P1105 IP EVAL MQT 1.5 hours

Air Refueling Tanker Operations

IP Course Evaluation - MQT Block 1 Tanker Skills

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the IP candidate's ability to demonstrate and teach air refueling operations from the tanker perspective. The candidate must execute track management, receiver coordination, and simulated refueling procedures while providing clear instructional commentary on clearance flow, breakaway procedures, and contingency handling.

EVALUATION AREAS

Track Management

  • ARCP/ARIP: Air Refueling Control/Initial Points, timing
  • Track flying: Altitude, heading, airspeed maintenance
  • Anchor patterns: Racetrack orbits, turn points
  • Autopilot usage: Smooth, predictable flight path

Receiver Coordination

  • Observation position: Receiver approach monitoring
  • Pre-contact: Clearance sequence, stabilization check
  • Contact: Fuel transfer simulation, position monitoring
  • Disconnect: Normal and emergency disconnect procedures

Breakaway & Contingencies

  • Breakaway calls: "BREAKAWAY, BREAKAWAY, BREAKAWAY"
  • Tanker actions: Wings level, slight climb, maintain power
  • Emergency disconnect: Boom/drogue malfunction procedures
  • Lost comm: Light signals, visual signals, EMCON procedures

Instructional Demonstration

  • Clearance flow: Demonstrate proper sequence and timing
  • Common errors: Track deviation, rushed clearances, late breakaway
  • Corrections: Stabilization techniques, communication timing
  • Safety: Collision avoidance, abort criteria, fuel emergency

TANKER TOLERANCES

±100 ft

Track Altitude

±5°

Track Heading

±10 kts

Refueling Speed

Smooth

Flight Path

IP candidates must maintain stable, predictable tanker flight throughout refueling operations.

COMPLETION STANDARDS

IP candidates must demonstrate:

  • Execute minimum 3 simulated receiver contacts with proper clearance flow
  • Maintain stable track within tolerances during all contacts
  • Execute minimum 1 breakaway procedure with proper calls and actions
  • Demonstrate proper anchor pattern management
  • Provide clear instructional commentary on tanker operations
  • Identify common errors and demonstrate corrections

Pass: Demonstrate expert tanker operations with effective instructional delivery