I1102 FLIGHT RECEIVER 2.0 hours

Air Refueling Receiver Execution

Module 2: Air Refueling (Receiver) - Flight

OBJECTIVE

Execute T-38C simulated air refueling as receiver including approach, contact, and breakaway procedures while maintaining position stability, proper communications, and demonstrating breakaway proficiency.

CONTENT

Maneuvers

  • • Approach: 350 KCAS, 45° bank max, 10-20 kts closure.
  • • Observation: Stabilize at 500 ft, 30° bearing.
  • • Pre-contact: Transition to staging position.
  • • Contact: Timed holds in stable position (simulated transfer).
  • • Breakaway: Disconnect, descend clear, await rejoin.

Receiver Sequence

RECEIVER REFUELING SEQUENCE

  1. Join: Approach tanker at 350 KCAS
  2. Observation: Stabilize 500 ft, 30° bearing
  3. Request: "[C/S], request pre-contact"
  4. Pre-contact: Move to staging on clearance
  5. Contact: Move to contact on clearance
  6. Transfer: Maintain stable position (timed)
  7. Disconnect: Smooth separation on call

Position Stability Techniques

  • • Small inputs: Avoid large corrections - overcontrol leads to oscillation.
  • • Power first: Adjust power before attitude for position changes.
  • • Reference points: Use tanker structure for alignment cues.
  • • Relax: Death grip on stick causes overcontrol.

STABILITY KEYS

SMALL INPUTS

Avoid overcontrol

POWER FIRST

Then attitude

REFERENCES

Use tanker cues

RELAX

Light grip

Procedures

  • • MFD usage: Navigation and fuel state monitoring.
  • • SA maintenance: Visual signals, tanker communications.
  • • Communications: UHF coordination with tanker.
  • • AGSM: Awareness during maneuvering phases.
  • • Breakaway: Immediate response to tanker call.

RECEIVER RADIO CALLS

"[C/S], request join"

Request to approach

"[C/S], stabilized"

In position, ready

"[C/S], complete"

Transfer complete

"[C/S], off right/left"

Departing tanker

SORTIE TASKS

IP required — flies as tanker. Student is receiver throughout. Fly on VATSIM IAW VATSIM regulations.

Pre-Sortie

  1. 1Brief with IP (tanker): join parameters (350 KCAS, 45° bank max, 10–20 kts closure), observation position (500 ft / 30° bearing), pre-contact and contact transition sequence, breakaway procedure
  2. 2Coordinate tanker track, altitude, and AR frequency with IP; file flight plan on VATSIM; depart

Sortie

  1. 3Navigate to tanker rendezvous point; join on tanker at 350 KCAS with max 45° bank
  2. 4Stabilize at observation position (500 ft, 30° bearing); call "[C/S], request pre-contact"
  3. 5Transition to pre-contact on IP's clearance; move to contact on clearance; hold stable position with small inputs during simulated fuel transfer
  4. 6Execute smooth disconnect on IP's call; separate cleanly and await rejoin clearance
  5. 7Complete approach-through-contact cycle minimum 3 times; use small control inputs and power-first technique throughout
  6. 8Execute breakaway immediately on IP's call: disconnect, descend clear of tanker, away turn; RTB and land full-stop

Post-Sortie

  1. 9Debrief with IP: review join technique, position stability, transition smoothness, and breakaway response
  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 receiver operations. Must:

  • • Maintain headings ±10° during all phases
  • • Maintain altitudes ±100 feet
  • • Maintain airspeeds ±10 knots
  • • Demonstrate stable contact position
  • • Execute proper breakaway procedures
  • • Execute proper receiver communications

Completion: Instructor confirmation of receiver proficiency per AETC standards

NOTES

  • • Emphasis on position stability - no actual boom, focus on formation flying skill.
  • • Scenarios include malfunction responses and turbulence adaptation.
  • • Integrate with tactical formation skills from Module 1.
  • • Practice multiple contacts to build confidence and stability.
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