Chapter 8 - Alert Are 311 / Tactical Flight Training Area

Question 1

Alert Area 311 / TFTA GENERAL

Answer 1

An alert area is airspace wherein a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aeronautical activity is conducted. Alert areas are designated to inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that contain a high
volume of pilot training operations, or an unusual type of aeronautical activity, that they might not otherwise
expect to encounter. Pilots are advised to be particularly alert when flying in these areas

Question 2

Alert Area 311 / TFTA

DESCRIPTION

Answer 2

The TFTA is generally contained within the airspace designated as A-311 north of Mililani Mauka and
is divided into color-coded sectors (Blue, Red, Yellow, Green) (Figure 8-1).

The vertical boundary is from the surface to 500 feet AGL.

Question 3

WEATHER MINIMUMS

Answer 3

The weather minimums do not supersede AR 95-1 VFR weather minimums.

Day 500 feet ceiling 1 mile visibility

Night 1,000 feet ceiling and 3 statute miles visibility

NVD (1, 2, 3) 1,000 feet ceiling and 3 statute miles visibility

Battalion/Squadron (first O-5 in chain of command) or HIARNG Operations Officer (HIARNG only) may waive NVD minimums to
700-2.

The Brigade Commander (first O-6 in the chain of command) NVD may waive to NVD minimums to 500-2.

Actual medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions will not be reduced below AR 95-1 weather minimums

Question 4

LIGHTNING RADIO (COMMUNICATIONS)

Answer 4

The primary means of flight following in the TFTA is Lightning Radio on UHF 239.5(P) or VHF 141.65(A). Lightning Radio does not monitor the air-to-air frequency.

Lightning Radio is operational Monday through Friday 0730 HST to 2300 HST or as directed by NOTAM.

Lightning Radio provides procedural flight following services but is not equipped to ensure aircraft separation. Traffic advisories and hazard updates are provided to aircraft operating within the TFTA.

The primary means for de-confliction, separation, and coordination between aircraft operating in the same sector is the FM Air to Air. When Lightning Radio is not operational, UHF becomes the CTAF.

Question 5

TFTA / Lightning Radio Frequencies

Answer 5

Lightning Radio
VHF - 141.65 (Alternate)
UHF - 239.5 (Primary)

TFTA Air to Air Frequency FM - 36.20

Question 6

SCHEDULING TFTA TRAINING AREAS

To” protect” training areas for aviation operations, the following missions utilizing TFTA LZ/PZs to land require scheduling through Schofield Range Control:

Answer 6

Missions of four or more ACFT with or without troops.

When conducting air assaults, air movements, airborne ops with troops.

When conducting any type of aerial delivery operations (i.e., cargo delivery training). This does not include sling load blocks.

Question 7

UPPER AND LOWER 36 LZS

Answer 7

Upper and Lower 36 LZs are located on the south side of Wahiawa and the Lightning Academy Training Area. Units will coordinate with Lighting Academy at 808-656-0576 for use.

Question 8

UPPER AND LOWER 36 LZS

NOTE

Answer 8

Due to Upper and Lower 36’s proximity to Wahiawa, aircrews must adhere to “fly
neighborly”. Large formations should limit use to daytime operations.

Question 9

X-STRIP LZ

Answer 9

The X-Strip LZ, located on Kahuku Training Area (KTA) A-1, is not scheduled during weekends and Federal holidays, unless the supported military exercise (brigade or larger) has been approved by range
control. This area reverts to the Hawai’i Motorsports Association for recreational use during weekends and
Federal holidays.

Question 10

TFTA VERTICAL BOUNDARIES (AIRSPACE)

Answer 10

TFTA airspace is 500 feet AGL and below.

Sector airspace is 200 feet AGL and below

Question 11

TFTA BOUNDARIES, SECTORS, AND ROUTES

Answer 11

Figure 8-1 depicts the five training sectors (Green, Black, Red, Yellow and Blue), their associated napof-
earth (NOE) routes, all approved landing zones (LZs), drop zones (DZs), the TFTA boundaries, and the
flight following matrix is located in WAAF Base Operations.

Question 12

BLUE SECTOR

Answer 12

North arrivals to the TFTA will report NVD entry points ACP GOLF BALLS (G2) or ACP KAHUKU
(J4) for entry under NVDs. For entry at ACP GOLF BALL (G2), go feet dry just west of Turtle Bay then proceed to Kanes DZ. ACP KAHUKU visual reference is the southern tip of a triangular formation of
windmills.

Question 13

RED SECTOR

Answer 13

Question 14

YELLOW SECTOR

Answer 14

NVG entry point ACP WINDMILLS (C12/13) should be used when entering the TFTA from the NW. Visual reference is southern edge of windmill farm.

Question 15

BLACK SECTOR

Answer 15

NVG entry point ACP HELEMANO (C17) should be used for entry into the TFTA from Dole while using NVDs. Visual reference is north side of Helemano Military Reservation (HMR). Do not overfly housing area.

Question 16

GREEN SECTOR

Answer 16

ACP KU TREE (H23) is the day and NVG entry point to Green Sector

Question 17

TFTA FLIGHT PROCEDURES

Answer 17

All aviation units will use these procedures when conducting flight training in the TFTA. Missions supporting combined-arms training and tactical exercises have priority over all other training.

Question 18

FREE FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Answer 18

Aircraft established within the lateral boundaries of a sector, below 200 feet AGL, and free to maneuver without the constraints of a published Nap-of-Earth (NOE) route.

Question 19

TFTA FLIGHT FOLLOWING PROCEDURES

WHEN LIGHTNING RADIO IS OPERATIONAL

Answer 19

Position reports are required every 15 minutes or when departing a previously coordinated area of
operation for single aircraft.

Extended position reporting times may be requested for multi-aircraft operations (30 minutes maximum) provided the flight remains within a specified sector(s).

Use a combination of the alpha-numeric reference system, LZ names, numbers, NOE route or sector colors to facilitate flight following.

If operations normal, aircraft will provide a “OPS NORMAL” call with approximate location (nearest LZ or ground reference point).

Question 20

WHEN LIGHTNING RADIO IS OPERATIONAL

NOTE

Answer 20

If the required position report is not received within the specified time period, overdue
aircraft procedures will be initiated by Lightning Radio.

Question 21

TFTA FLIGHT FOLLOWING PROCEDURES

WHEN LIGHTNING RADIO IS NOT OPERATIONAL

Answer 21

Aircrews will flight follow with unit operations or a “sister” ship within the formation.

Aircraft will announce their movements within the TFTA on CTAF. Military Aircraft that are not capable of communicating on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) will not fly in the TFTA.

Use a combination of the alpha-numeric reference system, LZ names, numbers, NOE route or sector
colors when making flight following and/or advisory calls.

When Lightning Radio is closed all NOE routes will be flown from south to north only. Aircraft will
not reverse course at any time while on the NOE routes. Air crews will make a call in the blind on TFTA CTAF 239.5 stating their location and route to be flown. A subsequent call will be made at ACP 2 (for example, Green 2), ACP 3 (for example, Red 3), and clear of route.

Question 22

TFTA FLIGHT FOLLOWING PROCEDURES

IN THE EVENT OF RADIO FAILURE

Answer 22

In the event of radio failure, the aircraft will exit the TFTA vertically and notify the flight following facility by the most expeditious means available (another aircraft, telephone, etc.).

Question 23

TFTA ENTRY PROCEDURES

Answer 23

Contact Lightning Radio prior to entry. If Lightning is closed, use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) and make initial entry, en-route and departure calls.

Question 23

TFTA ENTRY PROCEDURES

The initial call to Lightning Radio will include the following information:

Answer 23

Aircraft tail number or call sign. After initial contact the type of ACFT may be utilized in place of
branch of service.

Number and type of aircraft

Number of personnel on board

Entry point, destination and proposed route of flight

Question 24

TFTA ENTRY PROCEDURES

Sample Radios Calls

Answer 24

“Lightning Radio; ARMY 12345, flight of 3 UH-60s with 6 POB each, entering the TFTA at Helemano enroute to Red Sector.”

“Lightning Radio; WINGS 98, single UH60, 4 POB, entering the TFTA at Ku Tree free flight to Blue Sector.”

Question 25

DAY ENTRY

Answer 25

Aircraft may enter the TFTA at any location at or below 500 feet AGL.

Question 26

NVD ENTRY
The following are the NVD reporting points:

Answer 26

Ku Tree
Helemano
Windmills
Golf Balls
Kahuku

Aircrews should enter the TFTA near to the NVD reporting points. Aircrews can descend below 500 feet AGL once inside the TFTA.

Question 27

TRAFFIC DENSITY

Answer 27

Lightning Radio will control traffic density based on published NOTAMs. Unscheduled aircraft
requesting flight following within the TFTA will be allowed to enter as deemed appropriate and safe by
Lightning Radio.

The maximum number of aircraft or formations allowed on an NOE route, in an LZ or established in a sector is two. For example, a single aircraft and a formation of three aircraft may conduct simultaneous operations at an LZ provided the formation does not separate.

Question 28

TRANSITIONING FROM SECTOR TO SECTOR

For aircraft operating in the vicinity of the TFTA but not logged into a sector the following will apply:

Answer 28

Communicate or coordination shall be established prior to an approach or entry on to NOE routes and as described in this chapter.

Remain above 500 feet AGL until established on approach to an LZ, an NOE route start/end point, and or established in a specified sector.

Make position reports using the alpha-numeric reference system, LZ names, numbers, and NOE route or sector colors.

Question 29

TRANSITIONING FROM SECTOR TO SECTOR

Answer 29

Aircraft conducting terrain flight training, will request entry into a sector with Lightning Radio or call
in the blind on CTAF when Lightning Radio is closed. Aircraft will remain below 200 feet AGL while in the
sector.

Communication will be established with other aircraft in the sector prior to entry. Aircraft will state position, intentions and coordinate with other aircraft to deconflict traffic. The primary frequency for these calls will be FM Air-to-Air when Lightning Radio is operational and CTAF when closed.

Question 30

TERRAIN FLIGHT ROUTES

Answer 30

Published terrain flight routes provide clearance of obstacles and freedom to conduct safe terrain flight
from other traffic.

Aircraft will only begin at a start/end point. The preferred flow of traffic is south to north; ACPs are established in numerical order (for example, Green 1, Green 2, and Green 3) for the start point, midpoint, and end point.
Traffic will flow in the same direction. An aircraft established on a route may “backtrack” no further
than the start point (if on the first half of the route) or the midpoint (if on the second half).

An aircraft “owns” the segment it is on until it clears that segment or the route. Make advisory calls to
Lightning Radio/CTAF and alert other aircraft on FM Air to Air before reversing course.

Do not start a terrain flight route until the preceding aircraft reports reaching the midpoint (or clearing
the route) and do not pass the midpoint until the preceding aircraft calls clear of the route.

Passing on terrain flight routes is permitted only when coordination is made between the two aircraft
and the one being passed holds at the midpoint while being passed.

If disoriented attempt to return to the last known point. If unable to orient on the route, climb to 500
feet AGL, reorient and return to the start/end point. Make calls to Lightning Radio/CTAF as appropriate.

Question 31

TERRAIN FLIGHT ROUTES
NOTE

Answer 31

Airspeeds and altitudes selection for the NOE route is at the discretion of the pilot in
command and in accordance with TC 3-04.4 and Aircrew Training Manual.

Question 32

Green Route

Answer 32

Question 33

Black Route

Answer 33

Question 34

Red Route

Answer 34

Question 35

Yellow Route

Answer 35

Question 36

WHEN LIGHTNING RADIO IS CLOSED

Answer 36

NOE routes shall only be flown south to north. North to south travel is unauthorized. Aircraft will not reverse course at any time while on the terrain flight route.

Question 37

EAST RANGE PROCEDURES

Answer 37

Aircraft operating in the East Range will remain below 200 feet AGL and maintain contact with Lightning Radio. Prior to departing East Range, aircrews will request frequency change with Lighting Radio to WAAF tower prior to entry into the Class D.

Question 38

TFTA EXIT PROCEDURES

Answer 38

Contact Lightning Radio/CTAF, state departure point, next destination, climb above 500 feet AGL and depart the TFTA.

At night, confirm external lighting is appropriate.

Aircraft exiting the TFTA vicinity of LZ Kutree for WAAF will coordinate with WAAF Tower prior to departing the TFTA to ensure traffic deconfliction.

Question 39

TFTA LANDING ZONES (LZ)

Answer 39

Large portions of the A-311 surface area does not belong to the U.S. Government or any DOD Agency. Helicopters are limited to ground operations on specifically designated LZs and those properties that have maneuver rights coordinated.

For LZs in the Training Areas and Ranges, the Range Facility Management Support System (RFMSS) will provide the list of all approved LZs. Units are responsible to ensure each location has a current LZ survey before use.

Helicopters will not hover over areas where rotor wash might cause damage to crops, disrupt civil activities, or disturb livestock.

Question 40

TFTA DROP ZONES (DZ)

Answer 40

G3-Air Range Control is the central coordination center for airborne operations and will de-conflict
training/drop areas. This coordination will include 25th Aviation Brigade S-3, HIARNG Operations (both
RW and FW operations).

Lightning DZ

Basilan DZ

Kanes DZ