FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE CHAPTER EIGHT
sight picture in the 30 and 20 degree patterns and 70’ high or low in the 10 degree pattern. At
the rate and speeds of descent on the run, seeing 100’ high or low at release may be difficult to
determine. The exact release altitude will be apparent during HUD tape review or during
simulator events, however, where the “freeze on release” function is utilized. The importance of
recognizing a shallow will equate to a late sight picture/low release cannot be over emphasized.
Do NOT press the run below 100’ in any case. If setting the TPA at checkpoint yields between
one degree and 3 degrees steep or shallow, make the appropriate error corrections. More than 3
degrees off, do not drop, abort the run. But FIX IT on the next pass.
This is an example of what a good TPA looks like at the checkpoint. Results in about ½ degree
shallow.
A good technique in determining 5 degrees above the target is to use the pitch ladders. Since
there are exactly 5 degrees between the pitch ladders, wherever the target lies in relation to the
35 degree pitch ladder, place the Velocity Vector the same relation to the 30 degree pitch ladder.
For example: If the target lies slightly above the 35 degree pitch ladder, place the Velocity
Vector slightly above the 30 (shallow). If the target lies slightly below the 35, place the Velocity
Vector slightly below the 30 (steep).
Once again, NO ATTEMPT should be made to just set the planned dive angle without respect to
the TPA!
Figure 8-16 Checkpoint - TPA
DELIVERY PROCEDURES AND TRACKING TECHNIQUES 8-17