FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

900. INTRODUCTION
RTB Procedures
CHAPTER NINE
RETURNING FROM THE TARGET
Following the “Fenced out” check and/or exiting the Target Area, the flight will either set-up for
the Break, perform a Hung Ordnance Approach, or separate the flight for a combination of the
two. With all systems normal, the Break is the primary method of airfield entry. Overstressed
aircraft will perform a straight-in or the hung ordnance approach, as directed by Lead.
The Break
The Break is the preferred landing pattern entry procedure. The Break will be preformed as
briefed by Lead and will be in accordance with Division Form procedures and local directives.
The Hung Ordnance Approach Procedure
If Lead is hung or if two or more aircraft are hung, then the entire flight will fly the Hung
Ordnance Approach. If one aircraft is hung, Lead will arrange the flight as to detach the hung
aircraft prior to the initial, allowing sufficient time and distance for the detaching aircraft to fly
the published straight-in or appropriate Hung Ordnance Approach route. Extreme caution should
be taken as not to over-fly populated terrain with hung ordnance. The most inclined times hung
ordnance inadvertently falls from the aircraft are when transitioning to the landing configuration
and upon touchdown. Caution should be taken at all times, however, due to the uncertainty of
the ordnance remaining with the aircraft.
The Hung Ordnance Approach path is flown as to avoid populated areas and in accordance with
local directives. If flown as a division, Lead will separate each aircraft individually as to have
the Lead aircraft fully configured by three miles from the runway and established on a 3°
glideslope. A technique used by Lead is to detach each aircraft in 2 nm intervals or 20 seconds
apart.
When cleared by Lead to detach, the procedure is to select IDLE, speed brakes OUT, slow below
200 knots, select landing gear DOWN, flaps to HALF, slow to 150 knots and place the speed
breaks back IN. It is important to follow Lead’s flight path over the ground without cutting
corners. This will keep you over the appropriate ground track as well as maintain the proper
interval between aircraft. Each aircraft maintains 150 knots to 3 nm. At 3 nm from the runway,
select flaps to FULL, speed breaks OUT, complete the landing checklist, slow to on-speed and
report the “gear down” and locked with the Tower.
Lead will pick an appropriate side of the runway on which to land. Each aircraft will plan to
land on alternate sides of the centerline in relation to the proceeding aircraft. The rate of descent
on touchdown with ordnance needs to be monitored as to not exceed 600’ per minute, as limited
by NATOPS.
RETURNING FROM THE TARGET 9-1