Aircraft Maintenance Problems on Deck

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

CHAPTER FIVE

501. AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS ON DECK

If either aircraft in the section needs to ground abort or is delayed by a maintenance problem, try

to call the other aircraft to notify them of your status and when you expect to be ready to taxi.

Anytime you step to a spare aircraft or have a maintenance problem, do not rush your checklist.

BE CAREFUL and THOROUGH on your preflight and checklist. If a solo aircraft ground

aborts in a division solo mission, then the whole mission is cancelled unless a section option was

briefed. If a section option was briefed, the Instructor will take out the single solo student. If the

chase aircraft is down, then the mission is always cancelled. If the mission cancels for any

reason, ensure your flight plan (if filed) is closed out with Base Operations.

502. INTERVAL TAKEOFF ABORTS

Aborted takeoffs will be handled in accordance with Section V of the T-34C NATOPS Flight

manual with the addition of a short radio transmission when appropriate.

Lead. If Lead aborts the takeoff, he will remain on his respective side of the runway and

immediately transmit "[tactical call sign], abort, abort, abort" - so both aircraft know to abort

the takeoff. The Wingman will abort behind Lead, also maintaining his side of the runway. The

key to success in this scenario is to do whatever is necessary to avoid hitting the other aircraft, to

include going off the runway and into the grass. If any aircraft departs the prepared surface, then

execute the appropriate NATOPS procedure.

Wingman. If Wing aborts the takeoff, he will remain on his side of the runway and execute the

aborting takeoff procedures. Once the Wing has his aircraft under control and Lead is safely

airborne, make a radio call to notify Lead (e.g., "Knight 1, 2 aborted for a chip light"). Lead will

enter the downwind or depart the airfield and reenter as a single aircraft in accordance with

course rules.

Chase. If the Chase aborts his takeoff, the student solos will either enter downwind or depart the

airfield and reenter as a single aircraft in accordance with local course rules. SOLOS WILL

NOT JOIN UP at any time during the downwind, departure, or reentry into the pattern.

503. SECTION PEL

After the lead changes to put the PEL aircraft in the lead (if necessary), the PEL aircraft needs to

intercept the Emergency Landing Pattern (ELP) as soon as possible. Lead should fly his best

possible individual PEL. Wing should maintain position, clear for the formation, back Lead up

with in-flight tasks, and monitor Lead's performance (e.g., altitude, airspeed, vsi, etc.). Lead will

maneuver and configure as appropriate prior to High Key (see Figure 5-2) while Wing flies the

Chase position and matches Lead's configuration. Lead may elect to kiss-off Wing at High Key,

however it is recommended to have Wing continue to chase the emergency aircraft through the

ELP in order to provide mutual support. During the ELP, Wing should wave off when directed

by Lead, or when reaching 300 feet AGL on final. During the waveoff, Wing should keep his

eyes out for other aircraft and be careful not to overspeed the gear or flaps.

FORMATION EMERGENCIES 5-3