FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER SEVEN
Ground gouge, when available, should be used to aid in pattern consistency. When arriving at
the abeam for the first time, take notice of the land feature directly below the aircraft. It could be
a T-shaped intersection of roads, small dune mounds, a pond, mountainous terrain, or just an
open area. Locating this ground feature when pulling to the abeam will help you develop the
motor skills required to build consistency on later flights.
Upon arriving at the abeam, take notice to the target position as it relates to the wing, then crossreference
the target waypoint distance in the HUD/HSI to build an “eyeball cal” for the proper
abeam distance. Normal abeam position for the 30-degree pattern, for example, is to have the
target bisect the wing at the PMBR/BRU. If the target appears to be too far out or too close in,
cross-check the target waypoint distance to verify. Eventually, you will gain visual reference
knowledge of what a good abeam position looks like with or without a target waypoint.
The Abeam to the Turn Point
From the Abeam position, a wings-level period to the turn point is maintained. If the proper
Abeam distance is achieved at the Abeam, the standard 15 degree ground track is maintained.
This ground track can be adjusted slightly based on the abeam distance achieved at the Abeam as
to arrive at the proper Turn Point over the ground.
The wings-level period lasts for about 8 – 10 seconds. During this time, the target will disappear
under the wing. With target waypoint distance available, the turn to the Approach Turn Arc is
commenced based on distance from the target. Typically, it corresponds to the same distance as
the Attack Cone Distance for the pattern flown. The distances of the Turn Point are 2.3 nm for
the 30-degree and 10-degree patterns and 2.7 nm for the 20-degree pattern.
The Turn Point
The turn to intercept the Approach Turn Arc is commenced at the Turn Point. Upon rolling into
an angle of bank, the target will once again reappear. At this time, locate the target and place it
abeam your inside shoulder. Angle of bank is not referenced in the turn; however, around 60°
AOB – calm wind – can be used as initial guidance to fly the aircraft to the Approach Turn Arc.
Again, this is a VISUAL turn accomplished by referencing the target - complimented with quick
cross-checks of target waypoint distance - to verify the accuracy of the turn. As with the Abeam
distance, an “eyeball cal” of the Approach Turn Arc distance should be developed as to gain
knowledge of what a proper approach turn looks like visually, with or without waypoint target
distance.
TARGET AREA PROCEDURES 7-17