Standards of Performance

CHAPTER ONE

T-34C CONTACT

T-34C NATOPS MANUAL AND POCKET CHECKLIST. The T-34C NATOPS

manual is the definitive instruction on the operation of the aircraft. The Pocket Checklist (PCL)

is a convenient pocket sized listing of those items in the NATOPS manual that would be of

particular concern while airborne or at a remote location. No student or flight instructor has the

authority to deviate from NATOPS without specific written authority except in specific

situations. The NATOPS also lists the crew requirements for flying the aircraft. There is a bank

of questions in the back of the NATOPS that every aviator should be familiar with. The

structure of the T-34C NATOPS is similar to that of every other aircraft in the Navy/ Marine

Corps. Both the NATOPS and the PCL list emergency procedures. Some of these procedures

are listed in Boldface or with asterisks next to them. These items are memory items, and the

SNA shall be able to recall and apply any of these procedures correctly to the appropriate aircraft

malfunction. In addition to the emergency procedures, a pilot should be able to recall the

Landing Checklist from memory. Other than these, every checklist should be performed with the

aid of the PCL or appropriate guide. Familiarity with the PCL should be acquired in an attempt

to ensure efficient use under potentially arduous situations while airborne.

In Primary Training, there is no room for libraries of publications. T-34C aircrews must be

thoroughly familiar with their aircraft. They must study the NATOPS manual in-depth and have

a thorough knowledge of it because no opportunity exists to do so while airborne. NATOPS

requires the use of checklists. Although a student may become familiar with a checklist, pocket

checklists are to be used to ensure no items are missed.

104.

ACADEMIC/FLIGHT SUPPORT TRAINING

The terminal objective of flight support training and academics is to provide the SNA with the

basic knowledge and skills directly applicable to satisfactory progression in the T-34C aircraft

flight training. Upon completion of the academic and flight support activities, the student will be

capable of relating these acquired cognitive skills and applying them through simulation and

actual flights, thus developing the motor skills and headwork necessary to meet CNATRA

standards to complete primary flight training.

105.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. STANDARDIZATION. Flight instruction must be highly standardized. The syllabi that

are currently being used are the result of constant evolution and the techniques taught are lessons

learned over the course of many years. The FTI and NATOPS set forth the one standardized

way of doing any specific maneuver. Adherence to these standards will be a part of any

instructor's evaluation of a student's performance during an event. Occasionally, a student may

question a particular instructor's technique, or he may think that an instructor is incorrect. There

is no time for protracted discussion or debate in the air. If an instructor's request is unclear to the

student, he must request clarification. If, however, the student feels that the instructor's methods

or techniques contradict NATOPS or the FTI, he should consult his class advisor on the

appropriate way to address the issue. In any event, when the student feels that flight safety is in

jeopardy, he is bound to request a Training Time Out to obtain clarification.

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INTRODUCTION TO T-34C CONTACT