B2105 FLIGHT 1.0 hours airborne + briefings

Precision Approaches and Circling

ILS/PAR approaches and circling maneuvers

OBJECTIVE

Enable trainees to fly precision approaches (ILS/PAR) and perform circling maneuvers in the T-38 Talon under IFR conditions, integrating navigation aids, communications, and instrument control for stable final approaches, decision-making at decision height (DH), and missed approach execution, to build proficiency in terminal IFR operations at KSPS.

CONTENT

Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation

  • • Review of prior lessons on navigation, instruments, and comms; discuss sortie objectives including approach types (ILS/PAR at KSPS) and circling criteria based on weather and visibility.
  • • IFR flight planning: Trainees prepare and file a plan using DD Form 1801 focused on multiple approaches, incorporating vectors, STARs, and missed approach procedures.
  • • Safety and considerations: Emphasis on stable approach criteria, go-around procedures, and T-38-specific handling during low-speed precision phases.

Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers

  • • IFR clearance and enroute: Obtain clearance, navigate to the initial approach fix with ATC comms, and accept vectors to final.
  • • Precision approaches: Intercept glidepath/localizer, maintain approach criteria (within 1 dot deflection), monitor decision height (DH) calls, and execute landing or missed approach.
  • • Circling maneuvers: Transition from precision approach to circling (e.g., to parallel runway), maintain MDA, perform sidestep if assigned, and manage energy for T-38 circling patterns.
  • • Integration: Full comms with approach/tower for vectors and clearances, while sustaining instrument scan and situational awareness.

PRECISION APPROACH TOLERANCES

Localizer: ±1 dot
Glideslope: ±1 dot
Airspeed: ±10 knots
DH Action: Land or Go-Around

Post-Flight Debrief

  • • Performance evaluation: Analyze approach stability, circling execution, and tolerances using flight data; review any deviations in glidepath or comms.
  • • Trainee reflection: Discussion on precision flying challenges and preparation for the final integrated sortie.

SORTIE TASKS

No controller required. No instructor required. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations. ATC online is strongly encouraged for IFR comm practice.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Plan an IFR route with at least two approaches including one ILS; review localizer/glideslope tolerances and DH for the planned approaches
  2. 2File the IFR flight plan on VATSIM and connect; if ATC is online, obtain clearance; if not, self-sequence to the IAF

Sortie

  1. 3Depart and navigate to the IAF; accept ATC vectors to final or self-position
  2. 4Intercept the localizer and glideslope; maintain within ±1 dot on both throughout the approach
  3. 5Reach DH and execute a missed approach; re-sequence for a second approach
  4. 6Fly at least 2 total precision approach passes
  5. 7Fly one circling approach: maintain MDA throughout the circling maneuver; land or go-around
  6. 8Full-stop landing on the final circuit

Post-Sortie

  1. 9Log the sortie in the vTAC flight log system

Approved Callsigns

KENT — local IFR at KSPS
EURO · ENJEP · RAMA — out-and-back, destination not listed below
JAVET — if destination is KTIK (Tinker)
ARCAS — if destination is KDYS (Dyess)
BURNY — if destination is KLBB (Lubbock)
FIDO — if destination is KAFW / NAS Fort Worth

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in precision approaches and circling through successful sortie execution. Trainees must:

  • • Maintain stable approach tolerances (within 1 dot localizer/glideslope, ±10 knots airspeed)
  • • Execute proper DH/missed approach decisions
  • • Demonstrate accurate comms with no critical errors per AETCMAN 11-251 standards

Completion: Instructor confirmation of readiness for capstone flight

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