Chapter One Low-Level Navigation

CHAPTER ONE

LOW-LEVEL NAVIGATION

100. INTRODUCTION

This Flight Training Instruction (FTI) presents an overview of Low-Level (LL) Navigation. The

purpose of LL navigation is to fly a selected ground track and arrive over a designated target

drop zone (DZ) at a coordinated "Time Over Target" (TOT) or at a landing zone (LZ) at a "Time

of Arrival" (TOA). Low-Level flight utilizing dead-reckoning procedures (holding a constant

heading and airspeed for a predetermined amount of time), with location substantiated by

reference to geographic checkpoints, may be the only method of navigation available to avoid

detection in a combat environment. Our target will either be a drop zone and simulated airdrop

procedures will be performed or a landing zone with a random tactical approach. Regardless of

the objective, these techniques and procedures will provide the foundation needed to be a

successful tactical pilot.

101. LOW-LEVEL TASK MANAGEMENT

The most crucial aspect of LL is proper task management. Many accidents are attributed to

pilots flying into the ground because they did not prioritize tasks properly. The ever-important

concept of Aviate, Navigate, Communicate, becomes even more crucial when flying in the low-

level environment. Keeping the aircraft flying is always the number one priority. All the

preflight planning, route study, chart reading, and timing control will not help a pilot complete

his mission if he places those tasks before flying the aircraft and thus impacts the ground or other

obstacles. Ensure that terrain clearance is always met first and then accomplish other duties

(e.g., the navigate and communicate tasks). All tasks related to weather, enemy defenses,

formation, navigation, cockpit switches, drop zone acquisition, aerial delivery, etc., collectively

represent successful mission accomplishment. However, to successfully perform your mission,

you must first survive. If you permit your priorities to break down, you may have just completed

the enemy's work. NEVER allow complacency or task overload to let you forget that the ground

is DEADLY - and close at hand.

Comfort Level (CL) is the lowest altitude at which an aircrew can accommodate LL task loading

and maintain safe terrain clearance. CL will vary according to terrain, aircrew skill, and

currency. Flying requires sound judgment. If you exceed your CL, you probably are not getting

anything out of the mission. The solution is to climb to a more comfortable altitude where you

can once again begin learning.

102. EMERGENCY ACTIONS

Always be prepared for an emergency. Your actions in such a situation should have been

thoroughly prebriefed; crew coordination is vital. Your first priority is an immediate climb away

from the ground. Once at a safe altitude, MSA during training, handle the emergency as you

head towards the nearest suitable airfield. Do not be complacent with a minor malfunction. For

example, it might seem easy to troubleshoot a suspected float switch malfunction while you are

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