IFR Foundations (3 Hours Flight Minimum)
This block builds on the foundational skills from Block 1, transitioning students to instrument flying in the T-38 Talon at Sheppard AFB (KSPS). The curriculum emphasizes IFR communications, flight planning and filing, aircraft instruments, and navigation systems/procedures. It integrates real-world UPT principles from the T-38 advanced phase, focusing on safe, precise operations under Instrument Flight Rules.
Training is conducted virtually via flight simulators, with 4 ground lessons (~5.5 hours) followed by 6 flight sorties (~10.5 hours). Total estimated duration: 4-6 weeks.
Prerequisite: UPT Block 1
Successful completion of Block 1 (VFR Foundations) is required before starting Block 2.
Focus Area
Aircraft
Total Hours
Home Base
Course Objectives
- ✓ Develop proficiency in IFR communications, including phraseology, ATC interactions, and emergency procedures
- ✓ Master IFR flight planning, filing, and compliance with FAA/DoD regulations
- ✓ Achieve competent control of the aircraft solely by reference to instruments, including attitude control and recovery from unusual attitudes
- ✓ Gain expertise in IFR navigation using ground-based aids (VOR, NDB), RNAV/GPS, and inertial systems specific to the T-38
- ✓ Integrate all elements through simulated and actual IFR flights, emphasizing decision-making, situational awareness, and crew resource management
Completion Standards
Altitude Tolerance
Heading Tolerance
Airspeed Tolerance
ADVANCED PROCEDURES
Tighter tolerances apply for approaches and holds per USAF standards
- • Proficiency demonstrated in each flight sortie
- • Pass final integrated IFR checkride per AETCMAN 11-251
- • No major safety violations or repeated deficiencies
Reference Documents
- • FAA Instrument Flying Handbook
- • FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook
- • AETCMAN 11-251 (T-38 Training)
- • T-38 Flight Manual
Curriculum
Block 2 consists of 4 ground lessons providing comprehensive academic coverage (~5.5 hours), followed by 6 flight sorties (~10.5 hours) designed as self-contained lessons with specific objectives to progressively build IFR skills.
Training Requirements
- Ground Training: Recommended but not mandatory. Self-study reference materials to prepare for flight training.
- Flight Training: Mandatory. All flight lessons must be completed with an instructor. Flight lessons cover the same topics as ground training through practical application.
GROUND Ground Training RECOMMENDED ~5.5 hrs total
Self-study materials to review before flight training. Completing these lessons will help you get more out of your flight time.
Phraseology, ATC interactions, clearances, position reports, emergencies
Flight plans, equipment codes, remarks, alternates, route construction
Six-pack, CDI interpretation, cross-check methods, unusual attitudes
NAVAIDs, DME arcs, holding patterns, RNAV/GPS
FLIGHT Flight Training ~10.5 hrs total
Instructor-led flight sessions. These lessons cover the same topics as ground training through hands-on practical application in the simulator.
Attitude instrument flying, unusual attitude recovery
Ground-based navigation, tracking, intercepts, DME arcs
Entry procedures (direct/parallel), timing, wind correction
ILS, VOR, RNAV approaches, missed approach procedures
Full IFR flight planning, filing, execution
Checkride prep - full Block 2 mission integration
EVAL Checkride MANDATORY
Evaluation flight to demonstrate proficiency in all Block 2 objectives.