The Wingwork Demonstration

CHAPTER 2

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

203.

THE WINGWORK DEMONSTRATION

Wingwork is done as an exercise that trains you to be able to maintain formation position at

much higher bank angles than you are used to, namely 80 - 90 degrees. The format for

wingwork is done under the guise of a series of wingovers where you never pass 90 degrees of

bank and you have approximately aerobatic cruise straight and level and no less than 100 knots

at the apex of the turn. The IP will demonstrate first because there is a very specific way to pull

up into wingwork with a Wingman following you. You do not want to roll too fast and you do

not want to get too fast on the acceleration phase nor do you want to get slower than 100 knots

on the apex of any wingover. As a technique, always tip off your Wingman that you are

beginning the wingwork profile. Always try to make your first turn into him so he can maintain

position and do not go right to 90 degrees of bank on the first apex, maybe go to 70 - 80, then

work 90 degrees on subsequent pulls. Of course, you will always have to monitor your

Wingman so if he is out of position, do not keep doing turns away from him. At the same time

you must maintain the area boundaries, so plan accordingly. Simulate a Wingman throughout

the instructor's demonstration, and while you fly the maneuver. The format is four pulls on one

wing, followed by a Crossunder, followed by four pulls on the other wing.

a. Procedure

(1) Work yourself to the center of the area at a neutral energy state, 7500 feet MSL

with 180 knots, straight and level.

(2) Make a shallow descent to obtain about 190-200 knots and smoothly set power

to 750 - 800 ft-lbs.

(3) With 190-200 knots, gently raise nose straight up until the exhaust stacks start

to cross the horizon, then start rolling gently to approximately 70 - 80 degrees on the first pull.

Aim for approximately 30 degrees in pitch and judge the increase in bank to keep from getting

below 100 knots.

(4) Allow nose to continue to track nose down and start a gentle roll out so that

your wings level simultaneously at your starting condition, 190-200 knots, nose approximately

at the horizon.

(5)

Begin your next pull in the opposite direction.

(6) Upon beginning your fourth pull, simulate ordering your Wingman to

Crossunder from high to low with a slight wingdip, your IP will demonstrate how much

wingdip is appropriate.

b. Common Errors

(1) Rolling too fast; remember, your buddy is on your wing, roll at a rate where he

can hang on the wing. Remember, he is going to be leading you through this after the lead is

swapped. Paybacks could be tough.

(2) Not getting the nose up enough so that you do not get down to 100 knots. Time

your roll so that you reach 100 knots at 90 degrees of bank; if you are going to err anywhere

make sure you observe the airspeed, get no slower than 100 knots.

2-4 T-38 PRECISION AEROBATICS