SQUADRON SOP

Question 1

Chocks

Answer 1

a. Chocks SHALL be removed prior to resetting the struts or conducting high power evolutions.
b. Chocks SHOULD be utilized on all cross-country and OUT/IN flights.

Question 2

Required Hotseat Turnover Items

Answer 2

The off-going HAC SHALL include status of exceedances, last maximum power check, HIT checks (if not previously recorded in ADB), and any other aircraft degradations in their turnover with the oncoming HAC.

Question 3

Midshipman Operations

Answer 3

In addition to conducting the “Qualified Observer Checklist” in the PCL, midshipmen SHALL complete training on the following prior to an orientation flight:

a. cyclic/collective trim switches and usage
b. attitude gyro/airspeed/altitude indicator location and usage
c. PCL location and usage during EPs
d. ICS switch location and usage
e. Collective retraction
f. Egress procedures.

Question 4

Evaluation/check flights

Answer 4

Aircrewmen SHALL be embarked on all evaluation/check flights, night flights, and all scheduled IMC flights. This requirement is not intended to preclude pilots from accepting an IFR clearance when they encounter poor weather conditions. Cases requiring flights to be conducted without an aircrewman SHALL be approved by the CO. `

Question 5

Hand and Light Signals

Answer 5

Signals SHALL be in accordance with reference (g)

Question 6

Fly Away Torque Calc

Answer 6

1 - Torque factor chart for lowest ETF to get STR

2 - C-Power chart using OAT and PA to compute Q

3 - Multiply STR by Q to get Actual Q

4 - Add 30% to Actual Q and divide the sum by 2 to calculate estimated Fly Away Torque

Question 7

Single Engine HOGE

Answer 7

Max gross weight for single engine HOGE training with PCL manipulation SHALL be 19,500. The PCL of the engine with the lower ETF value SHALL not be retarded past the 6 o’clock position and SHOULD be restored to just aft of the fly detent within 2 seconds. Any delay in returning the PCL forward may cause ground impact or over torque.

Question 8

Blade De-Ice Panel

Answer 8

Blade De-Ice panel (if installed) should be checked OFF and AUTO during pre-start checklist and each time maintenance is performed in the aircraft tunnel.

Question 9

HAC Training

Answer 9

Minimum number of embarked days/deck landings for HAC designation SHOULD be 100/100. Requirements may be waived by the CO.

Question 10

Simulated Emergencies

Answer 10

a. The APU SHALL be turned on for practice autorotations and single-engine training
b. Non-emergency use of the backup/emergnecy raise modes of the ALFS is prohibited
c. While in the shipboard environment (takeoff, departure, approach, landing), simulated aircraft emergencies or intentional degradations are prohibited

Question 11

Performance Calcs

Answer 11

At a minimum, all flight events SHALL brief the following performance calculations: Single-Engine Airspeed, Dual-engine continuous torque, single engine contingency power torque, HIGE torque, HOGE torque, Fly Away Torque, and Blade Stall for anticipated flight regimes.

Question 12

Tailwheel Lock Pin

Answer 12

An operable tailwheel lock pin is required for shipboard evolutions. the following maneuvers SHOULD not be attempted during training flights with an inoperable tailwheel lock pin; Boost-Off landings, running landings, and landings to an unprepared surface. All other maneuvers SHALL be thoroughly briefed by the crew to include an ORM assessment of the impact of degraded equipment.

Question 13

Single Engine To A Spot

Answer 13

Prior to SE to a spot training, a steep approach to a no-hover landing SHALL be performed and total torque required to conduct a safe approach will be noted by the non-flying pilot. During SE to a spot training, power available SHALL be no less than determined above (either with two engines with fly or with one engine at a reduced power level, i.e. pulled back)

Question 14

Detachment Checklist

Answer 14

Detachment fly-offs and fly-ons SHOULD utilize the detachment aircraft fly-on checklist (enclosure b) for loading cargo inside the aircraft

Question 15

Crew Rest

Answer 15

Pilots SHALL not be scheduled for a flight the day following SDO/CDO. Aircrewmen SHALL not be scheduled for a flight on the same day they stood any watch from 0000-0800.

Question 16

Night TACFORM

Answer 16

Dedicated Night TACFORM events SHOULD have two NVD qualified aircrewmen. If an aircrewman is receiving a Night TACFORM gradesheet, the event SHALL be flown with an NSI aircrewman. Pilots may be substituted for aircrewmen with CO/OIC approval. This requirement is intended for use during NVD tactical formation maneuver training and is not to preclude NVD tactical flights in section (Dual Dip/GUNEX)

Question 17

Wash Rack Use

Answer 17

a. Unless otherwise directed, all aircraft SHALL be taxied through the wash rack after the last flight of the day and after over-water hovering, shipboard operations, or anytime the cleanliness of the aircraft degrades visibility.
b. Prior to taxiing through the wash rack, ensure sonobuoy cover, transmission drip pan, and cargo hook cover are installed and all scuppers are closed. The HAC SHALL minimize direct water spray into the MTS and RADALT antennas.
c. Do not taxi through the wash rack with the following ordnance installed: M299 launcher, torpedo, sonobuoys, chaff/flare buckets.

Question 18

Degraded AVCS

Answer 18

HACs SHOULD execute sound judgement in deciding whether to continue flying the mission with degraded AVCS

Question 19

Hot Seat Shutdown

Answer 19

HACs may hot-seat an aircraft prior to shutdown. A pilot’s inspection of the aircraft may be performed in lieu of a turnaround inspection if the period of time between shutdown and start-up is not intended to exceed 2 hours.

Question 20

New Check-in

Answer 20

SHALL complete the check-in syllabus

Question 21

Engaged turns

Answer 21

The minimum crew for engaged turns SHALL be a H2P and a qualified observer. The qualified observer SHALL read the checklist, guard the collective, and have an operable ICS. The H2P SHALL occupy the right seat.

Question 22

Hot Refueling Ashore

Answer 22

Aircraft SHALL not be fueled with countermeasure buckets installed unless electrical power has been removed from the aircraft and the aircraft has been shut down.

Question 23

Post-Flight Integrity Checks

Answer 23

In the shipboard environment, the off-going H2P and aircrewman SHOULD conduct a post-flight integrity check with particular emphasis on popped fasteners with the best available light source prior to hot refueling. Missing, broken or unfastened corner fasteners SHOULD be corrected as soon as practicable.

Question 24

Aircrewman Dip Currency

Answer 24

LVL II and below - 2 dips (dome wet) in 90 days

LVL III and above - 2 dips (dome wet) in 180 days Recurrency - 2 dips (dome wet) with a current aircrewman

NOTE: Aircrewman dipping currency/recurrency may be achieved in an approved simulator. Aircrewman recurrency in a simulator SHALL include normal and emergency procedures administered by a current aircrewman. If currency is regained in the simulator, the next currency SHOULD be performed in the aircraft.

Question 25

FCF

Answer 25

FCF training SHALL only be conducted when the HAC is a designated FCP

Question 26

Sonar Operations

Answer 26

a. Except for operational requirements, use of active sonar is approved only in authorized ASW training areas. The PIC SHALL adhere to current marine mammal mitigation procedures and ensure a SPORTS report is completed.
b. Before commencing dipping operations, the crew SHALL review local bottom topography
c. in order to conduct dipping sonar operations the flight schedule SHALL be annotated “DIPPING IS AUTHORIZED” or an ASW range event.
d. To better improve CRM while troubleshooting ALFS malfunctions, pilots SHALL ensure a minimum of 2 aircrew PCLs are in the aircraft for all events utilizing the dipping sonar. Pilots SHALL be familiar with procedures outlined in SONAR TROUBLESHOOTING checklist on Pg 9-1-1 through 9-1-3 of the Aircrew PCL
e. Actual dipping operations within the W-291 are limited to a maximum dome depth in accordance with C3F restrictions. Dipping operations in IB Charlie dip area are authorized with a maximum dome depth of 250 ft. Dipping operations in IB Alpha, Bravo and Delta dip areas are prohibited. Dome depth of the final dip of the cycle SHALL be equal to or greater than the deepest depth in the cycle.

Question 27

ECS Operations

Answer 27

In high humidity environments, co-pilot forward ECS blower/vent SHOULD be positioned as required to prevent damage of trackballs due to water intrusion.

Question 28

SO Window

Answer 28

The SO window may be removed on deck at the aircrew’s discretion to aid the aircrewman in clearing the aircraft of obstacles for landing during CAL/LZ flights. The window SHALL be re-installed by authorized maintenance personnel. Qualified aircrewmen may temporarily re-install the SO window for the purposed of utilizing the hot pits and/or wash racks.

Question 29

Autorotations

Answer 29

Aircraft gross weight SHOULD be less than 19,500 lbs for autorotation training. Crews SHOULD consider winds, DA, crew proficiency, recovery altitude and warmup maneuvers prior to initiating practice autorotation training, particularly in a known heavy aircraft or light wind environment.

Question 30

Deployment exceeding 90 days

Answer 30

Pilots returning from deployment exceeding 90 days SHALL complete the following prior to assuming normal flight duties:

1. NZY/NRS/NFG/East County Area course rules brief.
2. Course Rules and Wing/Squadron SOP exam.
3. One EP sim, one DAY FAM and one NIGHT FAM.

A pilot SHALL not be scheduled for day flights until complete with the day FAM and SHALL not be scheduled for night flights until complete with the night FAM.

Question 31

Confined Area Landing/Landing Zone (CAL/LZ)

Answer 31

In order to conduct CAL/LZ training to unprepared surfaces, the flight schedule SHALL annotate “CAL/LZ”

Question 32

CAL - crew

Answer 32

The minimum crew for CAL training or unapproved training sites SHOULD be two aircrew in the cabin.

Question 33

ACTC LVL 1 Aircrew

Answer 33

ACTC LVL 1 aircrewmen SHOULD not dip without another dip current LVL II or greater aircrewman.

Question 34

Maintenance Personnel Working Hours

Answer 34

While ashore, Magicians SHOULD not be scheduled for more than 12 hours and SHALL not exceed 14 hours of continuous work to include watch. The CO may waive these provisions during emergencies or advanced readiness periods, and remains the final approval authority for exceeding the 14-hour limit. The MO SHOULD be notified if home guard maintenance shifts will exceed 11 hours. The CO SHALL be notified if the shift length will exceed 12 hours.

Question 35

Minimum Equipment

Answer 35

The following are prohibited without a fully operable radar altimeter:

a. Training flights at night
b. Coupled hovers.
c. Practice CAL/LZ landing.

Question 36

First Dip

Answer 36

Upon completion of major ALFS maintenance necessitating first dip per the IETM, a maintenance dip SHOULD be conducted in daylight hours whenever operational requirements allow in compliance with reference (c). In the shipboard environment, ORM should be conducted by the OIC with emphasis on sea state, divert options, and reference to a visible horizon.

Question 37

SAR Jumps Training

Answer 37

To avoid swimmer contact with the bay floor, SAR jumps training within the San Diego Bay SHALL not be conducted in the Foxtrot training area

Question 38

Prior to SAR duty

Answer 38

Prior to standing SAR Duty, pilots SHALL be night, coupled approach, and SAR current per references (b) and (d)

Question 39

Formation Flight

Answer 39

Crews SHOULD brief face to face to the maximum extent practicable. Briefing SHALL be conducted in accordance with reference (e). This is not intended to preclude join-ups between embarked aircraft (i.e. recovery operations around the carrier (CVN)/amphibious assault ships (LHD), assisting squadrons unfamiliar with the local area, or during emergencies.

Question 40

Midshipman - seat

Answer 40

Midshipmen SHALL sit in the left seat for orientation flights and aircrewmen SHOULD carry a pilot PCL.

Question 41

Three Sections of SOP

Answer 41

Operations, Maintenance, Training

Question 42

Aircrew Note

Answer 42

Aircrewmen may fly an event previously completed as the second aircrewman without being fully qualified.

Question 43

SACT / LSF Currency

Answer 43

Currency for SACT and LSF training will align with DRRS readiness. Rebase SHOULD occur with a current HAC to the maximum extent practicable.

Question 44

BITS

Answer 44

Any aircrew who has not flown in 45 days SHALL fly a Back In The Saddle (BITS) flight with a current aircrew

Question 45

Fall Protection

Answer 45

All HSM 35 personnel SHALL receive Fall Protection training prior to conducting operations on top of aircraft.

Question 46

Mission System Grooming

Answer 46

The first crew of the day SHOULD complete the Mission System Grooming card and turn it in to the MO following the flight. Incompleted items should be turned over to follow on crews, and discrepancies SHALL be documented on a MAF.

Question 47

Fuel Planning

Answer 47

Fuel in the aux tanks SHOULD not be considered for fuel planning. Crews SHOULD manually transfer fuel at 3,800 lbs on the fuel totalizer or communicate to crew intentions for fuel in the aux tanks.