or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch). In addition, each installed or spare lithium battery must not exceed the following:

(i) For a lithium metal battery, a lithium content of not more than 2 grams per battery; or

(ii) For a lithium ion battery, the Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 Wh. With the approval of the operator, portable electronic devices may contain lithium ion batteries exceeding 100 Wh, but not exceeding 160 Wh and no more than two individually protected lithium ion batteries each exceeding 100 Wh, but not exceeding 160 Wh, may be carried per person as spare batteries in carry-on baggage.

****Guidons on Commercial Flights****

Please ensure you bring your Guidons in a Case (Canvas Wrapped or Hard Cased) when you arrive at your Scale Time to the ADACG.  These are REQUIRED to be placed in Checked Baggage and are not allowed to be taken into the Cabin of the Aircraft. 

*** Passenger Processing Signs ***:

 

The Below Signs may be downloaded and printed to be used at your Unit Location to help guide your Troops.

Please Note: At this time, Per 49 CFR 1544, Whole DOD Charters are "Private Charters" and currently the 3.1.1 does not apply.

"The Happy Plane People"

 

 

Duff's Commercial Aircraft Services
678 Old Maxton Rd
Raeford, NC  28376

 

USA Locations:

Phone / Fax: 877-808-5238

POB / SSC / GSB / FAY / RDU

Email: ops@duffs.us

 

 

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