MQT Block 1 Proficiency Review
Integrated Mission Evaluation - All MQT 1 Elements
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate trainees' overall proficiency in Mission Qualification Training through a comprehensive integrated mission sortie, combining all MQT Block 1 elements—mission planning, CRM, low-level navigation, C-17/C-130 style simulated airdrops, and simulated air refueling tanker operations—to confirm competency in tactical awareness, timing accuracy, procedural execution, and safe operations per vTAC vAETC standards.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Evaluation may include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
Flight Operations
- ▸ Low-level flight
- ▸ Aerial refueling operations (As Tanker)
- ▸ Airdrop procedures (C-17/C-130 style)
- ▸ Formation flying (aircraft-dependent)
Mission Role Simulation
- ▸ Tanker operations & receiver coordination
- ▸ Cargo/airlift mission profiles
- ▸ Surveillance/ISR mission simulation
- ▸ Aircraft-specific role execution
Note: This list is not exhaustive. Evaluators may assess any MQT Block 1 objective based on the trainee's assigned aircraft and its mission capabilities.
EVALUATION ELEMENTS
MODULE 1 Mission Training Elements
- • Mission planning: Objectives, ROE, fuel planning, TOT calculations, contingencies.
- • CRM: Communication, risk assessment, crew coordination.
- • Navigation: Route study, checkpoint timing, ground speed adjustments.
- • Basic execution: Departures, enroute navigation, recoveries.
- • Abnormal procedures: Abort criteria, weather diversions, go-around.
MODULE 2 Simulated Airdrop Elements (C-17/C-130 Style)
- • Low-level navigation: 300-500 ft AGL terrain following to IP.
- • Route structure: IP → DZ → EP flow, checkpoint timing.
- • Drop zone approach: Climb to 800-1,500 ft AGL, slowdown to 130-160 KIAS.
- • Level delivery: Wings level, stable altitude/airspeed through DZ.
- • Timing calls: IP inbound, 1 minute, 30 seconds, green light, load clear.
- • TOT accuracy: Arrive at DZ within ±30 seconds of planned time.
AIRDROP TOLERANCES
±100 ft
Low-Level
±50 ft
Drop Alt
±5 kts
Drop Speed
±30 sec
TOT
MODULE 3 Simulated Air Refueling (Tanker) Elements
- • Track management: Altitude/heading maintenance on refueling track.
- • Receiver coordination: Observation, pre-contact, contact clearances.
- • Simulated contacts: Stable formation position for transfer timing.
- • Breakaway procedures: Light signals, radio calls, separation.
- • Contingencies: Emergency disconnect, lost comm procedures.
COMMON Cross-Module Elements
- • Communications: Military brevity codes, timing calls, crew coordination.
- • Fuel management: Joker/Bingo awareness, divert decisions.
- • Risk mitigation: Terrain awareness, obstacle avoidance, abort criteria.
- • Avionics: Navigation systems, autopilot usage, situational awareness.
EVALUATION MISSION PROFILE
1
BRIEF
Mission planning
2
DEPART
Departure & enroute
3
LOW-LEVEL
IP inbound
4
AIRDROP
DZ execution
5
TANKER
Refueling ops
6
RECOVER
RTB & debrief
Sequence: Depart → Low-level route → IP → DZ (airdrop) → EP → Tanker track (refueling ops) → RTB
GRADING CRITERIA
PASS CRITERIA
- • All tolerances met consistently
- • TOT within ±30 seconds
- • Wings level through drop zone
- • Proper timing calls executed
- • No safety violations
- • Proper breakaway procedures
AUTOMATIC FAILURES
- • Terrain collision (CFIT)
- • TOT deviation >60 seconds
- • Drop altitude bust >100 ft
- • Failure to execute breakaway
- • Loss of SA with safety impact
- • Repeated tolerance busts
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees must demonstrate integrated MQT Block 1 proficiency by meeting all evaluation criteria:
- • Maintain low-level altitude ±100 feet (300-500 ft AGL)
- • Maintain drop altitude ±50 feet through DZ
- • Maintain drop airspeed ±5 knots
- • Achieve TOT within ±30 seconds
- • Execute proper timing calls (IP, 1 min, 30 sec, green light)
- • Maintain wings level through drop zone
- • Execute proper tanker clearances and breakaway procedures
- • No terrain or safety violations
FLIGHT TOLERANCES
±100 ft
Low-Level Alt
±50 ft
Drop Alt
±5 kts
Drop Speed
±30 sec
TOT
Pass: MQT Block 1 certification confirmed; Mission Ready status
MQT Block 1 Complete - Mission Ready
Upon successful completion of this proficiency review, trainees earn MQT Block 1 certification and Mission Ready status, demonstrating proficiency in low-level navigation, airdrop procedures, and air refueling tanker operations.
DEBRIEF FOCUS AREAS
- • Mission planning effectiveness: Route study, TOT calculations, contingency execution.
- • Low-level navigation: Terrain awareness, checkpoint timing, altitude discipline.
- • Airdrop execution: IP-to-DZ timing, drop parameters, wings-level discipline.
- • Tanker operations: Clearance flow, position stability, breakaway readiness.
- • Areas for improvement: Specific recommendations for continued development.