How should the aircraft react when control of the jumpers is lost?

• A. Head for the nearest town
• B. Orbit until control is regained
• C. Increase speed to regain control
• D. Notify air traffic control

Answer: (B)

When control of the jumpers is lost, the correct procedure is for the aircraft to orbit until control is regained. This approach allows the jumpmaster and the crew time to assess the situation and attempt to regain control of the jumpers while ensuring safety. Orbiting provides a stable and controlled environment, which can help in re-establishing communication or visual contact with the jumpers, and gives the crew time to formulate a plan for either recovery or further mission execution.

Heading for the nearest town may not be practical or safe, especially if the jumpers are scattered or in a potentially dangerous area. Increasing speed to regain control is typically not advisable as it can complicate the situation further and increase the risk of an accident. Notifying air traffic control may be necessary, but it is secondary to directly addressing the immediate issue of the lost control over the jumpers in the air. Thus, orbiting presents the most strategic and safe response to regain control.