OLF Pattern and Operations

T-6A CONTACT

CHAPTER SIX

603.

OLF PATTERN AND OPERATIONS

The following procedures guide you from OLF entry to in-pattern operations to OLF departure.

With no tower control, OLFs provide our most basic landing pattern training environment. A

Runway Duty Officer (RDO) and a crash crew are normally positioned at the approach end of the

runway. They safety observe pattern operations and provide traffic de-confliction/general

information for aircrews.

The procedures below are designed to provide a safe, manageable OLF pattern, supporting up to

six aircraft at one time. The basic geometric ground track and in-pattern operations are the same

for naval air stations, such as Sherman Field. Study well the following procedures and, although

a few of the radio calls are provided, review the Voice Communications Study Guide for

expanded radio procedures in the pattern.

OLF Break Entry:

Determine the duty runway. Select the appropriate frequency and transmit, "Field name,

landing." The RDO/crash crew will reply with the duty runway.

Diligently clearing for traffic, fly to establish the aircraft at the appropriate two mile initial

for the duty runway. Make the initial radio call and proceed inbound.

NOTE

At Initial, the aircraft should be on extended runway centerline and

heading (reference the EHSI) at break altitude and 200 KIAS.

Approaching the airfield, offset the runway up to 1/4 WTD on the opposite side of the

break direction (i.e. offset to the left for a right break). As you offset, attempt to determine wind

direction (windsock, etc.). Begin intently clearing for pattern traffic on the downwind and/or

crosswind legs. Locate your "interval" traffic (the aircraft you will be following).

NOTE

You are "#1 upwind, with interval" for the break or crosswind turn

when: 1) the aircraft ahead of you is abeam or behind your

wingtip and has completed at least 90 of turn, or 2) the aircraft

ahead of you on the upwind leg has departed the pattern (thus

negating any "abeam" requirement to turn).

When at (or past, if delaying turn for traffic) the upwind numbers and "#1 upwind, with

interval," transmit the break radio call.

Simultaneously, roll into a 45 AOB level turn, reduce power to 10%, and extend the speed

brake. Trim for deceleration.

LANDING PATTERN 6-5