B2106 FLIGHT 1.5 hours airborne + briefings

Integrated IFR Cross-Country

Full integration of all Block 2 IFR skills in a single cross-country mission

OBJECTIVE

Enable trainees to synthesize all Block 2 elements�communications, flight planning, instruments, and navigation�in a comprehensive IFR cross-country mission in the T-38 Talon, managing real-world variables such as weather, ATC interactions, and emergencies, to demonstrate overall proficiency and readiness for advanced IFR operations at KSPS.

CONTENT

Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation

  • • Comprehensive review of all prior ground and flight lessons; discuss sortie objectives including full mission simulation from planning to execution, with emphasis on decision-making and CRM.
  • • IFR flight planning: Trainees independently prepare and file a complete cross-country plan using DD Form 1801 (e.g., KSPS to Tinker or Dyess and return), incorporating weather analysis, alternates, NOTAMs, and T-38 performance data.
  • • Safety and scenarios: Cover potential variables like delays, diversions, or system failures; include emergency simulations and IP evaluation criteria.

Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers

  • • IFR clearance and full mission: Obtain clearance, execute departure/SID, enroute navigation with intercepts/tracking, holding if assigned by ATC, and multiple approaches (non-precision and precision) at destination.
  • • Integration of elements: Manage enroute adjustments, comms for route changes/vectors, instrument control during transitions, and navigation using mixed aids (VOR/TACAN/EGI/RNAV); simulate real-time issues like weather deviations or lost comms (AVE-F).
  • • Return and termination: Navigate back to KSPS via STAR/approach, perform circling or missed approach as needed, and ensure fuel/emergency planning adherence throughout.

MISSION ELEMENTS PRACTICED

Flight Planning IFR Comms Nav Intercepts Holding Approaches Emergencies

Post-Flight Debrief

  • • Holistic evaluation: Review entire mission using flight data, focusing on integration, tolerances, comms accuracy, and decision-making; grade against block objectives.
  • • Trainee self-assessment: Reflect on strengths, weaknesses, and overall block readiness, with recommendations for remediation if needed.

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. 1Independently plan a complete IFR cross-country: select route with airways/fixes, choose alternate, calculate fuel, and brief weather
  2. 2File the complete IFR flight plan on VATSIM and connect; if ATC is online, obtain clearance; if not, self-manage routing

Sortie

  1. 3Depart with full comm sequence; execute planned departure procedure
  2. 4Navigate en route using VOR/TACAN intercepts and tracking on at least two legs; comply with any ATC amendments
  3. 5Enter and fly a holding pattern at a designated fix (ATC-assigned or self-assigned)
  4. 6Fly a non-precision approach (VOR, TACAN, or RNAV) at the destination or an intermediate airport
  5. 7Fly a precision approach (ILS); execute either a landing or missed approach
  6. 8Return to home field; fly a final approach and land full-stop

Post-Sortie

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

Approved Callsigns

JAVET — if routing via/to KTIK (Tinker)
ARCAS — if routing via/to KDYS (Dyess)
EURO · ENJEP · RAMA — if routing to other airports
BURNY — if destination is KLBB (Lubbock)
FIDO — if destination is KAFW / NAS Fort Worth
KENT — for local KSPS-area legs

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in integrated IFR cross-country operations through successful mission completion. Trainees should:

  • • Maintain all tolerances across maneuvers (±100 ft altitude, ±10° heading, ±10 knots airspeed; precise nav intercepts)
  • • Execute accurate full-cycle comms with no critical errors
  • • Effectively handle variables per AETCMAN 11-251 standards

Completion: Demonstrate proficiency with instructor sign-off

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