Overshoot From A Turning Rejoin

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

CHAPTER 5

c. Common Errors

(1)

Lead

(a)

Commanding a Rejoin in one direction, but rolling into bank the opposite

direction.

(b) Sloppy basic aircraft control in altitude, airspeed, etc. or changing

parameters without a reason and without notifying Two.

(c)

Setting up an orbit for the Turning Rejoin that takes the formation out of

the area.

(d) Not recognizing an opportunity to climb or descend during the Rejoin

phase. Not planning ahead for the formation while Two works the Rejoin.

(2)

Wing

(a) Immediately committing to a High Yo-Yo when Lead rocks his wings and

Lead is actually commanding a Straight Ahead Rejoin.

(b)

Being confused about the Rejoin direction and not clarifying with Lead on

the radio.

(c)

Pulling inappropriate lead, too much or not enough.

(d) Not having the lead slightly above the horizon, either doing a low-to-high

Rejoin or not being slightly below Lead's turning plane.

(e) Letting Aspect and Angle-Off build for no reason and not recognizing a

dangerous closure situation developing.

(f) Not stabilizing in Route before rejoining to Fingertip. Rejoining with a lot

of closure and aspect and forcing an overshoot situation (underrun).

519.

OVERSHOOT FROM A TURNING REJOIN

The Overshoot (Figure 5-8) is a maneuver to ensure separation of aircraft should the Wingman

fail to recognize an unsafe Rejoin or a Rejoin with excessive closure. As in Primary Formation,

recognize the overshoot (underrun) situation early enough so that you can either correct or

overshoot gently to the outside of the turn. Unlike Primary, however, you will not rejoin on the

outside of the turn. Instead, maneuver below Lead to the rejoin line on the inside of the turn and

restart the Rejoin. Plan your Overshoot to pass two ship lengths behind Lead as a minimum and

keep Lead in sight at all times. Once you have crossed to the outside of the turn, increase bank

to stabilize the separation, but do not pull into Lead or pull higher than the Echelon Turn

position. If Two sees that he will pass under or in front of Lead, or that he cannot control his

closure with an overshoot, then Two will break out of formation.

T-38 FORMATION ADMIN 5-19