Airborne Touchdown

Photo that I stylized depicting touch down of airborne trooper in drop zone (DZ) in 1973. Most of the airborne exercises we participated in within SEA were not operational. Generally this involved static line training jumps of troops from doors designed for that purpose aft of the wings on both sides of the C-130. On this occasion we were part of the drop zone ground team helping to direct C-130 crews flying above. Balloons, smoke flares, and ground-to-air radio communications were used to convey ground conditions to the aircrews above so as to help provide safe, timely, and accurate flight path for the paratroopers. Red-to-green lights in rear of C-130 controlled from cockpit were used to signal precise time to jump. Note cutout panels in parachute which allowed maneuverability to the jumper.