Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization

CHAPTER ONE

T-34C AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FAMILIARIZATION WORKBOOK

102. NAVAL AIR TRAINING AND OPERATING PROCEDURES

STANDARDIZATION

The Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Program was

developed out of a need to decrease the Navy's aircraft mishap rate and increase combat

readiness. The program, which officially began 8 May 1961, endeavored to standardize the

training and operating procedures between aircraft squadrons and ships, a condition which was

basically nonexistent even following the lessons learned in World War II and the Korean

conflict. Since its inception, the program has seen a tremendous decrease in the loss of human

life and aircraft.

The NATOPS Manual has a structure that may be unusual to the first-time user. The T-34C

NATOPS Manual has eleven parts and thirty-three chapters. A page number in a NATOPS

Manual has a two-section number identifying the chapter and chapter page number. For

example, page 22-12 is the 12th page in Chapter 22. A student checking that page would find

the NATOPS Evaluation Question Bank, which is referenced for self-testing at the completion of

most lessons in this book.

Of particular importance to a pilot are the WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES found

throughout the manual.

WARNING

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, that may result in

injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.

CAUTION

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, that may result in

damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.

NOTE

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, essential to

emphasize.

Obviously, WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, and NOTES must be read closely and adhered to

completely.

Since the NATOPS Program must be dynamic and responsive to need for change, a system is

provided for submitting changes to the NATOPS Manual. A specific command is assigned the

responsibility for ensuring the manual has current procedures and information. Responsibility

for the T-34 is assigned to Commander, Training Air Wing FIVE, NAS Whiting Field. Anyone

may submit change recommendations to the NATOPS Manual.

Compliance with NATOPS is MANDATORY!

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NATOPS FAMILIARIZATION