Pertinent Characteristics of the T-44/TC-12B

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

CHAPTER TWO

practicable. The following procedures will be followed if any aircraft in a formation loses total

COMM.

WING lost communications. WING will turn their rotating beacon and strobe lights off

and cautiously assume a loose line abreast position. LEAD (or other WING if a 3-ship) should

note WING's beacon/strobes off and "tail wag" to tell WING that LEAD knows he's NORDO

and to rejoin. After receiving no response from WING on interplane, inform ATC of NORDO

wingman, and lead the formation home. Normally, the affected aircraft will full stop while all

others wave off (this will preclude having any other aircraft on rollout with the NORDO

aircraft).

LEAD lost communications. LEAD will turn his beacon and strobe lights off and "tail

wag" by stepping lightly on the rudders. This should catch TWO's attention. TWO should

assume a line abreast position. LEAD will signal that he has lost communications and clear

TWO to take the lead. The former LEAD then turns his beacon/strobes back on to signal the

completion of the lead change, exits the formation in the safest direction and rejoins at the end of

the formation.

NOTE

TWO will always assume LEAD regardless of formation size.

If necessary, use hand or other signals as briefed or contained in Section A of the Flight

Information Handbook.

Engine failure. The primary hazard during engine failure is a rapid loss of airspeed with

accompanying yaw into the dead engine. WING must be prepared for emergency evasive

maneuvering if LEAD loses an engine. Any aircraft with any sign of impending engine failure

shall call "KNOCK IT OFF".

Mid-air collision. In the event of a mid-air collision, regain control and make a "KNOCK IT

OFF" call. Follow NATOPS procedures to determine aircraft controllability. Lead will

coordinate altitude assignments as necessary. If feasible, attempt to visually assess the other

aircraft's damage as you regain separation. Do not reform, maintain well clear and recover as

the situation dictates.

206. PERTINENT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE T-44A/TC-12B

The T-44A/TC-12B does not have a speed brake or any other device designed to slow the airplane

rapidly. The following is a brief discussion of various techniques to slow the T-44/TC-12, and

their applicability to formation training:

Pulling the power levers to flight idle will not immediately slow the airplane. Anticipation

(recognizing a closure rate on LEAD) and proper power reduction will decrease the probability

of an overrun. This is the best technique to control airspeed and relative motion.

TACTICAL FORMATION

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