Standards - 14 April 2024 (T-38)

Introduction

Reference MCMAN 11-238 Vol 2, T-38C Interim Procedures Manual, and AFI 11-2T-AT-38V3 and Sups for specific T-38 procedures.
The following procedures will be followed when briefed as “standard” unless specifically briefed otherwise.
Students will consider these standards directive guidance unless specifically instructed otherwise.

Mission Preparation

Aircrew will be in the squadron discord area prior to brief time.
As part of mission preparation, students / wingmen will coordinate with their instructor and flight lead the day prior with flight details (Mission, brief time, EP, threat, unaccomplished tasks, etc.).
For Low Level, MOA2, or Range missions, students / wingmen will check AHAS/BAM bird status, schedule the route with the appropriate agency NLT 3 hrs prior to route entry, and supply CHUM’d maps for all flight members as appropriate.

Flight Briefings

Briefs begin +55 prior to takeoff. Flight leads may adjust briefing times as required. Be in briefing room NLT 1 minute prior to brief time.
Students on syllabus sorties will brief applicable threat(s). If previously briefed, a backup threat brief will be coordinated with the IP.
All students, including Non-Syllabus Directed (NSD) / “sandbag” students, will be prepared to brief the WX, NOTAMs, and the emergency procedure (EP) of the day.
Air-to-Air TACAN for the lead aircraft will be the assigned flight VHF frequency. The flight lead and #2 will be tied via X-ray and the second element will be tied via Yankee. Example (with VHF 17 as the flight VHF):
#1 17X
#2 80X
#3 80Y
#4 17Y
Step/Start/Taxi times: Step from the ops desk (end of brief) at takeoff time - 25 minutes, start at takeoff time -14 minutes, and taxi at takeoff time -7 minutes. (Deviations from this standard should be precoordinated in cases of limited availability.

General

Use discrete VHF frequency for intra-flight communications when not on an area working/discreet UHF frequency.
Flight lead squawks for the flight unless they direct otherwise.
Tactical maneuvering in the airspace will normally be at 350 KCAS. For “contract” tactical turns use mil power and G as required to hold airspeed and altitude.
Once below Joker fuel, call fuel state in relation to Bingo (i.e. “Bingo + 2”). Joker and Bingo calls are not required after FENCE out.
Wingmen may select TCAS/0000 once established on RTB.
Aircrew may toggle off Guard for 1 minute by use of the G button without informing flight lead. If turning off Guard on the COM page aircrews will notify the flight lead.

Ground Operations

Prior to start time, check ATIS, then monitor Squadron Ops on UHF. When ready to start, all wingmen will visually pass lead a “thumbs-up.” If not visual with lead, be ready on Ops UHF at start time. With “thumbs-up” from all wingmen or at start time (whichever occurs first), flight lead will pass a visual push signal or check-in the flight. If not ready to start at check-in, notify flight lead at that time (“C/S 2 needs 2 minutes”). The flight will automatically start engines when pushed to ground frequency. After engine start, flight members will automatically switch back to Squadron Ops UHF. Set intra-flight VHF ASAP after the UFCP powers up.
Avionics Setup: Full EGI alignments will be taken to the max extent practical. Exceptions include (but are not limited to) time constraints or FITS caution/danger.
VTRs will be turned on prior to taxi and will remain on until the aircraft returns to the chocks. Prior to take-off, title the tape with name(s), callsign, mission, date, line number, and tail number.
Spares/Redballs. Prior to taxi, flight members work aircraft problems with the Top-3 on squadron ops frequency. Flight leads acknowledge redball calls from wingmen. Wingmen ensure flight leads are kept in the loop. Top 3 will coordinate with maintenance and will determine when and if a spare aircraft is necessary. #3 is the deputy flight lead.
When ready to taxi, remove chocks. Your crew chief in front of your jet is the signal that you are ready to check-in and taxi. Check-in on VHF discrete then squadron ops on UHF (ex: “C/S 1 check victor” on VHF, “C/S 1 check” on UHF.) If not ready to taxi, notify flight lead at that time (“C/S 2 needs 2 minutes”). Flight lead will push the flight to ground frequency. Wingmen acknowledge clearance (on UHF) when read back correctly by the flight lead (ex: “Moody ground, C/S 1 taxi 4 with Delta, Snake 1.” GND- “C/S 1, taxi to runway 18L hold short of 18R, cleared Snake 1, squawk 5553.” C/S- “C/S 1, taxi 18L, hold short 18R, 5553.” WINGMEN- “2,3,4”). Wingmen need not acknowledge taxi-awaiting clearance instructions. If taking off MARSA with another 2-ship, lead will get the second element’s squawk prior to takeoff.
During taxi out, match #1’s configuration and lateral spacing from the centerline. Flight leads will confirm the location of bullseye (on VHF) prior to takeoff (time permitting). Wingmen will respond, “2 same.” (For 4-ships, #3 replies, with #2/4 by exception). Notify lead if off more than 1 NM or 5°. When ready to cross the west runway, flight leads will (using VHF) push the flight to Cypress (UHF 12) or Tower (UHF 4) as appropriate. Flight lead will call “hot north/south #” (Cypress) or “C/S holding short 18R/36L at Hotel/Alpha with #” (Tower). All flight members must hear RSU/tower clearance or confirm with lead on VHF. During Cypress ops, remain on Cypress frequency until clear of the west runway, then auto-push to
Tower.
Flight leads will initiate flight control checks NLT in EOR
If a solo student is in the flight, flight leads will confirm seats hot prior to taking the runway with “C/S 1, seat hot”. “2”, “3”, “4” is confirmation of seat armed, checked and pins stowed.
Flight members will turn landing lights on in reverse order to signal ready for takeoff.

Take-Off

Runway Lineup: Four-ships will line up with #3 in the slot.
Flight leads will not run up engines until cleared for takeoff.
All flight members will lower canopies mirroring lead. When ready for run-up, pass cranium nods from #4 to #3 to #2 to #1. Use a visual signal for engine run-up. When ready for takeoff pass cranium nods from #4 to #3 to #2 to #1.
Formation Takeoffs: Flight leads will monitor wingmen on takeoff and adjust power accordingly to “max out” the element. No power calls are required from the wingmen. Visual signals for gear and flap retraction and for cancellation of afterburner are not required. A thumbs up is not required after de-configuring.
Remain on tower frequency for takeoff. Once the flight is safely airborne, flight lead will push the flight to departure frequency.
Aborts:
A. As a guideline, for single-ship or element takeoffs, use 100 KCAS as the Go/No-Go speed behind aborting aircraft. Aircraft below 100 KCAS hold position or abort takeoff; aircraft above 100 KCAS continue their takeoff. If aborting, maintain respective side of the runway.
B. During a formation takeoff, do not normally sympathetically abort after brake release. Exception: the second element of a 2+2 formation takeoff should apply the 100 KCAS guideline if there is an abort in front of them.

Departure

For rejoins out of traffic, #2 rejoins to close on the inside of the planned departure turn, #3/4 rejoin to close on the outside of the planned departure turn. Note: The Poego departure from runway 18 is considered a straight-ahead rejoin, i.e. #2 joins to the left.

Four Ship Formations

Wall formation will be flown 4-6K LAB. One porpoise from flight lead signals all flight members to move into position.

Air to Air Airspace Entry

At lead’s direction, wingman will acknowledge and accomplish the following FENCE/Trigger Check:

Fire Control System:	Master Arm – ARM; Select AA Master Mode
Emitters:	Squawk as required (0000 or XX00); TA-BLOCK; Select AAT
Navigational Aids:	Area set-up (normally HSD with area center-point selected); Altimeter – SET/Check
Camera:	Confirm VTR (HUD) on. Solo students will ensure Hot Mic selected.
ECM:	CMD – ON.
Trigger/Pickle/CMD Check:	Confirm good audio tones and rounds/missiles/expendables countdown, then re-cycle Master Arm & CMD (reset/reload)

Bullseye check – accomplish if not previously accomplished (during taxi out). Notify lead if off more than 3 NM or 5°.
G - Exercise:
1. At flight lead’s “push it up, standby G-Ex” call, accelerate to 420 ±10 KCAS. Acknowledge lead’s “ready” calls in order, else “standby (with reason).” Example:
  “C/S, push it up, standby G-Ex”
  “C/S 1’s ready” “C/S 2’s ready” (or “standby airspeed”, etc)
  “C/S, G-Warm-up, hook L/R”
  “C/S 1’s ready” “C/S 2’s ready” (or “standby spacing”,etc)
  “C/S, G-Awareness, hook L/R”
2. Fly G-turns at 420+/-10 KCAS and mil power for 180°. The first/G-warm-up turn is flown at 4.0- 4.5 Gs. The second/G-awareness turn is flown at 5.0-5.5 Gs .
Normally, all fight and admin comm will be accomplished on the primary UHF area working frequency. If splitting airspace, use VHF for fight and admin comm.

Fence Out / Battle Damage Check

At lead’s direction, wingman will acknowledge and accomplish the following FENCE OUT:

Fire control system:	Master Arm – SAFE; Select NAV Master Mode
Emitters:	Set squawk as required (initially SBY); Deselect AAT
Navigational Aids:	Set up for recovery
Camera:	Confirm VTR (HUD) on
ECM:	CMD – OFF

After the FENCE OUT, rejoins will be at 300 KCAS unless stated otherwise.
Flight lead will automatically continue the battle damage check after the wingman has taken the lead (no visual “check” signal required from #2). While in front, #2 assumes navigation and clearing responsibilities, while #1 retains all other flight lead responsibilities (i.e. radios).
For three and four-ship flights, #2 will accomplish the check when directed by flight lead. After #2 returns to his original position, the last aircraft in the flight is automatically cleared to check #2.

Formation Landings

Flight leads will give one signal to lower gear and full flaps on formation approaches.
After formation landings, get nose/tail clearance and move to the “cold” side of the runway when speed is under control. Once under control, #2 will turn the landing light off to clear #1 cold, if necessary.
Lead changes upon landing, if required, will be directed by the flight lead over the (VHF) radio.

After Landing / Taxi Back

Remain on tower frequency or auto-push to Cypress as appropriate. When approaching the west runway, flight lead will call “hot north/south #” (Cypress) or “C/S holding short 18R/36L at Alpha/Golf with #” (Tower) as required. All flight members must hear RSU/tower clearance or confirm with lead.
Upon clearing the west runway, auto-push to UHF Ground and VHF Squadron Ops. Lead will then check the flight in on Ops and call in maintenance code. If other than code 1, state reason. Wingmen will mimic lead’s format. Example: “Eagle/Knight Ops, C/S 1.” “C/S 1 Eagle/Knight Ops, go-ahead.” “C/S 1 code 3, EED.” “Ops copies.” “C/S 2 code 1.” “Ops copies.”
Solo IFF students may safe their seat/canopy jettison without coming to a complete stop.

Flight Debriefs

The PIC will fill flight log.
Debriefs will start as soon as practical after landing at the time set by the flight lead and will be attended by all flight members. Exception: Flight leads may excuse NSD flight members for extenuating circumstances.
Students / Wingmen will:
(1) Put bomb scores on the board for air-to-ground sorties (events horizontally across the top).
(a) Qual Bombs in blue
(b) Non-Qual Bombs in black
(c) Gross Errors in red with reason (i.e. A/S, Alt, >2xQual)
(d) Fouls will be a red “F” with reason
(2) Download ACMI data for air-to-air sorties.
(a) Set up to Fight’s On for first fight
(b) Trails set to 60 seconds
(c) Info window open
(d) Pairing window open/setup
~~(3) Ensure fighting sticks, working pens, and VTR are available and ready.~~
(4) Validate shots/scores prior to the debrief. If time allows, review engagements/passes.
(5) Cue all tapes to:
(a) the G-Exercise for formation sorties
(b) the first exercise (excluding the ranging exercise)/engagement fight’s-on for OBFM/DBFM sorties
(c) the check-away for HABFM
(d) the first pass for SA rides
(6) Students on syllabus sorties will have their gradebook available in the debrief.

Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM)

Special Instructions (SPINS):
1. Starting block: 15K’-17K’ MSL
2. Bandit restrictions: IAW IFF Syllabus along with:
  (a) Bandits will not separate.
  (b) “Standard” (STD) bandit will be limited to 4.7 Gs until Fighter has < 2500lbs fuel, then 5.0Gs. Flares not effective (disable VHF chaff/flare tones if using).
  (c) PIU Bandit: Max AB or Gs to single rate beeper; 175 KCAS minimum, flares effective.
  (d) Full-up Bandit: Max AB and Gs to single rate beeper; 150 KCAS minimum, flares effective.
3. DLOs will be determined by the instructor of record.
4. Floor: 9,000’ MSL (10,500 for solo students)
Admin:
1. Prior to each engagement, #1 initiates an ops check and designates the next engagement. #2 acknowledge both. Reset G meter, reload weapons and countermeasures.
2. At the "Push It Up", #2 attains proper spacing, airspeed, and stack. Make "ready" calls in order. If not ready, call “standby” with a reason.
3. For Offensive/Defensive BFM, #1 checks the flight into the defender. Defender checks away (45° unless otherwise specified), reverses turn when offender is pure, then sets 30-40 aspect angle. Offender puts defender under gun cross for pure pursuit. Offender calls “C/S, fight’s on” at briefed range. On student defensive sorties, the bandit will count down ranges prior to the “fight’s on” call (i.e. “8000” .. “7000” .. “C/S fight’s on!”).
4. After the KIO/terminate, ensure deconfliction. Flight leads will initially maneuver the flight to line abreast formation. Flight leads climb at 350 KCAS using mil power to the starting block. Wingmen set range of 4K’-6K’ and maintain line abreast.
Shot criteria:
1. AIM-9P (modified):
  (a) Range 2,000’ - 9,000’ and aspect < 45
  (b) Heat source in seeker FOV
  (c) Sun not in HUD FOV at pickle
  (d) No flares at pickle and throughout missile TOF (1 second per 1000’ range)
2. Gun track:
  (a) Range < 2500’ and Aspect IAW AFI 11-214 and applicable syllabus.(b) Use FEDS developed to
  target range to determine required lead frames.
  (b) Any part of the center of the FEDS touching the target counts for 1 frame, and 2 frames if the
  FEDS are centered on the fuselage.
  (c) Only 1 frame is required for a valid snap.
Kill criteria:
1. 2 valid Fox IIs or
2. Valid gun track (15 total frames)

Surface Attack Operations

When inside assigned airspace and at lead’s direction, wingman will acknowledge and accomplish the
following FENCE Check:

Fire control system:	Master Arm – ARM; Select AG Master Mode
Emitters:	Set squawk as required; TA-BLOCK
Navigational Aids:	Area/Range set-up (HSD or PFR); Altimeter – SET/Check; RALT set no lower than 500’ AGL
Camera:	Confirm VTR (HUD) on. Solo students will ensure Hot Mic
ECM:	CMD - ON
DO NOT accomplish a Trigger/Pickle/CMD check

G-Ex parameters:
1. 90 / 90 level to slightly–descending, EM-depleting, in-place turns
2. 420 +/-10
3. Comm IAW paragraph 9.c.(1) except substitute “in-place 90 R/L” for “hook R/L”.
4. 1st Turn: 4-4.5 g
5. 2nd Turn: 4.5-5.0 g
#1 flies the spacer/trim check pass at 2000’ MSL and 420 KCAS. If not within 200 feet or 20 KCAS, tell the flight lead. 4-ship entry will be 2+2. Confirm that the diamond is close to the target during the spacer pass. If a designation pass is needed, notify lead.
Following the Strafe SEM, continue ground track to over-fly Bemiss field.
If a KIO/Terminate occurs, cease deliveries, climb at base airspeed to the base altitude of the event that #1
is currently flying, and select master arm safe. Exception: If not visual with the preceding aircraft, stack
500’ off the reference altitude.
Range departure – after the last pass, wingmen will call off with number of aircraft in sight and safe up
switches (“2’s off, 1 aircraft in sight”). If no aircraft in sight, say “2’s off, zero aircraft in sight.” Wingmen
are automatically cleared to FENCE out and rejoin with the correct number of aircraft in sight.
No sight rejoin MSL altitudes are as follows:
1. #1 – 6K MSL
2. #2 – 5K MSL
3. #3 – 4K MSL
4. #4 – 3K MSL
5. If 45 HADB is the last event, these altitudes will be reversed.
6. After accomplishing a safe escape maneuver, climb or descend to your rejoin altitude until all preceding aircraft are in sight. If weather does not allow a climb to 6K’ MSL, the flight lead will climb as high as possible and maintain VFR below the weather and inform the flight of his altitude. Each wingman will stack 500’ lower than the preceding aircraft unless visual all preceding players and rejoining. For example, “C/S 1 is level at 3500” (#2 climbs to 3000’, #3 climbs to 2500’, #4 climbs to 2000’).
The standard bet is first two passes of each event, one quarter per pass, one quarter per event CEA
Students will Declutter. Passes that do not meet all Top Gun parameters or score > 2xQual Criteria are
Gross Errors (GEs). Top Gun parameters are: dive angle ±5 degrees, airspeed 400-440 KCAS, pickle
at/above min release (planned release if steep), and valid SEM. For scoring purposes, GEs, fouls and nonqual
scores cannot win a pass.

Lost COMM (NORDO) Procedures:

NORDO in a working area/MOA: If NORDO and not “visual” on another flight member, squawk 7600.
Proceed to the area center point and orbit at 300 KCAS, 45° left bank, at the following altitudes:
NORDO on Grand Bay Range:
(1) Simple NORDO—Rock wings on final and turn in direction of the pattern. If not rejoined by JOKER
fuel, RTB single ship IAW the IFG.
(2) NORDO w/ EP—Apply simple NORDO procedures (opposite direction turn will put you in the
Moody overhead pattern). Squawk 7700 and RTB immediately IAW the IFG.
Once rejoined as a flight, offer the NORDO aircraft the lead (if applicable). Fly a formation approach with the NORDO aircraft being dropped off for landing (unless safety dictates otherwise). If leading, the escort gives separate signals for gear and flaps, allowing the NORDO aircraft to "shake off" the flap signal. If a gear or hydraulic problem is suspected, the escort delays lowering gear until the NORDO aircraft’s gear starts down. If the NORDO aircraft does not acknowledge the flap signal or shakes it off, the escort flies a no flap final. On final, with the runway in sight and clearance to land, offer the NORDO aircraft the lead. When the NORDO aircraft is leading, ensure ATC clears the airspace and understands who has the emergency.

Crew Coordination

During orientation flights for non-rated crewmembers, the IP ensures the rear cockpit (RCP) occupant is properly strapped in and adequately briefed on applicable controls (audio control panel, oxygen, canopy operation, etc).
If an emergency occurs, the person flying the aircraft accomplishes boldface procedures. The other pilot references checklist procedures.
1. To ground egress, the AC commands "Egress, Egress, Egress."
2. If the intercom fails on the ground prior to takeoff, return to parking for a redball or spare. If the intercom fails in flight and is required for mission accomplishment, terminate the mission and RTB.
3. Visibility permitting, use your visor at low altitude. Following a canopy loss or bird strike, ensure terrain clearance and an altitude below 18K’ MSL. If low altitude, climb. Slow below 300 KIAS and attempt to reestablish inter cockpit communication. FCP locks shoulder harness. If engine seizure appears imminent and the FCP is incapacitated from bird strike, lower gear prior to losing utility hydraulics (fuel permitting).
4. To initiate ejection, the AC commands "Bailout, Bailout, Bailout." The FCP should delay to allow the RCP to eject first. If the AC delays the ejection decision and a student or a rated pilot has more situational awareness than the AC, then they may command the ejection sequence. Under no circumstances should a pilot eject without trying to make their intentions known to the other cockpit occupant. In case of intercom failure, the AC holds up the pink page of the Inflight Guide (Controlled Bailout Area) as a preparatory signal to bailout.
5. Birdstrikes: If aircraft control is in doubt, both crew members will come on the controls and safely climb away from the ground. WSOs will stay on the controls until ensured that the pilot is capable of flying. The front cockpit pilot indicates OK status verbally, by shaking stick, or passing a thumbs up once safely away from the ground.

WSO Standards

WSOs are responsible for all standards except where they are pilot specific (i.e. cranium nod on runway, visual gas check, etc.). WSOs will ensure all crew coordination and CRM topics have been briefed and will query the IP of record during the instructional brief if not clear.
Ground Ops. WSOs will:
1. Check the 781 and perform walk around.
2. Clear area during engine start and monitor engine start for malfunctions.
3. Operate UFCP and MFD (not in RPTR) for the entire mission.
4. Be responsible for uploading data from DTC, setting UHF and VHF radios, EGI steering points, altimeter, fuel and altitude warnings, IFF, VTR settings, VOR/DME/TCN and ILS frequencies.
5. Copy ATIS and clearance, takeoff and landing times.
6. Accomplish Alpha check.
7. Review TOLD and set airspeed bugs as briefed.
8. On taxi back call in code to Ops.
Coming and Going, WSOs will:
1. Ensure Before Takeoff / Takeoff checklist items have been completed (don’t read verbatim).
2. Monitor aircraft parameters and inform IP of clearance deviations. Deviations are: +/- 200’, 10°, or 20 knots of briefed or cleared parameters. Search visually and with TCAS for potential conflicts to the flight and call out contacts that are a potential conflict. Example: Group BRA 130/3 10,000’.
3. Copy all ATC instructions (altitudes, headings, etc). Notify pilot 1000’ prior to level offs (200’ for slower rates of climb).
4. Set up all instrument approaches: frequency and inbound course. Review and monitor approach telling IP at MDA or DH. WSOs will notify the pilot when changing the navaids, steerpoints, courses.
5. Compute and set final turn and final approach speeds and check for correct configuration.
6. Confirm After Landing / Shutdown checks are complete (don’t read verbatim).
Air to Air/Formation, WSOs will:
1. Confirm all Fence Check items are completed.
2. Notify IP of “Joker” and “Bingo” if/when they occur before FENCE out.
3. Monitor formation to maintain airspace boundaries.
4. Direct floor transitions / saves as appropriate.
5. Tell IP if No-Joy/Tally when appropriate.
6. Make directive call first, then descriptive call as required. “Break left, bandit 7 o’clock, 6,000’, slightly high.” Use the terms “break, flares, tighten down, jink, separate, reverse,” etc. Defensive descriptive comm can include “bandit, right 5 o’clock, 1 mile, lag,” etc.
7. Write down start headings, clock time, fight directions, terminate headings, and any other fight details. IP may give additional comments between fights to be written down.
Surface Attack, WSOs will:
1. Set weapons programs, break X altitudes, and RALT altitude warning.
2. Confirm FENCE check is complete. Monitor trim check, pattern track and spacing.
3. Set weapons program for next delivery. Review delivery parameters on downwind prior to first pass of an event.
4. Monitor each pass. Call “steep” or “shallow” if off planned dive angle by more than 5 degrees. Call “Track” on track altitude. Call “pressing” if continuing below planned release altitude. Call “Abort” if continuing below minimum release altitude and the pilot has not initiated a SEM.
5. Review delivery numbers w/IP between events.
6. On tactical events, WSOs will monitor pattern spacing, decent to low altitude and pop up attack parameters. Call “abort” if outside training rules parameters.
7. Record bomb scores and release parameters from the MFD after each event. Prior to each base, select HUD on the MFD.