Air-to-Air Section Communication

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)

CHAPTER TEN

TURN

STUDENT

COMM

Tac Right, Into (TRI)

LEAD:

"Turbo, Tac Right."

WING:

"Two."

LEAD:

"Six clear."

WING:

"Roger."

Inplace Left, Into (ILI)

LEAD:

"Turbo, Inplace Left."

WING:

"Two."

LEAD:

"Six clear."

WING:

"Roger."

WING:

"Visual."

LEAD:

"Roger."

Cross Turn (C)

LEAD:

"Turbo, Cross Turn, Lead's low."

WING:

"Two."

Inplace Left, Away (ILA)

LEAD:

"Turbo, Inplace Left."

WING:

"Two."

WING:

"Six clear."

LEAD:

"Roger."

Tac Right, Away (TRA)

LEAD:

"Turbo, Tac Right."

WING:

"Two."

WING:

"Six clear."

LEAD:

"Roger."

Air-to-Air Section Communication

Thus far, we have discussed the procedures for combat spread, crew responsibilities for lookout

doctrine, and the mechanics of engaging turns. At some point on a BFM syllabus flight (during

engaging turns), a "bogey T-2C" may test the students' lookout doctrine. Proper comm is one of

the most important factors to maintaining mutual support and situational awareness when a

section is threatened while in combat spread.

As previously described, the students will clear the appropriate six before calling "six clear." If,

however, a bogey is spotted, the first student to see the bogey will automatically assume the

tactical lead, as his SA is the greatest at that particular moment. The threat must be

communicated to the section quickly and clearly. Directive, followed by Descriptive comm is

the correct sequence. The section or threatened aircraft must be maneuvered in the direction of

the bogey first and then a description of the bogey's location given:

Example

"Turbo, hard left, bogey left 7 o'clock high."

DIRECTIVE: "Turbo, hard left ..."

DESCRIPTIVE: "... bogey, left 7 o'clock high."

10-19

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)