Wingman Integrated Formation Checkride
Full Block 3 wingman evaluation per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate trainees' overall proficiency as wingman in the T-38 Talon through a comprehensive integrated formation sortie, combining all Block 3 elements�communications, procedures, basic formations (fingertip, trail variants, route, fighting wing), echelon turns, G-X, breakouts, rejoins, lost wingman, and BDA�to confirm safe execution, deconfliction, and readiness for lead certification per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3 standards.
CONTENT
Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation
- • Comprehensive review of all Block 3 ground and flight lessons; discuss checkride scenarios, evaluation criteria, and pass/fail standards (no unsatisfactory items in deconfliction, comms, or position maintenance).
- • Formation planning: Trainees brief a full integrated mission plan (multi-formation departure, enroute transitions, tactical maneuvers, emergency sims), including weather, VMC minima, and contingencies.
- • Wingman focus: Independent performance with minimal IP intervention; demonstrate timely responses, visual/radio integration, and safety awareness.
Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers
- • Full integrated mission: VFR takeoff from KSPS, execute join-up/rejoin to various formations (fingertip/route/fighting wing), enroute maintenance, echelon turns, G-X sequences, simulated breakouts/lost wingman, BDA fly-throughs, and recoveries.
- • Scenario integration: Manage comms (brevity/KIO/ops checks), visual signals, deconfliction (15°/15-sec turns), and random emergency injections ("Blind" call, radio failure sim).
- • Termination: Safe return to KSPS with final rejoin and formation breakup.
CHECKRIDE ELEMENTS EVALUATED
Post-Flight Debrief
- • Detailed grading: Evaluate against tolerances (±50 ft vertical in fingertip, stable cone in trail, timely deconfliction) using flight data; focus on no critical errors in safety or procedures.
- • Progression determination: Recommend pass for wingman certification and lead certification eligibility or remediation.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Evaluation may include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
Formation Flying as Wing
- ▸ Fingertip position maintenance
- ▸ Route formation
- ▸ Fighting wing
- ▸ Close/extended trail
- ▸ Join-ups & rejoins
Formation Split-Up Types
- ▸ Take spacing
- ▸ Overhead break
- ▸ Flight plan pickups
Simulated In-Flight Emergencies
- ▸ “Blind” call response
- ▸ Emergency breakout
- ▸ Deconfliction maneuvers
- ▸ Visual signal recognition
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Evaluators may assess any Block 3 wingman objective as the scenario dictates.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees must pass the checkride by demonstrating integrated wingman proficiency:
- • Maintain formation tolerances (±50 ft vertical, ±100 ft lateral)
- • Execute accurate comms/responses with proper brevity
- • Demonstrate no deconfliction or safety violations per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3
CHECKRIDE TOLERANCES
±50 ft
Vertical
±100 ft
Lateral
15°/15s
Deconfliction
Pass: Wingman certification confirmed; eligible for Lead Certification sorties