The Air Drop

The South Pole station is serviced primarily by the C-130 aircraft with ski's attached to the landing gear. The C-17's, which service McMurdo Station (They land on a glacier 13 miles from the Base) are too heavy to land on the airstrip at the South Pole. Each year, however, the air force employs the C-17's to do an 'air drop' at the South Pole. The air force appreciates the practice and the NSF appreciates the free cargo shipment. The South Pole Personnel, who have to clean up the resulting mess, are only ones unhappy about it . . .

Cargo Personnel working their way out to the drop zone. The South Pole Station lingers on the horizon.

The Drop Zone

This is what happens when the chute malfunctions . . .

Somebody thought it would be a good idea to air drop fifty pound sacks of flour . . .