Timing Corrections

SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES

CHAPTER SIX

TIMING CORRECTIONS

The goal of every low-level is to arrive on target, on time. The first consideration must be

adjusting the indicated airspeed for the outside air temperature to obtain 300 KTAS. This can be

done using the following chart (a copy may be carried in your kneeboard for reference).

TEMP

300 KTAS

360 KTAS

(IAS)

20 F/-7 C

307

370

30 F/-1 C

304

366

40 F/+4 C

301

362

50 F/10 C

298

358

60 F/16 C

295

355

70 F/21 C

292

352

80 F/27 C

289

348

90 F/32 C

286

345

95 F/35 C

283

342

If the lead's timing is off, the following procedures will be used:

Analyze number of seconds off from the preflight plan.

A correction is not required until off by 12 seconds or more (due to chart error).

3. For 300 KTS, a 30-knot change to airspeed will reduce or add approximately 6 seconds per

minute of correction. The same correction applied at 360 KTS will reduce or add 5 seconds per

minute of correction.

In section formation, speed changes, like heading changes, are best when made gradually. The

lead may not make up time by pressing ahead at MRT. Section integrity is vital in a hostile

environment for survivability. Precise heading and airspeed control throughout the route will

avoid the need for drastic corrections during the target leg.

DISORIENTATION/LOST

The following procedures will solve almost any case of disorientation:

1. Determine the extent of disorientation. "Anxiety disorientation" can occur even with the

crew exactly on course if they fail to identify an anticipated checkpoint and misconstrue it as a

proof of being lost. When disorientation occurs, the crew must review their progress from their

last known position and determine the cause and extent of error. Causes include: errors in

heading, airspeed control, timing or navigational planning, malfunction of instruments or

navigational aids, wind, and/or deviations around weather or enemy defenses.

2. Check the clock immediately. Timing may be a factor in determining the extent of

disorientation and the correction required.

SECTION LOW ALTITUDE TACTICS AND PROCEDURES 6-23