DD Form 1748 at a glance
What it is: DD Form 1748, the Joint Airdrop Inspection Record (Platforms), is completed as required by DA PAM 59-4/OPNAVINST 4630.24E/AFMAN 13-210 Vol. 2/MCO 13480.1E Vol. 2.
Who signs: Both the Transported Force and the Airlift Unit inspectors certify completion of the inspection. After all inspections are completed, the aircrew loadmaster ensures that all applicable columns have been checked and affixes their signature certifying completion of all inspection requirements.
A filled-in DD Form 1748 example: opening the record for one platform
How to fill out DD Form 1748, box by box
Items 1 to 5: unit, departure and aircraft
Item 1: enter the designation and geographic location of the military unit responsible for the equipment being tendered for airdrop. Example: ADFSD Ft. Lee VA.
Item 2: enter the unit of aircraft commander (complete during after-loading inspection). Example: 99 AS.
Item 3: enter the departure location for this sortie. Example: Langley AFB VA.
Item 4: enter model and series of aircraft airdropping the equipment. Example: C-130H.
Item 5: enter the complete serial number (tail number) of the aircraft airdropping the equipment (complete during after loading inspection). Example: 92-0999.
Items 6 to 12: the load
Item 6: enter the nomenclature of the equipment tendered for airdrop. If additional space is required for mixed pieces of equipment, enter "See Remarks" and describe the entire load in item 28, Remarks. Example: HMMVVV, ammunition, petroleum. Enter the type and number of parachutes used.
Item 7: enter the publication number and specific chapter utilized in rigging the platform tendered for airdrop. Example: TM 4-48.12 Chap 2.
Item 8: for a single load enter "1".
For sequential loads dropped on the same pass use the following as an example: For a three-platform load, the first platform loaded is load # 3 and the last platform loaded is #1. A separate form will be used for each platform. The last platform loaded will be "1 of 3" on the first set of forms. The first platform loaded will be "3 of 3" on the last set of forms, (complete during after-loading inspection).
Item 9: enter the total rigged weight of the platform, air items, and accompanying load as they appear on the load data tag.
Item 10: enter the platform or load length whichever is greater.
Item 11: enter the width of the platform or load whichever is greater.
Item 12: enter the height of the platform and load from the bottom of the platform to the highest point on the load.
Items 13 to 23: extraction systems and platform
Check only items applicable to your specific load inspection.
Items 13 through 22: enter an "X" for each applicable item. Enter "N/A" for non-applicable items. NOTE: if an entire major area is not applicable, it may be crossed out (Z)
Items 13 and 14 are for non-Drogue Extraction System (DES) extractions, such as C-130E/H. Items 13 and 14 are used, do not use items 15 and 16.
Items 15 and 16 are for Drogue Extraction System (DES) extractions, such as C-130J, MC-130 and C-17. If items 15 and 16 are used, do not use items 13 and 14.
Item 17 is for sequential platforms.
Item 18 is used with the Extraction Parachute Jettison System (EPJS).
Item 23D: if the platform bottom was not checked on the before loading inspection, check it during loading by watching it go from the loading vehicle to the airplane.
Items 24 and 25: hazardous material and locks
Item 24 Hazardous material certification: ensure the user has certified the hazardous material and the proper forms are available.
Item 25A: inspect all locks engaged in the platform for each pass and enter the lock number(s) and lock setting(s). Example 9 and 10, 2.75.
Items 26 and 27: inspection times and signatures
Item 26: enter the local time and date of inspections. All entries must be complete and legible.
Both the Transported Force and the Airlift Unit inspectors certify completion of the inspection.
When the load is delivered to the aircraft, the aircrew loadmaster will ensure all items 1 though 12 are entered correctly, and ensure all checks in the before loading column (items 13 through 24) are entered. Ensure items 26 A and Bare complete.
Item 27: enter local time and date of inspection. All entries must be complete and legible. Both inspectors must certify completion.
Item 28: comments
Item 28: enter any comments pertaining to the load, loading difficulties encountered, reason for rejection of the load or any other facts concerning the load or delays. When in-flight rigging is used, it will be annotated in this block also.
Sources
[1] DD Form 1748 (AUGUST 2024), Joint Airdrop Inspection Record (Platforms) (the Official source link on this page).