Fuel Management - P-8210129

STANDARD SECTION FORMATION PROCEDURES

CHAPTER FIVE

506. FUEL MANAGEMENT

Fuel Checks

Both students are responsible for fuel management within their own cockpits (i.e., tell the pilot to

switch from tips to wings when appropriate, etc.). The lead must always be aware of the fuel

state of the other jets in your flight. The lowest fuel state in the flight becomes the flight's fuel

state. For example, if one aircraft in the section reaches Joker fuel, the section is considered at

Joker state and will RTB accordingly. Due to the necessary "jockeying" of the throttles required

to maintain position in formation, the wingman will tend to be less fuel-efficient than the lead.

The lead OUI will be responsible for initiating all fuel checks on the radio.

Example

LEAD OUI: "Turbo, 2.6 tips."

WING OUI: "Turbo two, 2.6 tips."

Keep track of all fuel checks in your notes so you may refer to them at any time to analyze any

trends (i.e. does the wing have a transfer failure, etc.) As "mission commander" for the flight,

the lead student must analyze fuel states and determine when it is appropriate to RTB.

507. EMERGENCIES

ABORTS

Sympathetic aborts may be used during interval takeoffs if the wingmen is at low speed and can

safely stop behind the lead. The eight-second delay on an interval takeoff will normally result in

wing being at a slow speed (< 50 knots) if the lead aborts. Wing will then be able to safely stop

the aircraft in a short distance. This note is not meant to override common sense and good

headwork, only to maintain section integrity when practicable.

Aircraft Emergencies In Flight

When any member of a flight develops an emergency that requires them to land, the instructional

portion of the flight shall be terminated. The aircraft with the emergency will proceed directly to

its point of intended landing, escorted by another aircraft if possible. The aircraft with the

problem has the option of being lead or wing as the situation warrants. The escort will provide

assistance where ever possible (as requested), such as reading off emergency procedures or

making radio reports, etc.

Communication Failure (NORDO)

The aircraft with the communication failure will become the wingman. This is a minor

emergency when flying in formation. The aircraft with the good radio will be given the lead via

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STANDARD SECTION FORMATION PROCEDURES