DA Form 5701-60: H-60 PPC Guide & Official PDF Download – The DA Form 5701-60, officially titled the H-60 Performance Planning Card (PPC), is a critical tool used by U.S. Army aviators flying the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Issued in March 2016 and still the current standard, this form helps pilots calculate and record precise aircraft performance data for safe mission planning.
Whether you’re preparing for departure, cruise, or arrival under varying pressure altitudes (PA), free air temperatures (FAT), and gross weights, the DA Form 5701-60 ensures your UH-60 stays within safe operating limits. In this comprehensive guide tailored for U.S. Army aviators, we cover everything you need to know about the form, its purpose, how to use it, and where to download the official PDF.
What Is DA Form 5701-60?
DA Form 5701-60 is the U.S. Army’s standardized H-60 Performance Planning Card. Prescribed for use in TC 3-04.12 (Aviation Mission Planning Forms) with TRADOC as the proponent agency, it organizes performance data extracted from the UH-60 aircraft operator’s technical manuals (such as TM 1-1520-237-10) and approved performance planning software.
- Form Date: March 2016 (DA FORM 5701-60, MAR 2016)
- Previous Versions: Earlier iterations included DA Form 5701-60-R (May 2013) and the older DA Form 5703-R
- Purpose: To compute and document key performance parameters including maximum torque available, hover performance (IGE/OGE), cruise speeds, fuel flow, range/endurance, single-engine capability, and more
Aviators use it (or AMCOM-approved digital tools) to comply with AR 95-1 flight regulations and ensure mission safety under real-world environmental conditions.
Why the H-60 Performance Planning Card Matters for Safety and Mission Success?
Accurate performance planning is non-negotiable for the UH-60 Black Hawk. Environmental factors like high density altitude, heavy loads, or hot temperatures can drastically reduce power margins. The DA Form 5701-60 gives pilots a clear “go/no-go” picture before takeoff.
Key benefits include:
- Preventing exceedance of aircraft limits
- Optimizing fuel and payload
- Calculating single-engine capabilities in case of engine failure
- Meeting unit standardization requirements during training and combat operations
Modern aviators often pair the paper form with digital performance planning apps, but the official DA Form 5701-60 remains the gold-standard reference.
The Four Main Sections of DA Form 5701-60 Explained
The form is logically divided into four sections for quick reference during pre-flight planning:
- Departure Section
Captures takeoff conditions and performance limits.
Key fields include:- Pressure Altitude (PA)
- Free Air Temperature (FAT in °C)
- Aircraft Gross Weight (GWT)
- Stores Weight / Fuel Weight / Zero Fuel Weight
- Engine Torque Factors (ETF #1 and #2) and Aircraft Torque Factor (ATF)
- Maximum Torque Available (dual and single engine)
- Maximum Allowable Gross Weight (OGE/IGE)
- Predicted Hover Torque, Max Hover Height IGE, Go/No-Go Torque, etc.
- Minimum Single-Engine Airspeed (with/without stores)
- Cruise Section
Focuses on enroute performance.
Provides:- Cruise IAS/TAS
- Cruise Torque / Continuous Torque
- Cruise Fuel Flow
- Maximum Range IAS/Torque
- Maximum Endurance IAS/Torque
- Maximum Rate of Climb (R/C)
- Maximum Altitude MSL
- Vne and other critical airspeeds
- Arrival Section
Mirrors the Departure section but for landing conditions.
Complete this section only if destination conditions have changed significantly from departure (minimum: +5°C, +1,000 ft PA, or +500 lb gross weight). - Remarks Section
Space for notes, special considerations, or mission-specific data.
How to Complete DA Form 5701-60? (Step-by-Step Overview)
- Gather current DD Form 365-4 (Weight and Balance), engine ETFs from recent max power checks, forecast PA/FAT, and mission weights.
- Enter Departure data and extract performance numbers from aircraft charts or approved software.
- Calculate ATF (average of the two ETFs – allowable range 0.90–1.00; individual ETF 0.85–1.00).
- Fill Cruise data using planned airspeed and environmental conditions.
- Evaluate Arrival conditions and complete if required.
- Review all “Go/No-Go” values and add remarks.
Pro Tip: Most units now use AMCOM-approved performance planning software for speed and accuracy, but every aviator must understand the manual card for standardization and backup.
Official DA Form 5701-60 PDF Download
Direct official download (U.S. Army Publishing Directorate):
Download DA Form 5701-60 H-60 Performance Planning Card PDF.pdf)
This is the exact MAR 2016 version referenced in current training circulars. Always verify you have the latest version through armypubs.army.mil before use.
Related Publications and Resources
- TC 3-04.12 – Aviation Mission Planning Forms (primary reference)
- TM 1-1520-237-10 – UH-60 Operator’s Manual (performance charts)
- UH-60 Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) – Details standardized PPC procedures
- AR 95-1 – Flight Regulations
Best Practices for UH-60 Aviators
- Always cross-check digital outputs against the paper PPC
- Recalculate if weather or load changes
- Brief the entire crew on key PPC numbers during mission brief
- Maintain currency in both manual and software methods
Mastering the DA Form 5701-60 is fundamental to safe UH-60 operations. Whether you’re a new aviator learning the ropes or a seasoned IP refreshing procedures, this card remains an essential part of every flight planning checklist.
Need the form right now?
Click here to download the official DA Form 5701-60 PDF.pdf)
Stay safe, fly smart, and always plan your performance. For more UH-60 resources and Army aviation guides, bookmark this page or check official Army publications regularly. Questions about specific fields? Reference your unit SOP and TC 3-04.12 for the most current guidance.