I1101 FLIGHT TAC FORM LEAD 2.0 hours

Tactical Formation Execution

Module 1: Tactical Formation Lead - Flight

OBJECTIVE

Execute T-38C tactical formation leadership including LAB/wedge formations, tactical turns, rejoins, and lead changes while maintaining SA, proper communications, and collision avoidance through the 1,000 ft deconfliction bubble.

CONTENT

Maneuvers

  • • Tactical types: LAB/wedge setup and maintenance.
  • • Hook/cross turns: Formation geometry changes.
  • • Rejoins: Straight and turning rejoins at 500 ft separation.
  • • Lead changes: Radio and visual handoff procedures.
  • • Four-ship: Wall/box/offset formations when applicable.

Lead Execution Priorities

LEAD PRIORITY STACK

1

SAFETY

Deconfliction first

2

MISSION

Accomplish objectives

3

EFFICIENCY

Fuel, time, energy

Rejoin Procedures

  • • Straight rejoin: Direct approach, 500 ft initial separation.
  • • Turning rejoin: Cut-off geometry, inside of turn.
  • • Closure control: Max 50 kts overtake.
  • • Stabilization: Smooth transition to tactical position.

REJOIN PARAMETERS

Initial Sep: 500 ft
Max Closure: 50 kts
Bank Limit: 30°
Final Position: Tac spacing

Lead Change Execution

LEAD CHANGE SEQUENCE

  1. Lead calls "[C/S] 2, you have the lead"
  2. New lead responds "[C/S] 2 has the lead"
  3. New lead assumes all responsibilities immediately
  4. Former lead transitions to wingman position
  5. Formation stabilizes in new configuration

Procedures

  • • HUD usage: Alignment cues, altitude, heading references.
  • • SA maintenance: Shared lookout, constant visual mutual support.
  • • Communications: Formation brevity, turn calls, position updates.
  • • Collision avoidance: 1,000 ft deconfliction bubble at all times.
  • • AGSM: Awareness during tactical maneuvering.

TAC FORM RADIO CALLS

"Tactical right/left"

Initiating tactical turn

"Hook right/left"

Hook turn maneuver

"Cross turn"

Cross turn maneuver

"[C/S] 2 has lead"

Lead change complete

SORTIE TASKS

IP required — flies as wingman. Student is lead throughout. VMC only. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Brief with IP: formation types (LAB/wedge), tactical turn geometry (hook/cross), rejoin parameters (500 ft initial sep, 50 kts max closure, 30° bank limit), lead change procedure, and 1,000 ft deconfliction bubble
  2. 2File flight plan on VATSIM; depart as lead with IP as wingman

Sortie

  1. 3Direct IP to join LAB or wedge tactical formation via radio and visual signals; verify join-up before maneuvering
  2. 4Execute tactical turns — hook turns and cross turns — maintaining formation geometry; enforce 1,000 ft deconfliction bubble at all times
  3. 5Direct straight and turning rejoins; observe 500 ft initial separation and max 50 kts closure; allow IP to stabilize before maneuvering
  4. 6Execute at least 2 lead changes: "[C/S] 2, you have the lead" → IP responds and assumes all responsibilities → transition to wingman position
  5. 7Maintain shared lookout, correct brevity comms, and mutual support throughout; assume lead back before RTB
  6. 8RTB as lead; issue break call and land; IP follows

Post-Sortie

  1. 9Debrief with IP: review lead comm accuracy, tactical turn geometry, rejoin quality, and deconfliction discipline
  2. 10Log the sortie in the vTAC flight log system

Approved Callsigns

SINNER · BUCKO — IFF sortie
BLACK · CHOSEN · STAFF — if command is present

COMPLETION STANDARDS

Trainees will demonstrate proficiency in tactical formation leadership. Must:

  • • Maintain headings ±10° during formation flight
  • • Maintain altitudes ±100 feet
  • • Maintain airspeeds ±10 knots
  • • Execute proper tactical turns and lead changes
  • • Maintain 1,000 ft deconfliction bubble
  • • Demonstrate predictable, smooth lead maneuvers

Completion: Instructor confirmation of tactical formation lead proficiency per AETC standards

NOTES

  • • Emphasis on predictability - wingman success depends on lead's smoothness.
  • • Scenarios include threat evasion requiring rapid lead changes.
  • • Build on basic formations from prior training.
  • • Practice multiple lead changes to build confidence.
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