Attachment 2 In-Flight Distress Signals

APPENDIX A

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

Attachment 2

IN-FLIGHT DISTRESS SIGNALS

Table A.2.1. In-Flight Distress Signals.

Intention/Problem

Signal

a. Escorted: Extend tail hook. Escorting aircraft

Approach End Cable Engagement

will relay intent.

b. Unescorted: Fly parallel to the active runway at

1000 feet above the field elevation with tail hook

extended. Rock wings until reaching the departure

end of the runway, turn to downwind and check

tower or mobile control for light signals. If a

straight-in cable engagement must be flown, flash

landing light on final.

*Bailing Out or Ejection

One or both clenched fists pulled downward across

the face to simulate pulling an ejection face curtain.

Descend to Lower Altitude

Hold hand at top of canopy, palm down, fingers

extended and joined, move hand forward and down.

*Desire to Land

Movement of the hand, flat, with palm down,

forward and downward, finishing the movement in a

simulated roundout. As an alternate signal, lower

the landing gear.

Electrical Failure Landing (No Assist Aircraft Distressed aircraft will fly 500 feet over the tower or

Available)

mobile control, then continue to the far end of the

runway and pull up into a wide downward leg.

Proceed with a landing and pattern approach for the

type of aircraft being flown while watching the

tower or mobile for signals. The control tower will

clear the area of the aircraft and will call emergency

crash equipment to the scene.

I Must Land Immediately

Close fist and hold it to top of canopy with thumb

extended downward, then move arm up and down

rapidly. (Do not confuse with "GEAR DOWN"

signal, which is generally not used with altitude.)

I Must Land on Your Wing

Pat shoulder, palm down. To prevent confusion

with other signals, use right hand and left shoulder

or vice versa. To acknowledge, other pilot must

give the OK signal; the basic signal indicates a jet

approach speed of 130 knots. If the distress aircraft

desires a higher approach speed, the pilot must raise

one finger for each10 knot increase desired. The

distressed aircraft lands and the escort executes a go

around.

A-6