Low-Level Route Procedures

CHAPTER SIX

SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES

The data below the "Z" diagram is the dive recovery data. The "Dive Recovery" and "Min Eject"

altitudes are derived from the NATOPS manual. These altitudes consider the aircraft

performance and ejection seat envelope for a given dive angle and airspeed. From these two

figures, an attack crew will figure a NLT (No Lower Than) altitude. The crew may add a safety

buffer if desired (400' in the above example). The aircrew will remain above their planned NLT

altitude during the dive run.

NOTE

Fleet aircraft may require additional data such as weapons' load,

fuzing data, weapons' fragmentation data, mil settings, radar

altimeter setting, etc. on their "Z" Diagrams.

603. LOW-LEVEL ROUTE PROCEDURES

ENROUTE/ROUTE ENTRY

The section will take off and proceed to the filed route in accordance with standard section

procedures (Chapter 5).

Approaching the low-level, both aircraft will complete standard checklists in accordance with the

"T-2C Student In-flight Guide". The lead student will cancel IFR when conditions permit and

switch the flight to the appropriate FSS and check in. (Anniston Radio is the appropriate FSS for

the VR-1021 and VR-1024 routes). Additionally:

1. Each student in the section will inform their pilots when to squawk the appropriate

transponder codes (assigned, 1200 VFR, 4000 on the low-level etc). The wingman should

squawk standby in accordance with standard formation procedures. ON VR-1021 and 1024,

wingmen will squawk 4000 to increase the SA of TCAS-equipped aircraft.

2. On top of the route entry point the lead student will transmit a time hack on the UHF:

"TURBO, STANDBY, STANDBY, MARK." This entire UHF transmission should take no

more than a few seconds.

Combat spread formation will be utilized on the route.

When established at the appropriate low-level altitude, the OUI will challenge the IP: "TRIM

DISCONNECT". The IP will then verify on the ICS that the elevator pitch trim is disconnected.

(This procedure reduces the risk of a pitch trim runaway at low altitude).

ON THE ROUTE

Once established on the route, the lead has the standard responsibility of flying the route as

published and arriving at the target on time. The wingman's responsibility is to keep sight of the

lead, maintain the formation as briefed, and back up the lead's navigation. A wingman flying in

combat spread can expect to be 1 NM from route centerline for most of the route.

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SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES