Figure 4-1. Base Ops Drill.

JOINT ADVANCED MULTI-ENGINE T-44A

(5) Cockpit Management. The use and coordination of all the skills and resources available to the

flight crew. It encompasses everything just discussed in this section and is the means by which a pilot

might achieve and maintain situational awareness.

F. Student Tendencies.

Not knowing exactly where they are

Not knowing exactly where they are cleared to

Not having their instruments set correctly to fly their clearance

Not thinking ahead; "What needs to be accomplished before arrival? What will I do when I get

there?"

Having the tendency to rush themselves and not prioritize, thus allowing airwork to suffer;

recognize the importance of the axiom "aviate, navigate, communicate".

401.

Preflight Planning. Before commencing a flight, you must be familiar with all available information

appropriate to the intended operation. Such information should include, but is not limited to, available

weather reports and forecasts, NOTAMs, fuel requirements, terminal instrument procedures, alternatives

available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, and any anticipated traffic delays. In addition, the

pilot-in-command shall conduct a risk assessment prior to the flight. Ensure you have a navigation bag

with all the necessary pubs, a NATOPS Manual, a fuel packet (if required), a flight computer, and

flashlight on all flights.

NOTE: For review stage flights, call your instructor the night before to find out where you are anticipating to fly

and to obtain a flight planning problem for homework (this usually includes preparing a weight and balance and

DD-175). If you can not reach your instructor, call the CDO for a homework assignment. For cross-country

flights, refer to the "Blue Brains" Checklist and the planning sheet found in the RI-0 handout.

It is imperative pilots spend time on the ground preflight planning so they are as prepared as possible once

airborne and can maximize mission safety, effectiveness, and training. PWANTS (see Figure 4-1) is a

memory aid for the typical tasks that need to be accomplished at Base Operations before an IFR flight.

Physically going to Base Ops may or may not be required, depending on the capability to accomplish the

appropriate tasks via computer, fax, or telephone.

P-

Publications

W-

Weather (DD175-1)

A-

"Activate" flight plan (technically file flight plan)

N-

NOTAMs

T-

TOLD (takeoff & landing data)

S-

SIDs / DPs / STARs / IAPs

Figure 4-1. Base Ops Drill.

A. Publications.

Ensure the navigation bag you take with you has all of the necessary current items. The following

FLIP documents are used in preflight planning and/or during the flight. You should become familiar

with the FLIP system and know where to find the information you need. Here are some of the most

often used FLIP products:

General Planning (GP). Published for worldwide use by military aviators and is the overall FLIP

reference (includes an index covering all of FLIP).

Area Planning (AP/1, 2, 3 and 4). AP/1 covers procedures, notices, and data for use in North &

South America. This is where you will find preferred routing for IFR flights.

4-4

RADIO INSTRUMENTS STAGE