Chapter 1 Introduction to USAF T-38 Track Intermediates

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO USAF T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

100.

GENERAL

This Flight Training Instruction (FTI) is a Naval Air Training Command directive in which the

Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) publishes information and instructions relative to all

Instructors and Student Pilots operating the T-34C aircraft in USAF T-38 Track Intermediate

flying.

101.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN THIS SYLLABUS

Angle-Off (AO): The angular difference between the longitudinal axes of two aircraft.

Aspect Angle (AA): The angle measured from the tail of Lead's aircraft to the position of the

Wingman; can be expressed in degrees or clock position. The tail of Lead's aircraft is an aspect

of 0, the nose is 18 (180 degrees). Any perpendicular position of the Lead is a nine aspect (left

wingtip, right wingtip, top of canopy, center of wings underneath).

Blind: No visual contact with friendly aircraft (aircraft in our formation); opposite of term

"visual."

"Bingo" Fuel: Prebriefed fuel state which allows aircraft to return to base or alternate, if

required, using preplanned recovery parameters and arriving with normal recovery fuel.

Closed: Successive takeoffs and landings/low approaches where the aircraft does not exit the

landing pattern.

Closure: Overtake created by airspeed or angular advantage; can be positive or negative.

Corner Velocity: The minimum speed at which an aircraft can attain maximum allowable G.

In the T-34C this is approximately 135 KIAS for positive G. This is where you will be able to

get maximum turn rate and minimum turn radius on the aircraft.

FCIF: Flight Crew Information File is a file of cards containing each squadron pilot's name.

Every pilot has their own FCIF card; signing off the last entry in the FCIF book acknowledges

you have read the latest entry. This is similar to the student read file except a little different in

that you cannot fly or perform Runway Supervisory Unit (RSU) duties [USAF Wheels-Watch]

until the card is up to date; if you have not signed off the last FCIF, you will not get an airplane.

Variations include the SARF (Safety Aircrew Read File) and the ARF (Aircrew Readfile) or PRF

(Pilot Read File).

INTRODUCTION TO USAF T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES 1-1