FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

600. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER SIX
ENROUTE PROCEDURES
The enroute procedures during the Weapons stage will be, for the most part, the same as what
you learned in Division Formation with a few exceptions. This chapter will briefly cover the
general scope of the initial join-up, cruise positioning and considerations while transiting from
the departure airfield to the target area complex.
The Initial Join-up
The initial join-up will be as briefed by Lead. It could be a CV Rendezvous, a Running
Rendezvous or a combination of the two. All procedures which you have learned to date will
still apply. For many of you, the Division Formation stage was completed a good time ago.
Now is the time to “shake off the rust” and compartmentalize. When you are flying formation,
concentrate on formation flying. From this point forward, formation will get you TO the
mission, instead of formation BEING the mission. You will be expected to perform as such and
will be held to a higher standard.
You will find a slight difference in aircraft performance on the join-up. This corresponds to the
amount of drag the aircraft has due to the bomb racks and weapons being carried. The aircraft
will slow down a little easier, especially in the climb. So, pay attention to stagnation on the joinup,
but at the same time, don’t be overly aggressive. Be expeditious, but most importantly - Be
Safe!
Regardless of the join-up Lead briefs, they all will end up with everyone joining in parade
position. Take this opportunity to complete an Integrity Check on the aircraft in front of you to
ensure there are no loose panels and all weapons remain onboard. Once EVERONE is in parade
position, Lead will signal the flight to take the cruise position.
The Cruise Position
The Advanced Stage Division Cruise position keeping varies slightly from what you’ve
experienced in Basic Division Form Cruise in that you will be expected to remain on your
respective side during maneuvering flight. All comm check-in and check-out procedures should
be standard from previous experiences.
Once placed in the cruise position, this can be used a reminder to reset your LAW setting. Being
placed in cruise gives Lead a few more sets of eyes to scan for traffic conflicts enroute. Be in
position; however, keep the eyes scanning for VFR traffic, skydivers, and/or birds!
Now is not the time to be an over-achiever and select the A/G Master Mode prior to Lead calling
for the “Fenced In” check. This will be discussed in detail in the following chapter. This
includes setting your MFD to the STORES display. At this point you should have the ADI on
the left MFD and the HSI on the right. You can take this time ensure your HSI is properly
ENROUTE PROCEDURES 6-1