Crossunder

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

CHAPTER 5

507.

CROSSUNDER

a. Description. Same as Primary.

b. General. The procedure for the Crossunder in Intermediate Formation is nearly the

same as the procedure found in Primary. However, Wing does not need to acknowledge the

signal and is not required to stabilize at each checkpoint. The objective is to safely and

expeditiously move Wing's aircraft from one side of Lead to the other. Lead's signal for the

Crossunder should be a crisp wingdip to the side of the formation Lead wants to place Wing.

The size of Lead's sing dip is based on the position of the Wingman; small if in Fingertip, larger

if in Route.

c. Procedures

(1)

Lead:

(a)

Signal the Crossunder (Appendix A).

(2)

Wing:

(a)

Perform the maneuver.

d. Common Errors

(1)

Lead making too large or too small a signal.

(2)

Wingman taking too long to accomplish the maneuver.

(3)

Wing not obtaining and maintaining nose-tail clearance.

(4)

Wing trying to rush this maneuver and flying a sloppy Crossunder. Square the

corners!

508.

ECHELON TURNS

a. Description. Echelon Turns (Figure 5-2) are turns by the formation that are similar

to turns away in Primary, but Lead will use 60 degrees of bank. The difference between Echelon

Turns and Primary turns away is that Two will be level with Lead and will have the horizon

bisect Lead's aircraft.

b. General. Echelon Turns will only be flown in VMC and are used when signaled by

Lead or when in the Route position. Echelon Turns will be the default for turns away in the VFR

traffic pattern when the formation is in Fingertip. Echelon Turns can be done either in Fingertip

or Route.

T-38 FORMATION ADMIN 5-7