FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER SEVEN
“OFF, SAFE, NO DROP”
The “OFF, SAFE, NO DROP” is a good call on to make on your “OFF” call if you did
not drop on that pass. This way the scorer does not have to waist time expanding his
search looking for an impact outside the immediate target area.
“CROSSWIND” and “EXTENDING”
If at anytime the aircraft which calls “CROSSWIND” as it’s position call, the “OFF”
aircraft will immediately follow the “CROSSWIND” call with “(callsign), EXTENDING”,
then the “IN” call can take place.
When extending off target, continue your nose up pull until your Flight Path Vector
reaches 20 degrees, pause about 2 seconds, then continue with your pull to the Abeam.
Normally, by the time you call “EXTENDING” you can almost start your turn to the
Abeam. You DO NOT need to wait until your interval is abeam you before you begin
your pull to the Abeam.
“SAY POS”
If you are pulling to the Abeam and you have lost sight of your interval, normal
procedure is to continue flying the pattern. DO NOT EXTEND! Continue to fly the
pattern with the exception of altitude. Remain 2,000’ below the High and Mid patterns
and 1,000’ below the Low pattern until at the Abeam position. If you are still blind on
your interval, call “(your interval’s callsign) SAY POS”. If your interval responds with
“(callsign) APPROACHING”, you are now de-conflicted by position, therefore, you can
now climb up to pattern altitude. In doing so, you will then acquire sight of your interval.
If your interval responds with “ABEAM” or “PRIOR” remain in your altitude sanctuary
for lost interval, get your head on a swivel, look all around, fly your aircraft to get
established in a better position.
“ABORT, ABORT, ABORT”
If you hear “ABORT, ABORT, ABORT” and your nose is pointed at the target. Place the
MASTER ARM switch to the SAFE position while simultaneously, begin your off target
recovery. Have situational awareness of where you are. If someone calls “ABORT” as
you are just rolling wings level in the dive, you might not need to be overly aggressive on
your recovery. If, however, someone sees your aircraft pressing the target and your
LAW tone is going off, get the pull on.
This leads to the proper procedure for aborting the run. If someone calls “Abort” and it is
you who needs to abort. Immediately recover the aircraft from diving nose low to either
level flight or to a slightly climbing attitude. Call “(callsign), ABORTING” Reduce
power as required to slow to pattern airspeed, continue to fly over the target flying the
pattern track over the ground, once over the target, make your “OFF, SAFE, (NO DROP
if applicable)” call and continue with the pattern.
“ABORT” calls are made by aircraft other than the one in the dive. It is almost always
for a safety of flight issue. Some things that come to mind are interlopers that
compromise safety. We have seen other aircraft (civilian) wander into the target area as
TARGET AREA PROCEDURES 7-29