TM 5-3740-218-13&P
2
Place approximately 20 waste containers perpendicular to line of flight of helicopter, spaced 5 ft apart on
level ground.
3
Fly PDU over center of line of containers while pesticide is being dispersed at maximum flow setting.
4
Inspect each container until pesticide appears to be falling in area of containers (figure 2-12).
5
Empty all containers and fly over them repeatedly at same elevation, on same line of flight, and at desired
application speed.
6
Repeat until there is readily measurable amount of material in fullest containers. Record amount of material
(by volume, weight, or number of particles) in each container, and container's distance to right or left of line
of flight. After this information has been recorded for at least two separate tests, it will be possible to
establish effective swath width and create new flow rate table.
7
Refer to (a) above, Meter Settings, to determine meter setting required to obtain desired coverage (lb/acre).
2-11. ATTACHING PDU TO HELICOPTER
WARNING
Ground personnel must be aware of their position in relation to helicopter at all times to
prevent personal injury. Ground personnel involved in ground operation of PDU and/or
helicopter shall wear protective head gear for ears and eyes to prevent personal injury.
A hovering helicopter (in the air) will create static electricity which exposes personnel to
an electrical shock hazard. To avoid electrical shock during the electrical hookup, the
groundperson should hold the insulated wires and tap the metal connectors together.
This will discharge the static electricity. Alternative methods are the use of a grounding
rod and chain, a discharge wand, or touching the helicopter down just before hookup.
NOTE
Three persons, in addition to helicopter crew chief, are required to operate PDU.
Groundperson 1 should be positioned in front of PDU. Groundperson 2 should be
positioned to signal helicopter pilot. Groundperson 2 should be well versed in hand
signals. Ground personnel should be upwind of PDU. Third person operates PDU from
helicopter.
a. Groundperson 1: Open crosstube gate valve and set PDU engine key to ON.
