LAO 101 (Local Area Operations)
vACC Academics | Local procedures, brevity integration, unit procs/TRs
OBJECTIVE
Build proficiency in local area operations for vACC training sorties including base procedures, local airspace, coordination with ATC on VATSIM, and integration of brevity/formation comm standards with unit procedures and training rules (TRs).
CONTENT
1) Local Procedures (Home Field)
- • Standard start/taxi/departure flow (ramp → taxi → hold short → takeoff)
- • Pattern types and recoveries (overhead, initial/break, straight-in as briefed)
- • Runway operations and hot spots (hold short discipline, crossings, abort plans)
- • Go-around, divert, and “knock-it-off” recovery procedures
2) Local Airspace & Working Areas
- • Airspace classification around home field and transition routes
- • Working areas (WAs): entry/exit gates, deconfliction altitudes, flow direction
- • MOA/restricted awareness (as applicable in the sim environment)
- • Weather minimums and local decision points
Training Standard
If your unit uses published training routes (TRs), trainees must be able to brief the route (altitudes, checkpoints, comm plan) and execute it accurately.
3) Communications Standards (ATC + Brevity)
TWO COMMS SYSTEMS YOU MUST MANAGE
ATC (VATSIM)
- • Clear, standard phraseology and readbacks
- • Prioritize safety/clarity over speed
- • Declare “unable” when required
TACTICAL / FLIGHT
- • Brevity integration: short, standardized calls
- • Role discipline: lead comms to ATC unless briefed otherwise
- • Mutual support calls: “tally/blind”, “engaged”, “terminate”
SAMPLE FLIGHT COMMS (NOT PRESCRIPTIVE)
- • Admin: “Two, push tactical.” / “Fence-in.” / “Ops check.”
- • Visual: “Tally.” / “Blind.” / “Contact.”
- • Deconfliction: “Knock it off (KIO).” / “Terminate.” / “Joker/Bingo.”
Unit should publish the authoritative brevity list and TR callouts used for training.
4) Unit Procedures & Training Rules (TRs)
- • Training area rules: altitude blocks, hard deck, floor, and deconfliction bubbles
- • Formation rules: rejoins, route position, cross-under, lost sight procedures
- • Weapons rules: simulated employment standards, safe headings, minimum altitudes
- • Emergency stop rules: KIO authority, radio out, fuel critical, weather abort
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Completion is verified during MQ1. Trainee must be able to:
- •Brief local procedures and execute a standard departure/recovery
- •Demonstrate correct ATC comms and flight/tactical comm discipline
- •Explain unit TRs and apply them in local area operations
Completion: Self-study; knowledge verified by instructor during MQ1