Basic Instrument Attitudes and Control
First IFR flight - foundational sole-reference flying skills
OBJECTIVE
Enable trainees to demonstrate primary instrument cross-check and basic attitude control in the T-38 Talon, performing standard rate turns, climbs, descents, and level-offs while integrating IFR communications, to build foundational skills for sole-reference flying under Instrument Flight Rules at KSPS.
CONTENT
Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation
- • Review of ground lessons on instruments and comms; discuss sortie objectives, weather minima (IMC preferred), and T-38 performance limits.
- • IFR flight planning: Trainees prepare and file a simple local IFR plan via DD Form 1801, incorporating departure procedures from KSPS.
- • Safety considerations: Hood usage for simulated IMC, emergency procedures, and crew coordination with IP.
Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers
- • IFR clearance and departure: Obtain clearance, perform instrument takeoff (ITO) if conditions allow, and transition to departure control with proper comms.
- • Basic instrument control: Hooded flight focusing on straight-and-level, constant airspeed changes, and recoveries from unusual attitudes (nose-high/low).
- • Maneuvers integration: Standard rate turns, climbs/descents at specified rates (500-1,000 fpm), and level-offs while maintaining scan.
- • Comms practice: Real-time interactions for headings/altitudes, with emphasis on readbacks and phraseology.
BASIC INSTRUMENT MANEUVERS
S&L
Straight & Level
TURNS
Standard Rate
C/D
Climbs/Descents
UA
Unusual Attitudes
Post-Flight Debrief
- • Performance analysis: Review data recorder (if available), discuss scan efficiency, common errors, and instrument reliance.
- • Self-assessment: Trainees identify strengths and areas for improvement in control and comms.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in basic instrument attitudes and control through successful sortie execution. Trainees must:
- • Maintain tolerances for all maneuvers (±100 ft altitude, ±10° heading, ±10 knots airspeed)
- • Demonstrate accurate IFR comms with no critical errors
- • Execute effective unusual attitude recoveries per AETCMAN 11-251 standards
FLIGHT TOLERANCES
±100 ft
Altitude
±10°
Heading
±10 kts
Airspeed
Completion: Instructor confirmation of readiness for subsequent flights