5.3 Mission Planning/Preparation.

BSA mission planning starts with and is based on the type of weapon used and the target. The use of a BSA conventional or tactical pattern simplifies most of the planning by removing the target “weaponeering” and allows pilots to practice various methods of attacking the target safely.

5.3.1 Weather Planning.

Check the ceiling height to evaluate possible delivery options both below and above the weather. Check the winds at the surface and at the track altitudes of each delivery planned and have that ready for the brief. Upper-level winds can have a dramatic effect on weapons delivery. Prevailing visibility and sun angle will affect ease of target and landmark identification. A call to the range should be made to get an eyes-on assessment of the weather and pass the delivery and target plan to the ranger. Additionally, aviation hazard advisory system should be checked prior to the brief and updated at step.

5.3.2 Target Study.

Review slides, pictures and diagrams of the range, target area, and planned targets for the mission. Note the position of the range tower, prominent visual features, and any avoid/noise sensitive areas. Check range NOTAMs if applicable and always reference the range regulation.

5.3.3 Attack Planning.

IFF student missions will be flown IAW the preplanned attacks in the in-flight guide. Review the attacks planned for your mission. In addition to the pattern altitudes and airspeeds, commit to memory the information related to each individual event, to include: track altitude, ITP, IAA, %BFL, AOD, planned release altitude, and MRA. These numbers can be placed on a line-up card for reference in flight. Also, each pilot must be familiar with the training rules in AFI 11-214.