Lost Wingman

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

CHAPTER 5

(2) Wing attempts to save the Rejoin and bleeds off too much energy with Gs

making the Rejoin excessively long as Wing maneuvers to gain that energy back.

(3)

Wing passes under or in front of Lead in the overshoot and does not break out.

(4) Wing banks up after the overshoot and either pulls into Lead or pulls above the

Echelon position.

(5) Wing maneuvers back out to the rejoin line after the overshoot and sets up a

poor Rejoin, ending up overshooting again.

520.

LOST WINGMAN

a. Description. Lost Wingman is similar to "separated" in Primary.

b. General. Lost Wingman procedures shall be briefed for every formation flight. Lost

Wingman procedures are very specific maneuvers that will be executed should the Wingman

lose sight of Lead while in IMC. The Lost Wingman procedure takes into account the need to

gain separation from Lead while trying not to violate the radar control protected airspace around

Lead. It is essential that Lead inform ATC as soon as possible that Wing has gone Lost

Wingman, and that Wing pick up a squawk and clearance as soon as possible. Going Lost

Wingman can be very disorientating for the Wingman, so smooth execution of the procedures is

crucial! Lost Wingman is like a waveoff or underrun in Primary; if there is any doubt,

SMOOTHLY TRANSITION TO INSTRUMENTS AND GO LOST WINGMAN!

It is appropriate to reemphasize Lead's responsibility for the flight at this point. Lead must be

directive in ensuring the Lost Wingman situation presents as little hazard as possible to other

aircraft. Lead should not hesitate to jump on the radios and ensure ATC is informed, and that

Wing is working on a separate clearance. Two is essentially in the weather without a clearance.

Your highest likelihood of actual Lost Wingman is while maneuvering for recovery in busy

airspace. The controllers need to know where you are to preclude a mid-air collision. In any

Lost Wingman situation, once safe separation is ensured, resume course and obtain a separate

clearance from ATC.

c. Procedures. The procedures below are for both actual situations and for practice.

Lost Wingman procedures will be practiced in VMC to prepare for actual situations. The

practice maneuver is initiated by the leader transmitting "(Tactical call sign), go practice Lost

Wingman." Both aircraft will then proceed as directed below:

Remember: Lost Wingman- NOTIFY, TRANSITION, CALL OUT PARAMETERS.

(1)

Lead:

(a)

Straight and Level:

i. Acknowledge Wing's Lost Wingman call and maintain straight and

level flight. Call heading and altitude and airspeed on the radio, e.g., Knight One's heading 270,

5000 feet, 150 knots. Command a Rejoin when Wing calls "Visual."

T-38 FORMATION ADMIN 5-21