Elevation Control Commands

INTERCEPT PROCEDURES TEXTBOOK

(4) "Left/right hard as possible" The pilot will use the maximum angle of bank possible

that permits the fighter to maintain airspeed and altitude with full military power. In the T-39

this usually equates to a 60 degree angle of bank.

(5) "Harder" After any bank angle is established, the command "Harder" is used to

establish the next higher increment of bank.

(6)

"Ease" This establishes a slow roll to a wings level position.

(7) "Hold" The pilot will hold the present bank angle. This command follows an "Ease"

and is used to establish any bank angle desired.

(8)

"Steady up" The pilot will roll the fighter to a wings-level position.

(9) "Reverse" The pilot will immediately turn in the opposite direction with the same

angle of bank already established. Rate of roll will be rapid. A different angle of bank can be

commanded, as in "Reverse hard as poss."

(10) All turning commands can be modified to direct the pilot to stop turning automatically

by specifying the number of degrees to turn to a specific heading on which to steady-up. For

example, "Left hard 40, steady 160," or "Right hard as poss to 160."

Elevation Control Commands

The pilot will execute all altitude commands by climbing or descending as appropriate.

(1) "Descend to ____" The pilot will descend to the designated altitude, maintaining

airspeed. The pilot will descend by retarding the throttles and using the speed brake as required.

(2) "Climb to ____" The pilot will climb to the designated altitude, maintaining airspeed

to level off. With a climb limit, the pilot will stop after climbing the designated number of feet

or reaching the designated altitude.

(3)

"Level off" The pilot will resume level flight.

The aircrew must be aware of exactly what a particular command means. If a command

requires a follow-up order, the pilot will continue until the appropriate command is given. Make

sure to use the proper terminology and always scan to verify that the pilot complies with

directions.

Speed Control Commands

Speed control commands alter fighter speed as required to complete a successful intercept.

(1) "Buster" This command requires full military power. Speed is allowed to increase to

the maximum allowed for the aircraft.