Wingman - P-3670046

CHAPTER 4

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

Wingman

Monitor fuel frequently throughout the flight. Inform the Flight Lead when reaching Joker and

Bingo and get an acknowledgment. If fuel drops below Joker, before informing the Flight Lead

or during an Ops check, reference the fuel state from Bingo. (e.g., Joker is 600 lbs and Bingo is

400 lbs, Wingman notices he is 580, tells the Flight Lead, "Knight Two is Bingo plus 1.8" rather

than "Knight Two is Joker minus 20"). Remember to cross-check fuel frequently during high

fuel flow conditions. Terminate maneuvering with a Knock-it-Off call upon reaching Bingo.

Finally, Wingman must understand what factors the Flight Lead considered when determining

Joker and Bingo. These factors will determine what degree of fuel conservation is required to

continue with the mission after reaching those fuel states. Example, Flight Lead plans Bingo

based on max range recovery, Wingman at Bingo is stuck at one-mile trail, Wingman cannot go

max power to join up, lead may have to be passed to Two and Lead rejoins as the new Wingman

and then takes the lead back when the formation is back together. If fuel state is below Bingo

reference total fuel in hundreds of pounds during Ops checks, give individual tank quantities if a

fuel imbalance greater than 50 pounds exists. If fuel state is below Bingo reference total fuel in

hundreds of pounds during Ops checks, give individual tank quantities if a fuel imbalance greater

than 50 pounds exists.

4-8 T-38 FORMATION BASICS