Inadvertent IMC - P-5530124

JOINT ADVANCED MULTI-ENGINE T-44A

(a)

Wing transmits "Lost sight" on internal frequency.

(b)

In level flight: Wing increases step down.

In a climb: Wing holds altitude, Lead continues climb.

In a descent: Wing continues descent, Lead holds altitude.

(c)

Wing turns at least 20 away from Lead's last heading to gain lateral separation. Lead holds

airspeed and AOB if turning.

(d)

Wing cautiously maneuvers to regain visual contact and rejoin.

(e)

If visual contact is not regained, inform Lead of position (Radial/DME), heading, and altitude.

(f)

Lead coordinates rendezvous.

(2)

Inadvertent IMC. Wing should not follow Lead into IMC conditions. If IMC is unavoidable,

Wing should maintain a good parade position while Lead maneuvers the flight to exit IMC as soon as

possible (180 turn, climb, descend to exit clouds). In all, but the most severe conditions, Wing should, if

in parade position, be able to maintain sight of Lead. If the flight is unable to regain VMC or Wing looses

sight of Lead, the following procedure will safely provide adequate vertical, lateral, and nose-to-tail

separation.

(a)

Wing or Lead transmits "IMC breakup" on internal communications. Wing turns away from

Lead using 30 AOB and makes a 180 turn.

(b)

Lead, upon hearing "IMC breakup," waits 5 seconds, rolls wings level (if not already), and

climbs 500'.

(c)

Wing reports passing through 90 of turn. When hearing this call, Lead starts a 180 turn

away from Wing (i.e., if Wing was in starboard parade, Lead will make a left turn).

(d)

Wing reports level heading and altitude.

(e)

If VMC is quickly regained, Lead will coordinate a rendezvous. If VMC is not quickly

regained, Lead will coordinate with ATC for IFR handling.

(3)

Radio and equipment failures. Report any loss of internal or external communication ability, or

the loss of any equipment necessary to continue the mission to the Flight Leader as soon as practicable. If

one aircraft loses communications, the other aircraft will normally assume the lead and proceed to home

field using the following procedures:

(a)

Wing Lost Communications. Wing will turn their rotating beacon off and maintain assigned

position. If not joined, watch for Lead's "join up" signal, and join in the starboard parade

position. After no response from Wing on either internal or external communications, Lead

should note Wing's rotating beacon off, inform ATC of No Radio (NORDO) Wingman, and

lead the formation home. Normally Lead will waveoff and go around while Wing full stops

(this will avoid runway separation problems with a NORDO aircraft).

(b)

Lead Lost Communications. Lead will turn his/her beacon off and "tail wag" by stepping lightly

on the rudders. This will catch the Wing's attention, signal lost communications, and clears the

Wing to maneuver for a lead change. Wing acknowledges by securing his/her beacon. When in

position to assume the lead, the Wing turns his/her beacon back on. The lost communication Lead

then turns his/her beacon back on to signal the actual lead change, and joins in starboard parade.

(c)

Lost Communication Maneuver Signals:

Rocking of ailerons: Wingman cross under

Series of shallow "zooms": Join up

Pat head and point to Wingman: Pass/assume the lead

Hand or other signals as briefed or on page A-10 of the FIH

FORMATION STAGE

5-3