Form Check Prep Flashcards
How many aircraft in a standard formation should operate the transponder?
Only one aircraft (usually the lead) [3.41.1.1]
Unless otherwise directed, all aircraft within a non-standard formation will
squawk an ATC assigned Mode 3A/C beacon code until established within the assigned altitude block
Who will operate in traffic advisory mode?
Formation leads (and last aircraft when formation length exceeds 3 NM)
[AETC] ATC must ____ for operations in a non-standard formation. The formation leader shall notify ATC upon initial contact on each new frequency that ____
approve and issue a specific clearance; flight operations are being conducted in a non-standard formation and advise ATC of the separation and spacing being employed
Formation flights are non-RVSM if?
any aircraft in the flight is non-RVSM
[AETC] Formation flights are authorized to vary their lighting configuration based on ____. Pilots operation with varied lighting configurations outside restricted or warning areas must?
MDS-specific volumes or training syllabus; ensure the entire formation can be visually identified by non-participating aircraft
What is a standard formation?
A standard formation is one in which a proximity of no more than 1 mile laterally or longitudinally and within 100 feet vertically from the flight leader is maintained by each wingman [FAA glossary/AETC sup]
What is a Knock-It-Off used for? When is it called?
When safety of flight is a factor, doubt or confusion exists, or any of the following situations:
-Emergency
-Bingo fuel is inadvertently over flown
-Unbriefed/unscheduled flight enters the working area
-MOA bust has occurred or appears imminent
-Speed is below minimum required for maneuver
-Weather is below minimums for area or route
-Over G or Over limits
-Radio failure or rocking of wings
-Loss of SA
-Dangerous situation developing
or any player calls “knock-it-off”
When will terminate be called? In what situations?
Terminate will be called by any player to discontinue maneuvering when safety of flight is not a factor and in these circumstances
-Bingo fuel is reached
-Objectives desired are met
-Out of position with no expectation of expeditious return to position
-(Told to)
If #1 is blind, transmit “CS, blind, XXXX feet” and _____
maintain a predictable flight path; #2 will either call “continue” and state position or call “KIO (as req’d and “blind” with altitude in MSL)
If #2 is blind, transmit “CS, blind, XXXX feet” and _____
maneuver away from #1’s last known position
If both aircraft are blind, #1 must
immediately direct a minimum of 1,000 feet altitude separation
Do not exceed approx. ___ degrees and ____ G’s while in fingertip/close trail. Minimum airspeed is ____
90 degrees, 2-3 G’s, 120 min A/s
Close trail maneuvering is limited to
turns and modified lazy eights
What are the restrictions for ET?
Minimum airspeed of 100 KIAS and max bank of 120 degrees (ET II)
AGL of 6000’ or greater
No abrupt turn reversals
Two ship only
Weather required is 3SM, Clear of Clouds, and discernable horizon
Inside of 300’ or in front of 3/9 line requires KIO
Number 2 will lag last known position of number 1 and call “blind”
Solos will not fly over the top or barrel rolls as Number 2
Do not accomplish a position change
below 500’ AGL or greater than 30 degrees aft of LAB
Do not accomplish PLW
less than or equal to 6,000 feet AGL, IMC, or night
What are #1’s responsibilities?
I will Clear and Plan for the formation, Monitor number 2, Navigate and Communicate
What are #2’s responsibilities?
I will not hit number 1, keep number 1 in sight, be in position and on frequency, clear for the formation, and back up number 1”
Although numbers 1 and 2 are both responsible for adequate separation, generally ____ has primary responsibility for flight path deconfliction within the element unless ______
number 2; unless number 2 is unable to maintain visual in which they should call “blind”
If number 2 calls blind, who has responsibility for flight path deconfliction?
Number 1
What factors contribute significantly to the potential for a midair collision?
-Failure of number 1 to properly clear or visually monitor number 2 during a critical phase of flight
-Failure of number 2 to execute lost wingman procedures promptly and correctly
-Failure to recognize excessive overtake
-Failure to maintain lateral or vertical separation
-Failure to consider the effects of wingtip vortices
Lead Pursuit. Number 2 aims the aircraft nose _____ number 1’s flight path. With enough lead pursuit, ___ and ___ will increase, and ___ will decrease
in front of; AA and closure will increase , HCA decreases
Pure Pursuit. Number 2 aims the aircraft nose _____ number 1. In pure pursuit there is initially no ___; the other aircraft remains fixed at ___ o’clock in the canopy. A pure pursuit picture initially creates _____ that diminishes over time. ___ equals ___, which also both diminish over time. If both aircraft are co-airspeed, an attempt to sustain pure pursuit eventually evolves into ____ pursuit, resulting in increasing range and a decreased AA.
directly at, LOS, 12 o’clock, closure initially, HCA equals AA which also diminish over time
co-airspeed pure pursuit eventually evolves into lag pursuit
Lag Pursuit. Number 2 aims the aircraft nose ____ number 1’s flight path. Although there may still be some ____ initially, _____ soon decreases, AA _____, and HCA ____.
behind, might be some closure initially, but ultimately
closure decreases, AA decreases, and HCA increases
Unless otherwise briefed or directed, when communicating with agencies outside the formation, _____ will speak for the flight until the formation splits up
Number 1
______ owns the radios; which means ____ will only change frequencies when directed by _____ or _____
Number 1 owns the radios; which means number 2 will only change frequencies when directed by number 1 or when written unit standards dictate
If number 1 uses the term “go” for a frequency change, number 2 will
acknowledge before changing the frequency (for example, “Texan, 11 go channel 5”; acknowledged with “ 2”)
If number 1 uses the term “push,” number 2 should
change to the new frequency without acknowledging (“Texan 11, push channel 5”; no acknowledgment)
If number 1 sends number 2 to the wrong frequency, number 2 should
go to that frequency and wait
When in fingertip formation, wingmen should ________ when number 1 directs a channel change, and they will return to _____ after being checked in on the new frequency.
automatically move to the route position; fingertip
When referring to aircraft within the formation, use the terminology
blind (lack of visual contact) or visual (positive visual contact) as appropriate
When referring to aircraft outside of the formation, use the terminology:
no joy (lack of visual contact) or tally ho (positive visual contact)
What does padlocked mean?
Padlocked indicates that the pilot cannot take his or her eyes off an aircraft or ground object without losing sight of that aircraft or object
When referring to ground objects, use the terminology:
Contact or Negative Contact
Where can you find information on visual signals?
AFPAM 11-205, Aircraft Cockpit and Formation Flight Signals
As number 2, acknowledge with ____ when number 1 gives a visual signal.
a head nod
Visual signals must be clear, appropriate, and proportional to ____
range;
For example, a slight wing rock to reform to fingertip from two-ship-width route versus a large wing rock to signal a reform from a 500-foot route
Only the pilot _____ will give visual signals
at the controls
Number 2 will acknowledge number 1’s visual signal or radio call to initiate checks and?
move to route spacing (if the check was directed while in fingertip and weather allows), and perform the appropriate checklist itemsH
How should Number 2 accomplish checklists?
Accomplish the check one item at a time, checking position on number 1 between each item. Prioritize tasks. Fly formation first and accomplish checklist items as workload permits. During turns, fly the aircraft and resume the check after the turn is complete.
What is required for all ops checks in the MOA?
Fuel and G’s
What is the definition of Joker Fuel?
The brevity term for a pre-briefed fuel quantity above bingo at which separation, bug out, or event termination should begin and proceed with the remainder of the mission
What is the definition of Bingo Fuel?
The brevity term for a pre-briefed fuel quantity that allows the aircraft to return to the base of intended landing or alternate (if one is required) using preplanned recovery parameters and arriving with normal recovery fuel
Wings-Level Flight (Climb, Descent, or Straight and Level). The lost wingman ________ and informs number 1
turns away, using 15 degrees of bank for 15 seconds
Turns (Climb, Descent, or Level). When outside the turn, the lost wingman ______ and informs number 1
reverses the direction of turn, using 15 degrees of bank for 15 seconds
When inside the turn, the lost wingman
momentarily reduces power to ensure nose-tail separation and tells number 1 to roll out of the turn. Number 2 maintains AOB to ensure lateral separation, and then proceeds on a separate clearance.
Precision and Non-Precision Final Approach. The lost wingman
momentarily turns away from number 1 to ensure separation and starts a climb to either the FAF or glide slope intercept altitude
Missed Approach. The lost wingman
momentarily turns away to ensure clearance, informs number 1, and continues to the published missed approach while climbing 500 feet above the missed approach altitude
Do lost wingman procedures guarantee obstacle clearance?
No. Lost wingman procedures do not guarantee obstacle clearance. It is the responsibility of all the pilots in the formation to be aware of terrain and obstacles along the flight path
What does Number 1 must respond with, at a minimum, during practice lost wingman?
At a minimum, number 1 will respond with attitude, to include bank angle. Number 2 will acknowledge this radio call “2.”
Who is primarily responsible for flight path deconfliction during PLW?
Number 1 will monitor number 2 to ensure adequate separation is maintained and is primarily responsible for flight path deconfliction while number 2 is heads down during the procedure.
Number 1. If suffering from spatial disorientation, ______ , and transfer aircraft control to the other pilot if practical. If transfer of aircraft control is not an option, confirm attitude with the other crewmember or number 2. If symptoms persist,
terminate the mission and recover by the simplest and safest means possible
Number 2. If suffering from spatial disorientation, immediately tell number 1, and transfer aircraft control to the other pilot if practical. Number 1 advises number 2 of aircraft _______. If symptoms persist and conditions permit, number 1 should establish straight-and-level flight for ______ seconds. If possible, number 1 may try to get the formation to VMC conditions. If the condition persists, consider offering the number 1 position. If number 2 becomes a threat to number 1?
attitude, altitude, heading, and airspeed; 30-60 seconds
a lost wingman should be initiated. As number 2, be cautious when initiating lost wingman procedures as this could trigger further spatial disorientation
Wing Takeoff. Place number 2 on the ____ side for takeoff when the crosswind component exceeds ___ knots
upwind; 5 knots
If crosswinds are not a factor for a wing takeoff?
consider placing number 2 on the outside of the first turn if entering IMC. If crosswinds and IMC are not factors, number 1 should consider placing number 2 on the inside of the 1st turn
How much lateral wingtip clearance is required for a wing t/o?
20 feet of lateral wingtip clearance
What power setting is number 1 targeting on a wing t/o?
85-95 percent torque to give number 2 a slight power advantage.
When the formation is safely airborne with a minimum of ____ KIAS, number 1 retracts both gear and flaps. Number 2 raises gear and flaps when climbing, and number 1’s gear begins to retract.
110 KIAS
Static Interval Takeoff. After number 2 gives a head nod that the run-up check is complete, number 1 releases brakes and performs a ____ power takeoff. Wingmen will ensure a minimum of ___ seconds spacing following lead, then perform a ____ power takeoff. Each aircraft should steer toward (but not cross) the center of the runway after the start of the takeoff roll.
MAX power; 6 seconds; MAX power
Interval Takeoff. When airborne at a minimum of 160 KIAS, number 1 reduces power to __ to __ percent (or as required for an intermediate level-off) and maintains airspeed of 160 KIAS.
85 to 95%
Interval Takoff. The rejoin may be a turning rejoin, a straight-ahead rejoin or, in some cases, a combination of both. Number 2 must be alert for transitions from one type of rejoin to another as number 1 follows the departure route. Unless briefed otherwise, number 2 will rejoin to ______
the inside of the first turn out of traffic. If necessary, coordinate for an intermediate level off to maintain VMC until wingmen are joined. Wingmen should maintain MAX power until sufficient overtake is achieved.
What takeoff spacing is required on instrument trail?
no less than 20 seconds
On an instrument trail departure, what power setting, airspeed, and bank angle are the aircraft using?
Each aircraft climbs at MAX power at 160 KIAS and uses 30 degrees bank for all turns
Interval Takeoff. Until join up or level off, both number 1 and number 2 call when passing _____ and when initiating _____.
even-numbered thousands of feet (for example, 2,000, 4,000, etc.) and heading changes
Interval Takeoff. Number 2 will maintain a minimum of _____ of altitude separation from number 1 until visual. If number 2 cannot maintain ____ separation and comply with the minimum safe altitude, number 1 may reduce the vertical separation to _____.
1,000 feet, may be reduced to 500 feet
Once visual, how close can Number 2 get to Number 1 until themselves are visual?
If number 1 is “blind,” but number 2 has number 1 in sight, number 1 has the option to direct a rejoin. In this case, number 2 does not rejoin closer than a route position until number 1 calls “visual”
Pitchout. Provide spacing for rejoin practice. Normally a level turn, approximately ___-degrees, performed sequentially, to provide spacing between the aircraft
180 degrees
Pitchout as Number 2. Stay visual. Delay __ to __ seconds or as briefed, which should provide approximately ___ to ___ feet of separation at rollout, then turn to follow number 1. Place number 1 approximately ___ to ___ ship widths above the horizon.
2 to 3 seconds; 500-1,000 foot; one to two
What should number 1 do if a turn is required after a straight-ahead rejoin is initiated?
inform number 2 and clear
SARJ as number 2. Rejoin to the ____ side unless directed otherwise. Increase airspeed to generate closure (initially use ___ to ___ knots of overtake). Place number 1 _____. Continue to close until approx. ____ feet when details such as _____ can be seen. At this point, bank slightly away from number 1 (“make a bid”), toward a position ____ to ____ ship widths out from number 1’s wingtip. Stabilize in ____ before _____
left; 20-30 KIAS; slightly above the horizon to maintain separation from number 1’s wake turbulence
500 feet; pitot tubes
two to four ship widths
stabilize in route before fingertip
TRJ as number 1. If using a wing rock, attempt to make the first wing dip _____. Maintain ____ degrees of bank unless otherwise briefed. Bank and pitch may be varied if required for area orientation.
in the direction of the rejoin; 30 degrees of bank
TRJ. Number 1 should appear slightly ____ the horizon. Maintain number 1 within approximately ____ relative ship widths ____ the horizon
above the horizon; ~2 ship widths
What aspect line are you looking for in a TRJ?
(3 aspect/30 degrees AA) When the vertical stabilizer approximately bisects the outside wing, reduce bank angle to maintain this relative reference line. When stable, there is no LOS
Close trail spacing is _____ aircraft lengths (nose-to-tail) behind
number 1, just below number 1’s _________
one-to-two, wake turbulence and prop wash
Close trail maneuvering limitations are the same as
wingwork exercise
Close Trail. Maintain position primarily with _____. As number 1 starts to climb, lead’s aircraft will _____. Likewise, when number 1 begins a descent, lead’s aircraft will _____
power; decelerate on the way up and accelerate on the way down
(T) If possible, always try to end close trail
in a turn and rocking your wings to get them in
Close trail. The two most important points to remember are to remain _______ and always keep number 1 in sight
below number 1’s wake turbulence
How can you recognize 2 ship widths in close trail?
-placing number 1’s wingtips between the AOA indexer and
magnetic compass
-making a “T” out of the aft edge of the speed brake and the
UHF/VHF antenna
-the tips of number 1’s elevator line up about one-third of the way out the wings (just past the dihedral break in the wing)
What is the parameters for WW level I?
0-30 AoB, +/- 10 pitch, 1-2 G’s
What is the parameters for WW level II?
0-60 AoB, +/- 25 pitch, 1-2 G’s
What is the parameters for WW level III?
0-90 AoB, +/- 35 pitch, 2-3 G’s
Wingwork. What is the target altitude, airspeed, and power setting?
Target energy level is the middle of the area
altitude block between approximately 180 to 200 KIAS. As a guide, use approximately 50 to 55 percent torque in a low area and approximately 55 to 60 percent torque in a high area
When may number 1 reduce power after ET?
To end the exercise, number 1 or number 2 calls “terminate”. Number 1 may reduce power when number 2 is in sight or when number 2 acknowledges the terminate call. Number 2 will then maintain the fighting wing position until number 1 directs a reform or another formation position
What is an echelon turn? When can they be flown?
A turn in which number 2 remains in the same POM as number 1.
Echelon turns may be accomplished from fingertip or route. All turns while in route position will be echelon turns (echelon signal not required). When in fingertip, however, turns are only flown as echelon turns if indicated by number 1.
Approx how many degrees of bank are used in an echelon turn? About how much space should exist between aircraft?
Number 1 should roll smoothly into bank (approximately 60 degrees), maintain appropriate back pressure, and minimize power changes.
In the FCP, approximately one-half of the yellow rescue door should be visible (resembles a triangle) behind the aft edge of number 1’s wing and one wingspan spacing will exist between the aircraft
When should you breakout?
Hazard to the formation
In front of or under #1
Told to
Sight or SA lost
Breakout. After number 2 achieves safe separation and visual contact with number 1, a radio call is made to advise number 1: “Texan 2, visual.” Number 1 then directs a rejoin as appropriate. Do not rejoin until directed by number 1, however number 2 may ______
parallel number 1’s flight path to control a divergent vector (i.e., “align the fuselages”)
What is the stack, line, and spacing for fingertip? What are the references?
Stack: slightly low (exhaust stack on top of wing)
Line: 30deg aft / 6 AA (exhaust stack b/w pitot and position light)
Spacing: 10 feet (leading edge of horizontal stab)
What is the stack, line, and spacing for route? What are the references?
Stack: level with lead (nuggets on the horizon)
Line: LAB to 30deg aft (strobe on spinner up to strobe on helmet)
Spacing: 2 ship widths to 500 feet (black writing to CB flash)
What is the stack, line, and spacing for echelon? What are the references?
Stack: Co-altitude unless route requires just low enough to be visual (aircraft bisects horizon)
Line: LAB to 30deg aft (CFS door = dorito chip)
Spacing: 40 feet (1 T-6 wingspan)
What is the stack, line, and spacing for TRJ? What are the references?
Stack: 2 ship widths below (#1 should be 2 ship widths above horizon)
Line: 30 AA (star/SA in saddle)
Spacing: Decreasing towards fingertip (20-30 KIAS overtake until 500 feet)
What is the stack, line, and spacing for Fighting Wing? What are the references?
Stack/Line: 30 to 45 degree cone (TRJ line to vertical stab over opposite wingtip)
Spacing: 500 to 1,000 feet aft of number 1
do not stagnate in high/low 6
What is the stack, line, and spacing for Chase? What are the references
Stack/Line: 30 to 60 degree cone
Spacing: out to 1,000 feet
will not stack lower than lead below 1,000 AGL
What is the stack, line, and spacing for Wedge? What are the references?
Stack: No lower than #1 and up to 500 feet (200-300 optimal)
Line: 30-45 degrees aft
Spacing: 2,000-3,000 feet
What must you do on any overshoot?
Keep number 1 in sight at all times during any overshoot
Straight-ahead Rejoin Overshoot. A straight-ahead rejoin with excessive closure results in a _____ overshoot. Maintain lateral spacing on a ____ or ____ vector to number 1. A small, controllable 3/9 line overshoot is easily managed and can still allow an effective rejoin. There is no need to breakout if flight paths are not convergent and visual contact can be maintained.
pure airspeed overshoot
parallel or divergent vector
Turning Rejoin Overshoot. A turning rejoin with excessive closure airspeed results in a combination airspeed-aspect overshoot in a POM about 50 feet below number 1. Attempt to overshoot early enough to cross number 1’s 6 o’clock with a minimum spacing of _____. Breakout if unable to maintain nose-tail separation. Reduce power and use speed brake as required. Once outside the turn, use bank and back stick pressure as necessary to stabilize in ______ position. Fly no higher than ______
two ship lengths
route echelon
At the KIO call, number 1
continues the current maneuver without changing power setting (stays predictable) and ensures flight path deconfliction which should be primary concern for all aircraft
Upon hearing a KIO call, all aircraft will?
CCMA
Clear the flight path
Cease maneuvering
Maintain visual
Acknowledge with callsign
(Obtain verbal clearance before resuming maneuvers)
Is a sun-blind condition an actual lost-sight case?
Yes. Apply proper procedures immediately
If both aircraft have lost sight of each other, number 1 must immediately direct a minimum of _____ altitude separation. Until visual contact is regained, number 1 must take positive action to ensure ______
1,000 feet; flight path deconfliction
Number 1 will call or signal for the lead change. If in fingertip, number 2 will move out to ____, then assume a route position near line abreast (LAB) and approximately _____
route; two ship widths
When a lead change is initiated from fingertip, number 2 moves out and forward to ensure
wingtip seperation
BD Check. If in fingertip, Number 2 automatically moves to the ____ position (approximately _____ widths) and climbs to see the opposite wingtip of number 1’s aircraft, descends back to route position and performs a crossunder to look at the other side in the same fashion. Number 2 must maintain ______ while inspecting number 1.
route; two ship widths; nose-tail separation
What is the signal for a BD Check? What is the signal for a clean check?
Number 1 initiates the BD check using a radio call or the “check mark” visual signal. If there are no discrepancies on number 1’s aircraft, number 2 passes a thumbs- up to number 1, indicating a “clean” BD check. If number 1 is not clean, number 2 will use the radio to describe any discrepancies
Formation Approach. Stack level no earlier than _____ and when able to maintain VMC throughout the landing, but no later than ____ from the runway.
glide path intercept; one-half mile
What power setting does #1 use on formation go-arounds and missed approaches?
Number 1 smoothly adds power to approximately 75 percent torque
What is the crosswind limit for a wing t/o?
15 KIAS
What weather is required for a wing t/o?
Circling mins or 500 and 1 1/2 (whichever is greater)
What runway condition is required for a wing t/o?
Dry/Wet (no standing water, slush, ice, snow)
How wide does the runway need to be for 2 ship wing t/o?
150 feet
What is the minimum torque by 60 KIAS required for a wing t/o?
85%
What weather is required for a formation approach?
500 and 1 1/2 or lowest compatible (whichever is greater)?
How low can #1 go on a formation approach?
300 feet AGL
What is the maximum bank angle for route and echelon?
Approx. 60 degrees
What are the restriction for PLW?
NO in IMC, <6000 AGL, or night
What is the minimum weather, runway width, and crosswind for an interval takeoff?
1500/3, 75 feet wide, and 25 KIAS
What is the squadron standard for blind and nordo?
DFO will transition to base altitude and wingman will go to base altitude +/- 1000 feet (w/o crossing base altitude). Bad aircraft will enter left 30 deg bank turn and squawk 7600 at 180 KIAS center radial/DME
What are the base altitudes?
Low: 11,000’
High/Low: 15,000’
High: 19,000’
When will lead be offered in an emergency?
Discovery, Recovery, Final
The number 1 position should be offered three times: (1) when the emergency occurs, (2) on recovery when below the weather and able to navigate VFR to the field, and (3) when on final with the field in sight
