NATOPS Flashcards
Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS):
Positive approach toward improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction in the aircraft mishap rate. Standardization, based on professional knowledge and experience, provides the basis for development of an efficient and sound operational
NATOPS History:
NATOPS was established by the United States Navy in 1961 as a positive approach towards improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction in naval aircraft mishaps. In 1950 the US Navy/Marine Corps lost 776 aircraft (roughly 2 airplanes per day or a rate of 54 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours). Numerous technical initiatives, including the angled flight deck in 1954, and standardization programs, were credited with significantly reducing the rate to 19 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours by 1961, and further to 9 by 1970 (the current rate, for comparison, is under 2 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours).
NATOPS Standardization:
A lack of standardization and training in both maintenance and flight operations was cited as causal in a large percentage of mishaps. Several standardization programs were initiated in the late 50’s and early 60’s to counter this problem. The first was the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) in 1959. Prior to the NAMP, aircraft maintenance practices were completely non-standardized. The second standardization initiative began in 1961 with the introduction of the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) program. FRSs indoctrinate newly designated aircrew and aircraft mechanics into the peculiarities of specific aircraft. Prior to the FRS concept, qualified pilots transitioning to a new aircraft were essentially told how to start it, and then sent to go fly. The final major standardization program put in place was NATOPS in 1961.
CNO NATOPS Coordinator:
An individual assigned to the NATOPS products administrator, who represents CNO NATOPS policy at all NATOPS review conferences.
NATOPS Advisory Group:
Composed of the following (and other commands as designated by COMNAVAIRFOR):
a) CNO;
b) COMNAVAIRFOR;
c) Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC);
d) COMNAVAIRSYSCOM;
e) Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA);
f) Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command (COMMARFORCOM);
g) Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Pacific (COMMARFORPAC);
h) Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (COMNAVAIRFORES);
i) Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing (CG FOURTH MAW);
j) Commander, Naval Safety Center (COMNAVSAFECEN);
k) Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).
NATOPS Model Manager:
The unit commander or head of department designated by the COG command to administer the NATOPS program for a specific aircraft model or aviation-related system. These assignments are delineated in the NATOPS status report posted on the Airworthiness Web site.
NATOPS Program Manager:
An individual within the MMU assigned by the model manager to perform administrative responsibilities for the NATOPS program and who is given written authority to act on behalf of the model manager in NATOPS-related matters. The NATOPS program manager of a NATOPS flight manual (NFM) shall be an aviator highly qualified in model. The NATOPS program manager of a general series NATOPS Manual shall be knowledgeable of and highly experienced in the subject areas addressed in the manual. The NATOPS program manager should be assigned these responsibilities for a minimum of 18 months.
NATOPS Evaluator:
A highly qualified air crewmember assigned to a NATOPS evaluation unit. Designations shall be in writing by the NATOPS model manager.
NATOPS Instructor:
A highly qualified air crewmember whose primary duty should be administering the NATOPS evaluation program within a squadron or unit. NATOPS instructors shall receive initial and subsequent NATOPS standardization evaluations from the appropriate NATOPS evaluator and be designated in writing by the commanding officer.
NATOPS Evaluation:
An evaluation of individual pilot or crewmember, consisting of an open book examination, a closed book examination, oral examination, and an evaluation flight (aircraft or simulator).
NATOPS procedures for engine start/stop:
- Before starting an engine, the wheels of the aircraft shall be chocked and the parking brake set unless a deviation from this requirement is specifically authorized by the applicable model NATOPS manual.
- Where applicable, intake screens shall be installed on jet aircraft.
- Prior to starting jet engines, intakes and surrounding ground/deck shall be inspected to eliminate the possibility of Foreign Object Damage (FOD).
- When an engine is started by non-pilot personnel for testing and warm-up purposes on aircraft other than transport and patrol class equipped with parking brakes, the plane shall be tied down.
- Whenever an engine is started, personnel with adequate fire extinguishing equipment, if available, shall be stationed in the immediate vicinity of the engine but safely clear of intakes or propellers.
NATOPS Manual terms/phrases:
- Warning. An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.
- Caution. An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.
- Note. An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that must be emphasized.
- Shall. Means a procedure that is mandatory.
- Should. Means a procedure that is recommended.
- May. “May” and “need not” mean the procedure is optional.
- Will. Indicates futurity and never indicates any degree of requirement for application of a procedure.
The visual identification system for naval aircraft provides for the assignment of aircraft markings and side numbers that identify aircraft of one unit from those of another using unit identification assigned by the CNO:
The system provides a means of rapid identification of Navy and marine aircraft that is simple, flexible and readily adaptable to expansion in the event of mobilization. The vertical stabilizer of the aircraft is where the below marking will be located.
- COMNAVAIRLANT. The first character shall be “A through M”; second character “A through Z”.
- COMNAVAIRPAC. The first character shall be “N through Z”; second character “A through Z”.
- CNATRA. The first character shall be “A through G”; there is no second character.
