FLIGHT TRAINING INSTRUCTION T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE - Cnatra

CHAPTER SEVEN T-45 WEAPONS/STRIKE
The mechanics of breaking into the pattern is similar to the breakup and rendezvous as in
Division Form except that you’ll be selecting MRT and climbing up to the pattern as well as
timing 8 to 10 seconds between aircraft. The procedure is to roll the aircraft about 45 degrees
AOB away from the echelon, then smoothly apply up to 4 g’s, simultaneously select MRT and
fly the jet to the Abeam position. A good rule of thumb (technique) is to pull up to the pattern
the same number of degrees you will be going down. For example, if flying a 30 degree pattern,
nose up no greater than 30 degrees; 20 degree pattern, climb out at 20 degrees; 10 degree pattern,
no greater than 10 degrees to pattern altitude. Angle of bank and g force as required getting to a
good Abeam position. Typically, the initial 90° of turn requires 3 – 4 g’s, with the second 90° of
turn being a gradual reduction from 3 g’s to 1 g. Around 1000’ prior to the pattern altitude,
reduce the power (around mid range) and relax the back-stick pressure to allow the aircraft’s
nose to fall to level flight. Trade excess airspeed for altitude and fine tune basic airwork to fly
the jet to the proper pattern altitude, airspeed, and position.
The Pattern Objectives
The overall pattern objectives and the reason we fly the pattern is to:
1. Arrive at the Roll-in Point roughly 30 degrees off the run-in heading.
2. Build consistency in the Roll-in Technique leading to consistent results.
3. Last, but above all, Safety of Flight. There are several reasons why we roll-in on a
particular run-in line, which are too many to mention at this juncture. For our administrative
purposes, we will all reference the same run-in line.
These basic objectives should be remembered when you are flying the weapons pattern.
7-4 TARGET AREA PROCEDURES