Basic Aircraft Control
Training Location: MOA
This lesson is conducted in a Military Operations Area (MOA). MOA activation and entry procedures will be practiced as part of the sortie flow. Coordinate with ATC/Center for MOA activation prior to entry.
OBJECTIVE
Develop trainees' proficiency in fundamental aircraft handling under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in a virtual simulator, focusing on attitude control, power management, and trim usage to build a solid foundation for advanced maneuvers. Includes MOA activation procedures and working area entry/exit.
CONTENT
MOA Activation & Entry
- • Pre-departure: Request MOA activation from Center/controlling agency during flight plan or enroute.
- • Entry procedures: Obtain clearance into MOA, note altitude block and time limits.
- • Working area calls: "FENCE In" when entering MOA, "FENCE Out" when departing.
EXAMPLE MOA REQUEST
"Fort Worth Center, Talon41, request activation WESTOVER MOA, 9000-FL180."
Aircraft Attitude and Control Inputs
- • Primary flight controls: Elevator for pitch (attitude), ailerons for roll (bank), rudder for yaw (coordination); effects of power changes on pitch.
- • Visual references: Using horizon for straight-and-level, cross-checking with instruments like attitude indicator and altimeter.
PRIMARY FLIGHT CONTROLS
Elevator
Pitch Control
Ailerons
Roll/Bank
Rudder
Yaw/Coordination
Straight-and-Level Flight
- • Maintaining constant altitude (±500 ft), heading (±20°), and airspeed (±20 knots) using small corrections and trim.
- • Scan pattern between outside visual references and instrument cross-check.
Coordinated Turns
- • Standard rate turns: 3°/sec to specific headings; applying rudder to prevent adverse yaw.
- • Level, climbing, and descending turns; load factor awareness and stall prevention.
STANDARD RATE TURN
3° per second = 360° in 2 minutes
Climbs and Descents
- • Constant airspeed climbs/descents: Set power, adjust pitch for target speed (e.g., climb at 300 knots).
- • Level-offs: Anticipate with power/pitch adjustments to avoid overshoots.
Common Errors and Corrections
- • Overcontrolling: Use small inputs; chasing instruments vs. smooth trends.
- • Integration with communications: Multitasking basic radio calls during maneuvers.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate smooth execution of basic aircraft control maneuvers in the simulator without instructor intervention. Trainees must:
- • Successfully request and receive MOA activation
- • Maintain tolerances across at least five repetitions of each maneuver
- • Demonstrate accurate self-corrections per standards
FLIGHT TOLERANCES
±500 ft
Altitude
±20°
Heading
±20 kts
Airspeed
Completion: Demonstrate proficiency with instructor sign-off