Prerequisite: B3500 Wingman Checkride
Successful completion of the Wingman Formation Checkride is required before Lead Certification.
Lead Certification - Flight 1
Basic lead duties in fingertip and route formations
OBJECTIVE
Introduce trainees to basic lead duties in fingertip and route formations in the T-38 Talon, practicing join-ups, position calls, basic maneuvers, and wingman supervision (with IP as wingman), to initiate lead certification focusing on directive communications and safety oversight per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3 standards.
CONTENT
Pre-Flight Briefing and Preparation
- • Review wingman checkride and ground lessons; discuss lead objectives, responsibilities (initiating ops checks, deconfliction calls), and VMC minima.
- • Formation planning: Trainees brief as lead for simple mission, including join-up geometry, tolerances, and contingencies.
- • Lead focus: Directive phraseology, visual monitoring of wingman position, timely corrections.
LEAD RESPONSIBILITIES
- • Flight path and altitude decisions
- • Initiate ops checks and position calls
- • Monitor wingman position and safety
- • Directive communications for all maneuvers
- • Overall formation safety oversight
Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers
- • Departure and join-up: Lead takeoff from KSPS, direct wingman (IP) to join fingertip or route via radio/visual signals.
- • Basic maneuvers: Straight-and-level, gentle turns in fingertip/route; initiate ops checks and position transitions.
- • Comms and signals: Lead calls for maneuvers (e.g., "Turn left"), monitor acknowledgments; practice brevity.
EXAMPLE LEAD CALLS
"Viper, ops check"
Initiate ops check
"Viper 2, go route"
Transition to route formation
"Viper, BDA"
Formation BDA
Post-Flight Debrief
- • Performance evaluation: Assess lead comms accuracy, formation stability, and supervision via flight data.
- • Trainee reflection: Discuss lead challenges and prep for advanced lead sortie.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate basic lead proficiency through successful sortie execution. Trainees must:
- • Execute accurate directive communications
- • Maintain formation tolerances (±50 ft vertical in fingertip)
- • Demonstrate no deconfliction errors per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3 standards
Completion: Instructor confirmation of partial lead certification progression