Runway Lineup/Takeoff

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

CHAPTER TWO

When the flight is ready, LEAD will call for further taxi.

Secure navigation lights and switch to tower frequency when approaching the hold short

line.

Ground Abort. If problems are encountered with your aircraft, inform the other aircraft of

your problem(s) and intentions. The other aircraft may elect to abort or continue with an

alternate mission. (If originally a 3-ship, the mission commander will determine if the formation

may continue as a 2-ship.)

208. RUNWAY LINEUP/TAKEOFF

LEAD positions on the left side of the runway. TWO positions on the right side of the

runway allowing tail-to-nose clearance. THREE positions directly behind LEAD with tail-to-

nose clearance from TWO.

After the formation receives takeoff clearance and all aircraft are in position, all aircraft

will set power IAW appropriate NATOPS, scan engine instruments and other formation aircraft

for loose panels and leaks. WING reports ready (i.e., "TWO's in", "THREE's in"). LEAD

releases brakes, advances power slowly and smoothly to takeoff power, and begins the takeoff

roll.

Five seconds after LEAD commences takeoff roll, TWO releases the brakes and begins his

takeoff roll. THREE will delay five seconds after TWO.

During the takeoff roll, all aircraft shall remain on their respective side of the runway.

209. ABORTS

Aborts During Takeoff

The copilot immediately transmits an "abort" call on tower frequency using formation

position number (e.g., "Montana/Stingray XXX, TWO's aborting, TWO's aborting, TWO's

aborting").

Clear the runway as quickly as safety allows (i.e., taxi to the end of the runway).

WING aircraft not on takeoff roll will hold until the runway is clear.

If succeeding aircraft have already started takeoff roll, they shall also abort.

Airborne Aborts

Aircraft aborting during assembly will remain clear of departing traffic.

TACTICAL FORMATION

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