Ground Operations
Familiarization
GROUND OPERATIONS
Fulfilling your role in ground operations professionally is a critical component of your duties as a naval
aviator. You must perform all procedures IAW the NATOPS manual, the Pilot’s Pocket Checklist (PCL),
the course rules, and the SOP.
In addition to the preflight checks that you must complete, you are also required to perform specific
activities in response to the plane captain’s signals. Respond promptly but safely to these signals in order
to complete prelaunch checks expeditiously.
GROUND PERSONNEL SIGNALS
Primarily, you use hand signals to communicate with the plane captain during prestart and post-start
checks. As a qualified naval aviator, you must thoroughly comprehend these signals—any confusion may
lead to equipment damage and/or injury to yourself or the ground crew. Refer to Appendix A, “Daytime
Hand Signals,” for a complete description of these signals. Ground crew intercom is available through the
aircraft ICS and is useful during troubleshooting.
LINE PROCEDURES
Because correctly performed preflight operations contribute to your safety and the success of the mission,
you must ensure that all preflight checks are conducted IAW NATOPS and SOP.
Prior to accepting and signing for the aircraft, thoroughly review the aircraft maintenance discrepancy book
and ensure that all required maintenance has been completed. Pay particular attention to repeated
discrepancies and discrepancies from the previous flight. Also note fuel and oil quantities. As you ap-
proach the aircraft, look for the obvious—e.g., chocks, warning flags, leaks. Perform the exterior inspec-
tion IAW your PCL, noting any discrepancies. During your preflight inspection, also check the mat area
around the aircraft for FOD. Pay particular attention to pad eyes and the area around each intake for a 20-
foot radius. With the exterior inspection complete, enter the cockpit, strap in (with the plane captain’s
assistance), and perform all prestart cockpit checks.
WARNING: Prior to applying electrical power on deck, ensure personnel are clear of the NLG
forward doors. With the NLG door ground safety pin removed and the EMER GEAR handle not
fully stowed, the NLG doors will close when electrical power is applied.
NOTE: The following to page 9 refers to T-45C Waypoint procedures.
WAYPOINTS
On start, up to ten active tactical waypoints, plus waypoint zero from the last flight may be retained in the
display system. Waypoint zero is distinguished from other waypoints because it is used for the GPS/INS
alignment and is not normally used for a navigation point except for returning to home field. Changing
waypoint zero prior to a full alignment will delay the alignment as the system resolves any difference
between the location of the pilot-entered waypoint zero and the actual location of the aircraft. Waypoint
data in the system can be changed in two ways:
(1) transferring waypoint data from one of 200 waypoints in the mission data loader (GPS option), or
(2) manually changing the latitude, longitude, elevation and/or magnetic variation of a tactical way-
point (WYPT option).
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