Weapons
Safety Precautions
INADVERTENT WEAPON RELEASE
There have been many cases where short circuits or faulty switches have caused inadvertent firing
or ordnance drop. The danger is especially grave when you are carrying forward-firing ordnance,
because it can shoot well out of the restricted area. The danger of inadvertent release can be
minimized by adhering to switchology rules already given. Do not arm your Master Armament switch
in a forward-firing ordnance run until you are wings level in the dive and your interval has called off
the target.
LOST COMMUNICATIONS
In the event that you lose your radio in the bombing pattern and have no other problems, enter the
lame duck pattern. The lame duck pattern is 2,000 ft above the high pattern or 1,000 ft above the off
target rendezvous pattern, depending on which pattern the flight is using. Orbit in the direction of the
pattern. Should the weather not permit orbiting above the pattern, maintain your interval and fly the
pattern normally except for the roll-in; stay at altitude. When you arrive at the roll-in, rock your wings
and stay at pattern altitude. When the rest of the flight has finished bombing, a rendezvous will be
effected; normally the NORDO aircraft joins last, inside lead’s turn, and will be positioned as #2 for
the return.
1.
If you have a serious problem with your aircraft while you are NORDO, return to base or
emergency airfield as briefed. A wingman will be dispatched to assist you.
2.
If you have aircraft problems that do not require immediate action but do require assistance,
enter the lame duck pattern, orbit opposite the direction of the flight and an instructor will join
you. Use standard HEFOE signals to inform the instructor of your difficulties.
LATE PATTERN ENTRY
The flight lead may permit an aircraft in the flight to enter the pattern late due to maintenance
problems. The late aircraft must contact the lead for a clearance into the target area and should
enter the pattern 1,000 ft above pattern altitude and between the abeam and the roll-in position.
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