Interval Takeoff - P-3670051

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

CHAPTER 5

c. Procedures. Not applicable.

d. Common Errors. Not applicable.

504.

INTERVAL TAKEOFF

a. Description. The interval takeoff is done when weather/winds or runway conditions

prevent a Formation Takeoff. The interval takeoff will be done the same as in Primary. Lead

will give the same runup signals as the Formation Takeoff, but there will be no tapping of the

helmet or brake release signal. Wing will take five seconds' spacing and will execute his/her

own takeoff. Lead will comply with course rules and stay below weather until join up.

505.

FINGERTIP

a. Description. The Fingertip position is the same as the Parade position flown in

Primary. Fingertip Formation is used for weather penetration, airdrome arrivals/departures, and

show formations.

b. General. In Fingertip, the Wingman always maintains a fixed position relative to

Lead regardless of the direction of turn. Wing will always rotate about Lead's longitudinal axis.

Turns into the Wingman are the same as in Primary. In turns away, maintain the Primary Parade

references. The key is to maintain the Fingertip checkpoints just as in straight and level flight in

either case. Fingertip Formation is always flown as if the formation is operating in the weather,

so it is incumbent on Lead to be smooth with power and attitude changes. During the T-38

FORM missions, practically all formation maneuvers will commence from Fingertip. In T-38

FORM there are no signals for climbs or descents or power changes. If Lead is flying a smooth

platform, any changes in power or aircraft attitude should be imperceptible to Two.

c. Procedures. Not applicable.

d. Common Errors

(1)

Not trimming the aircraft.

(2)

Gripping the controls too tightly, resulting in pilot-induced oscillations.

(3)

Overcorrecting with power changes.

506.

ROUTE POSITION

a. Description. A position two ship-widths to approximately 500 feet out, level with

Lead, remaining on the assigned side of Lead (no undirected Crossunders). Wing will fly no

farther aft than the normal Fingertip line and no farther forward than line abreast. While in the

Route position, the Wingman will execute Echelon Turns during turns away and Route

references during turns into.

b. General. The Route position (Figure 5-1) may be utilized whenever flying in VMC

and the Fingertip position is not desired. The Route position is wider and more flexible than

T-38 FORMATION ADMIN 5-5