Out-of-Control Flight
Conclusion
CONCLUSION
As a tactical aviator, you must be able to fly the aircraft to the limits of the envelope in order to take full
advantage of the capabilities of the weapons platform. Consequently, you will occasionally exceed these
limits, and suddenly find yourself in uncontrolled flight. Although sometimes spectacular, it is a phase of
flight that you should not fear; it is a natural consequence of flying the aircraft to its limits. Every tactical
pilot must be prepared to handle uncontrolled flight by:
1. Knowing the aircraft. Study the NATOPS flight manual, and, if possible, the Naval Air Center
reports, for out-of-control flight characteristics.
2. Knowing the procedures. The recovery procedures must become second nature.
3. Neutralizing the controls. Immediately upon losing control, position the controls to neutral until
recovery or a steady-state spin has been positively confirmed.
4. Being patient. Hasty control application can lead to trouble.
5. Checking the altimeter. If you don’t have sufficient altitude: eject. There is no reason to
spend the rest of your life trying to recover the aircraft.
OCF is simply another phase of flight. Every aviator can cope with it. If you know the procedures and
maintain a cool head, you will quickly have the aircraft under control, and the flight will go on.
(9-98) Original
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