CNATRAINST 3740.9D
16 September 2003
(2) The overhead marshal stack should be utilized if the ship's TACAN is inoperative or if geographical
circumstances dictate. Aircraft may be marshaled individually or in flights. CATCC shall, equipment permitting,
provide radar coverage with all penetrating A/C and, as much as possible, provide assistance and monitor altitudes.
Overhead marshal shall be on the 020 course inbound relative to the BRC (or 030 course inbound relative to the final
bearing).
(3) For aircraft proceeding inbound to the ship below an overcast layer, CATCC shall issue holding
instructions to remain below the overcast at least 15NM from the ship at a minimum altitude of 1,000 feet. THE
WEATHER MINIMUM FOR THE CEILING IN THIS CASE IS 1500 FEET (CAN BE WAIVED BY CV
COMMANDING OFFICER WITH CNATRA'S CONCURRENCE TO DESCEND NO LOWER THAN 800 FEET
WITH A MINIMUM CEILING OF 1000 FEET). A minimum of 30 degrees between holding radials shall be used.
b. Helicopter. The primary TACAN marshal is the 110 degree radial relative to the Final Bearing at a
distance of 1 mile for every 500 feet of altitude, starting at 1000 feet and 5 miles.
215. Training Carrier Approach Procedures. In the interest of safety the following are adopted as standard
approach procedures and criteria for NATRACOM aircraft during carrier qualifications. The carrier Air Operations
Officer shall determine the type of approach and required control based on weather in the approach area and at the
ship. (Radar approaches or CV-1 and CV-3 approach plates from reference (a) shall be used for Case II and III
operations). Figure II-1 depicts the CNATRA Case I Stack and Figure II-2 depicts the CNATRA Case I Holding
Pattern and Break Entry.
a. Case I, Visual Descent-Approach. A ceiling of 3000 feet and 5 miles visibility within the Carrier Control
Zone is required for Case I operations. This approach may be utilized when it can be anticipated that flights will not
encounter IMC at any time during the descent, break, and final approach. The Lead/Safe pilot retains responsibility
for proper navigation and separation from other aircraft.
(1) Holding. Aircraft entering Case 1 holding shall be assigned altitudes 6500 feet Mean Sea Level
(MSL) and above when under marshal control within 10 NM of ship and can expect holding altitudes from 1500 to
5500 feet MSL when under tower control. Once established in holding, VMC flights should be switched to Tower
frequency for check-in. Flights that are unable to report "see you" by 5 NM shall so advise and anticipate the
initiation of Case II procedures or divert. Flights shall be established at their assigned altitude 10 NM prior to
entering the port holding pattern. Entry shall be tangential with wings level. To minimize delay: once established
overhead, flights should be handed off from CATTC to tower as soon as possible.
(2) Descent/Approach. When given either a change in holding altitude or signal "Charlie", Flight
Leaders shall remain overhead until approaching a position abeam the carrier, then proceed outbound 210 degrees
relative to the BRC to at least 7 NM from the ship before vacating their previous altitude (see figure II-2). They shall
position their flight to be at the new assigned pattern altitude outside 7 NM from the ship. Flights proceeding into the
break shall be established wings level 5 NM astern the ship. Flights given signal "Charlie" are expected to fully comply
with these procedures and shall not circumvent the normal Case I descent pattern or in any other way violate reference
(a) during pattern entry. In the event of a spin, flight leaders shall initiate a climb at the bow to 1200 feet and remain
within 3 NM of the ship, descending astern the ship to arrive at 800 feet at the 3 mile initial. Flight leaders report "spin
90" during the last 90 degrees of turn. THE 1500 SAFE AND THE SPINNING FLIGHT LEAD SHALL TAKE
EXTRA CARE TO REMAIN CLEAR OF EACH OTHER.
NOTE: When weather or OPAREA restrictions restrict altitude usage above 6000 feet, flights may be marshaled as
per paragraph 214.a.(3). Upon receipt of signal "Charlie," the Flight Leader shall proceed inbound on the
assigned holding radial and intercept the 10 mile arc to the BRC and proceed inbound to the pattern.
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