DA Form 5701-47: CH-47 Performance Planning Card

DA Form 5701-47: CH-47 Performance Planning Card – US Army CH-47 Chinook pilots and crews rely on precise performance calculations for every mission. The DA Form 5701-47, officially titled the CH-47 Performance Planning Card, is the standardized tool that ensures safe, legal, and effective operations of the Army’s heavy-lift helicopter. Whether you fly the CH-47F or earlier variants, this card helps you compute critical data for departure, cruise, and arrival under varying environmental conditions.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the DA Form 5701-47 is, why it matters for every CH-47 mission, how to complete it correctly, and where to download the latest official fillable PDF directly from Army Publishing Directorate (APD).

What Is DA Form 5701-47?

DA Form 5701-47 (CH-47 Performance Planning Card) is a specialized aviation mission-planning form issued by the Department of the Army. It replaced earlier “R” versions and is now maintained as an electronic fillable form (current revision referenced via ARN37130).

For use of this form, see TC 3-04.12 (Aviation Mission Planning Forms), with the proponent agency being TRADOC.

The card captures performance data extracted from the CH-47 operator’s manual (TM 1-1520-271-10 for the F-model or equivalent) or approved performance planning software such as IPACX. Crews use it during pre-mission planning, crew briefings, and in-flight mission management.

Why the CH-47 Performance Planning Card Is Critical for US Army Aviation?

The CH-47 Chinook is the Army’s only heavy-lift cargo helicopter, capable of carrying up to 26,000 lbs on the center hook and operating in extreme environments—from high/hot conditions in the Middle East to cold/high-altitude operations in mountainous regions.

Key reasons every CH-47 crew must use DA Form 5701-47:

  • Determines maximum gross weight (GWT) limits for hover (IGE/OGE) at departure and arrival.
  • Calculates predicted hover torque, single- and dual-engine torque available, and airspeed limits.
  • Ensures fuel management and range planning prevents exceeding structural or performance limits.
  • Supports compliance with AR 95-1, TC 3-04.12, and unit SOPs.
  • Reduces risk during sling-load, internal load, or troop transport missions.

Accurate planning directly impacts mission success, aircraft safety, and crew survivability—especially when operating near maximum gross weight of 50,000 lbs.

Key Sections of the DA Form 5701-47

The form is logically divided into four primary sections that mirror the flight profile:

  1. Departure Data
    Records operating weight, pressure altitude, temperature, and takeoff fuel weight. Calculates maximum allowable GWT for hover (30-minute IGE/OGE), predicted hover torque (dual- and single-engine), and torque available.
  2. Fuel Management
    Tracks fuel burn, time enroute, and reserve requirements to maintain accurate weight and balance throughout the mission.
  3. Cruise Data
    Provides power settings, optimum indicated airspeed (IAS), fuel flow, range, endurance, and maximum altitude for cruise flight. Essential for long-range or heavy-lift operations.
  4. Arrival Data
    Mirrors departure data but uses destination environmental conditions. Includes landing capability to hover (IGE/OGE), maximum landing GWT, and Vne (never-exceed speed) limits.

Additional blocks capture pressure altitude, temperature, density altitude, and remarks for quick reference by the pilot-in-command (PC).

How to Fill Out DA Form 5701-47? (Step-by-Step for CH-47 Crews)

Follow these steps using your aircraft’s current operator’s manual or approved software:

  1. Gather environmental data for departure, cruise, and arrival points (pressure altitude, temperature, winds).
  2. Determine operating weight empty + crew + mission equipment.
  3. Compute departure performance data (max GWT hover limits, predicted torque).
  4. Calculate fuel required and enter fuel management section.
  5. Fill cruise data using performance charts for optimum IAS and power settings.
  6. Repeat performance calculations for arrival conditions.
  7. Verify all numbers against aircraft weight and balance (DD Form 365 series).
  8. Review with the entire crew during the mission briefing.

Pro Tip: Many units now use digital tools like IPACX for initial calculations, then transfer verified data to the paper or electronic DA Form 5701-47 for the cockpit.

Always cross-check single-engine capability and ensure predicted hover torque stays within limits—especially critical for CH-47 external load operations.

Download Official DA Form 5701-47 PDF (Fillable – Current Version)

Direct official download from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:

Download DA Form 5701-47 – CH-47 Performance Planning Card (E-File)

This is the most current fillable version available on armypubs.army.mil. Print it on card stock or use digitally in the cockpit as authorized by your unit.

  • TC 3-04.12 – Aviation Mission Planning Forms (primary reference).
  • TM 1-1520-271-10 – CH-47F Operator’s Manual.
  • CH-47F Series Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) – Task 1010: Prepare a Performance Planning Card.
  • DA Form 5484 (Mission Schedule/Brief) and weight-and-balance forms.

Conclusion: Master the CH-47 Performance Planning Card for Mission Success

The DA Form 5701-47 CH-47 Performance Planning Card remains an essential, time-tested tool that every US Army Chinook crewmember must master. Proper use ensures you operate within the aircraft’s performance envelope, protects your crew, and completes the mission safely—whether conducting combat resupply, disaster relief, or training flights.

Bookmark this page and keep the official PDF link handy. Accurate performance planning isn’t optional—it’s a non-negotiable standard that separates successful CH-47 missions from potential incidents.

Need the form for your next flight? Click here to download the official DA Form 5701-47 PDF now.