Low-Level Briefing Guide

APPENDIX D

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

Communications

Use Chattermark procedures to the maximum extent possible on interplane.

Use formation callsign when speaking with ATC and formation position when speaking

within the formation. When anticipating an IMC breakup for recovery, use the current LEAD's

side number as the formation callsign, even if that aircraft started as number two.

LEAD will direct all frequency changes. Wingmen will respond to Interplane frequency

changes, and will not respond to ATC frequency changes. Wingmen will acknowledge all

LEAD instructions and directives with position number.

Students should check VT-35 and VT-31 duty offices for other low-level and tactical

formation missions. IPs and mission commanders will ensure this information is obtained.

99 calls should be made on Base, Formation Primary, and Formation Secondary at common

choke points. T-44s only have one VHF radio, so VT-31 formations will not monitor Base

frequency. Common choke points are Bayside Bridge, Woodsboro, and the run-ins for Mellon,

Shiner, Go Home and Canyon DZ

Advisory calls should be made on 255.4 when crossing all MTRs south of San Antonio and

prior to the IP on checkride routes. T-1s will have you on TCAS, but the T-38s from Randolph

are a significant threat in these areas.

D108. LOW-LEVEL BRIEFING GUIDE

All low-level briefings will use the following guide to brief the mission. For those who prefer, 8-9

below (the run-in through drop) may be briefed out of order. For TF route briefs, brief only those

items not already covered in the formal brief. When briefing a second route on the same flight,

start with 3 below (Route name) and brief all applicable items.

Time hack

Weather (include preflight winds)

Route name/flying time

ESA and location

Times

Stations

Takeoff

Entry

D-18 FLIGHT PREPARATION