Lead Certification - Flight 2
Integrated lead evaluation for full certification
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate trainees' overall proficiency as lead 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 full 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 management).
- • Formation planning: Trainees brief a full integrated mission plan (multi-formation departure, enroute transitions, tactical maneuvers, emergency sims), including weather, VMC minima, and contingencies.
- • Lead focus: Independent performance with minimal IP intervention; demonstrate directive communications, formation management, and safety oversight.
Airborne Procedures and Maneuvers
- • Full integrated mission: VFR takeoff from KSPS, direct wingman (IP) through 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 all comms (brevity/KIO/ops checks), visual signals, deconfliction directives (15°/15-sec turns), and random emergency injections.
- • Termination: Safe return to KSPS with final rejoin directive and formation breakup.
LEAD CERTIFICATION ELEMENTS
Post-Flight Debrief
- • Detailed grading: Evaluate against tolerances (±50 ft vertical in fingertip, stable cone in trail, timely directives) using flight data; focus on no critical errors in safety or procedures.
- • Certification determination: Recommend pass for full lead certification or remediation.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees must pass by demonstrating integrated lead proficiency:
- • Maintain formation tolerances (±50 ft vertical, ±100 ft lateral)
- • Execute accurate directive comms/responses with proper brevity
- • Demonstrate no deconfliction or safety violations per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3
Pass: Full Lead Certification confirmed; Block 3 complete
Block 3 Complete
Upon successful completion of this sortie, trainees earn both Wingman Certification and Lead Certification, completing UPT Block 3: Formation Fundamentals.