Cross- Controlled Departure

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)

CHAPTER TEN

Cross- Controlled Departure

The purpose of this maneuver is to demonstrate the characteristics of a cross-control departure

and its proper recovery techniques. The maneuver will be conducted in a clean configuration.

Upon completion of a clearing turn, the IP will initiate the maneuver by trimming the aircraft at

180 KIAS and smoothly raise the nose to 25 nose up while rolling the jet to 60 AOB. The IP

will use top rudder to maintain the nose up attitude.

Increased aileron deflection will be required to maintain 60 AOB. When airspeed is between

160 KIAS (maximum airspeed for full rudder deflections) and 140 KIAS, the IP will smoothly

cross-control with full deflections of top rudder, ailerons into the direction of the AOB, and aft

stick. As the controls hit the stops, the aircraft will depart. At that point, the student should

recognize the departure and direct pilot to recover in accordance with the NATOPS OCF

recovery procedure.

Adverse YAW Departure

The purpose of this maneuver is to demonstrate that yaw, one of the two requirements for a spin,

can occur with the rudders in neutral. This maneuver will simulate a high AOA turn that may be

encountered during a BFM engagement.

The maneuver will be conducted in a clean configuration. The IP will initiate the maneuver by

trimming the aircraft at 210 KIAS and rolling into a slightly nose high turn while reducing the

power to idle. The IP will smoothly pull the aircraft to at least 27-28 units AOA. While

maintaining neutral rudder, the IP will quickly attempt to reverse the turn with top aileron.

(Note: This move would simulate an attempt to quickly reverse for a guns shot without

unloading the aircraft). The angleo-bank however, will not reverse; instead, adverse yaw will

cause the aircraft to depart in the direction opposite to the applied aileron. Upon recognition of

the departure, the student will direct the pilot to recover in accordance with the NATOPS OCF

recovery procedure.

Post Stall/Post Departure Scan

After returning the aircraft to level flight following each of the above maneuvers, check the oil

pressure before adding power. It is possible that during the gyrations, the oil may cavitate out of

the pump, and oil pressure may drop to zero. Upon completion of the last maneuver, the BDHI

will most likely have to be realigned and the VGI erected.

A careful post-flight inspection of the aircraft will be made upon return from flights during

which departures have been conducted. Look for popped rivets, loose or missing screws and

fasteners, and wrinkled or cracked skin, placing particular emphasis on the empennage area.

10-25

BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVERS (BFM)