CNAF HAC

Fuel Planning

-All aircraft SHALL carry sufficient usable fuel, considering all meteorological factors and mission requirements -If alternate is not required, fuel to fly from takeoff to destination airfield, plus a reserve of 10 percent of planned fuel requirements -If alternate is required, fuel to fly from takeoff to the approach fix serving destination and thence to an alternate airfield, plus a reserve of 10 percent of planned fuel requirements -In no case shall the planned fuel reserve after final landing at destination or alternate airfield, if one is required, be less than that needed for 20 minutes of flight > Helos: Compute fuel consumption based on operation at planned flight altitude

Airfield Operations Outside Published Hours/Closed Control Tower Airfield Operations

1. Commanding officers of airfields are authorized to extend airfield operating hours beyond those published in the Digital Airport/Facility Directory without opening the control tower. The commanding officer shall take into consideration requirements of NAVAIR 00-80T-114. 2. Naval aircraft are permitted to operate from a closed control tower airfield when both the aircraft reporting custodian (unit commander) and the commanding officer of the airfield have specifically authorized such operations. 3. Naval aircraft are permitted to operate from a closed control tower airfield without the crash crew being present with concurrence of the reporting custodian (unit commander) and the commanding officer of the airfield.

Cross-Country Flight Restrictions

1. Does the cross-country flight achieve training objectives as established in a training syllabus or training/readiness matrix? 2. Does the flight contribute to the mission of the command or the naval service? 3. Could this flight be perceived by the public as not in the best interest of the U.S. Government? 4. If the flight is exclusively for the transportation of the aircrew, is the purpose to meet operational commitments? If so, is alternate transportation, commercial or military, readily available? More economical? 5. Is this flight planned exclusively for the convenience and/or to enhance the prestige of the officers concerned? 6. Is there a major sporting or civic event scheduled at the destination? Cross-country flights are not authorized to these destinations. 7. Is the cross-country destination the home town of any of the crewmembers? A flight to ones home town is legal, provided repeated flights are not performed (refer to paragraph 3.1.2). Is there a personal event such as a wedding, family reunion, graduation, etc. that a member of the flight is trying to attend? Is it in the hometown of anyone on the aircraft or a destination that has been repeatedly flown to by the aircrew? 8. Has the aircrew thoroughly planned all aspects of the flight? Are they qualified and properly designated to conduct the flight? 9. Is proper security for the aircraft adequate at the intended destination? The alternate? 10. Does the flight meet squadron, wing, and aviation TYCOM directives? 11. Have adequate maintenance precautions been planned to ensure proper servicing and maintenance of the aircraft is performed?

Blood Donation

1. Flight personnel may donate blood occasionally. The minimum interval for all donors shall be 4 months. 2. Flight personnel in combat, flying in a shipboard environment, or flying operational missions shall not donate blood within 4 weeks prior to such flying. 3. Flight personnel shall not participate in flight duties or perform low-pressure chamber runs for 4 days following donation of 450 cc of blood (1 pint). 4. If subject to flying duties within 4 days of a blood donation, an aviator must obtain command approval prior to donating.

Authorized DOD Airfields

1. Naval aircraft are authorized to operate at and land at all U.S. military and joint civil-military airfields. When planning to operate at other than home airfields, local training airfields or OLFs, pilots in command shall ensure that they are aware of and meet airfield operating requirements and, when necessary, have satisfied PPR requirements. PPRs need not be obtained for planned alternate fields or emergency divert airfields.

Weather Criteria for Filing

1. The actual weather at the point of departure at the time of clearance. 2. The existing and forecast weather for the entire route of flight. 3. Destination and alternate forecasts for a period 1 hour before ETA until 1 hour after ETA.

IFR Takeoff Mins

2. Standard instrument rating — Published minimums for the available non-precision approach, but not lessthan 300-foot ceiling and 1-statute mile visibility. When a precision approach compatible with installed and operable aircraft equipment is available, with published minimums less than 300/1, takeoff is authorized provided the weather is at least equal to the precision approach minimums for the landing runway in use, but in no case when the weather is less than 200-foot ceiling and 1/2-statute-mile visibility/2,400-foot runway visual range (RVR).

Operational Risk Management Levels

3 Levels: a. Time-critical: A quick mental review of the five-step process when time does not allow for any more (i.e., in-flight mission/situation changes). b. Deliberate: Experience and brain storming are used to identify hazards and is best done in groups (i.e. aircraft moves, fly on/off). c. In-depth: More substantial tools are used to thoroughly study the hazards and their associated risk in complex operations (i.e., Weapons Det).

Operational Risk Management Principles

4 Principles: a. Accept risk when benefits outweigh the costs. b. Accept no unnecessary risk. c. Anticipate and manage risk by planning. d. Make risk decisions at the right level.

Operational Risk Management Steps

5 Steps: a. Identify hazards. b. Assess hazards. c. Make risk decisions. d. Implement controls. e. Supervise.

Aircrew

A collective term that applies to all categories of personnel in a flight status either as crew or noncrewmember. Aircrew are military personnel on competent flight orders or civilian personnel whose duties require frequent and regular participation in aerial flights to perform inflight functions such as installation, maintenance, evaluation of airborne technical equipment (maintenance skins), communication specialists, photo specialists, etc.

Hazard

A condition with the potential to cause personal injury or death, property damage, or mission degradation.

Cross-Country Flight

A cross-country flight is any flight that either does not remain in the local flying area or remains in the local flying area and terminates at a facility other than an active military facility. (glossary) This includes out and ins. Commanding officers must ensure that these flights contribute to the mission of the command the naval service, achieve training requirements, and can be completed safely.

Flight Plan

A flight plan appropriate for the intended operation shall be submitted to the local air traffic control facility for all flights of naval aircraft except the following: 1. Flights of operational necessity. 2. Student training flights under the cognizance of CNATRA conducted within authorized training areas. CNATRA shall institute measures to provide adequate flight following service.

Cross-Country Flight

A flight that either does not remain in the local flying area or remains in the local flying area and terminates at a facility other than an active military facility.

Local Flight

A flight that remains within the local flying area and terminates at either the same facility or another military facility with which the originating station has direct station-to-station communications

Operational Necessity.

A mission associated with war or peacetime operations in which the consequences of an action justify accepting the risk of loss of aircraft and crew.

Landing

A return to the surface; landings include touch and go (providing the landing gear touches the surface), bolter, forced, or crash.

Helicopter Ground Operations

Air taxi/ground operations shall be conducted with sufficient horizontal separation to preclude damage to aircraft, property, or personnel. Pilots shall operate with the minimum required power while on the ground and shall be particularly alert to prevent foreign object damage (FOD) and/or gust damage to their own and other aircraft.

Helicopter Operations

All aircrew shall remain inside the aircraft cabin during all flight regimes unless deemed by the aircraft commander to be operationally necessary for safety of flight or mission accomplishment. Any acts conducted for thrill purposes are strictly prohibited.

Closed Airfields

All naval aircraft are prohibited from taking off or landing at closed airfields except in the case of an emergency.

Alternate Airfield

An alternate airfield is required when the weather at the destination is forecast to be less than 3,000-foot ceiling and 3-statute-mile visibility during the period 1 hour before ETA until 1 hour after ETA. Note: If an alternate airfield is required, it shall have a published approach compatible with installed operable aircraft navigation equipment that can be flown without the use of two-way radio communication whenever either one of the following conditions is met: 1. The destination lacks the above described approach. 2. The forecasted weather at the alternate is below 3,000-foot ceiling and 3-statute-mile visibility during the period 1 hour before ETA until 1 hour after ETA. In the case of single-piloted or other aircraft with only one operable UHF/VHF transceiver, radar approach (PAR/ASR) minimums shall not be used as the basis for selection of an alternate airfield.

Risk

An expression of possible loss in terms of severity and probability.

Passenger.

An individual who is not part of the aircrew traveling in an aircraft designed or normally configured for passenger (non-aircrew) carrying capability on a point-to-point flight.

Approach Criteria (Single Piloted)

An instrument approach shall not be commenced if the reported weather is below published minimums for the type approach being conducted. Once an approach has been commenced, pilots may, at their discretion, continue the approach to the approved published landing minimums as shown in the appropriate FLIP for the type approach being conducted. Absolute minimums for single-piloted helicopter/tiltrotor aircraft executing an approach are 200-foot ceiling/height above touchdown.

Aerobatic Flight Maneuvers.

An intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in aircraft attitude, intentionally performed spins, or other maneuvers requiring pitch/dive angles greater than 45°, bank angles greater than 60°, or accelerations greater than 2 gs. A maneuver that conforms to the model NATOPS manual is not considered to be aerobatic flight.

Reporting Custodian.

An organizational unit of the lowest echelon of command accepting responsibility (involving accountability to CNO) for aircraft as designated either by CNO or by the controlling custodian of the aircraft.

Anti-Collision Lights

Anti-collision lights shall be used immediately before engine start and at all times when the aircraft engine(s) is in operation, except when the use of such lights adversely affects ground operations (i.e., arming and dearming, refueling operations, etc.). They may be turned off during flight through clouds when the rotating light reflects into the cockpit. The use of green anti-collision lights for the specific purpose of identifying airborne tankers is authorized, provided that standard position lights are also displayed.

Multipiloted Aircraft

Any aircraft having two sets of flight controls and instruments and operated by two pilots, both of who meet the requirements of the NATOPS manual for that model aircraft.

Single-Piloted Aircraft

Any aircraft that has only one set of flight controls or a tandem cockpit, or any aircraft that has two sets of flight controls and instruments and is being operated by only one pilot who meets the requirements of the NATOPS manual for that model aircraft.

Delays

Any known or expected traffic delays shall be considered time en route when computing fuel reserves. If route or altitude assigned by air traffic control causes or will cause planned fuel reserves to be inadequate, the pilot shall inform ATC of the circumstances, and, if unable to obtain a satisfactory altitude or routing, alter destination accordingly.

Preflight Planning

Before commencing a flight, the pilot in command shall be familiar with all available information appropriate to the intended operation. Such information should include but is not limited to available weather reports and forecasts, NOTAMs, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR), fuel requirements, terminal instrument procedures (to include proper use of non-DoD approaches), alternatives available if the flight cannot be completed as planned, and any anticipated traffic delays. In addition, the pilot in command and mission commander (when there is one designated) shall conduct a risk assessment prior to the flight.

Simulated Instrument Conditions

Conditions external to the aircraft in flight are visual meteorological conditions (VMC), but pilot vision is limited primarily to the interior of the aircraft

Actual Instrument Conditions

Conditions external to the aircraft in flight that do not permit visual reference to the horizon.

DD1-75 Validity

DD-175-1 flight route weather briefings will include briefing (flimsy) number and brief void time. DD-175-1 briefs are only valid for 3.0 hours past briefing/FWB delivery time or ETD plus one-half hour. Briefings received more than 3.0 hours prior to takeoff will be void and require rebriefing prior to departure. Whenever possible, Naval aviators should request a DD-175-1 flight route weather briefing at least 1 hour prior to proposed brief time to allow sufficient time for brief preparation

Seat Belts

Each persons safety belt and shoulder harness shall be worn and tightened prior to takeoff and shall be worn until completion of the flight except when necessary activities require temporary removal. Inertia reels, where provided, shall be manually locked for all takeoffs and landings except where the procedure is detrimental to safe operation. Cabin seating requirement for helicopters may be eliminated when operational environment or aircraft configuration dictate and for the accomplishment of essential training and operations such as SOF training or missions or Life saving efforts (SAR HUMAID MEDEVAC) and when tactical or procedural requirements exist for a specific mission or exercise. When seats are removed, passengers will be restrained by an appropriate alternate means.

Civillian LEOs

Embarkation of civilian LEOs is authorized for helicopters Authority to approve flights for LEO personnel -wing(compacflt) Authority to approve flights may be delegated to numbered fleet and type commanders LEO should comply with the aeromedical and survival training requirements

LifeRafts

Emergency gear such as liferafts should be properly stowed for quick availability.

Warning

Explanatory information about an operating procedure, practice, or condition, that may result in injury, death, or loss of aircraft if not carefully observed or followed.

Caution

Explanatory information about an operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.

Note

Explanatory information about an operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that must be emphasized.

Flat Hatting

Flat hatting or any maneuvers conducted at low altitude and/or a high rate of speed for thrill purposes over land or water are prohibited. Any acts conducted for thrill purposes are strictly prohibited.

WX Sources

Flight Weather Briefer (FWB) 1-888-PILOTWX

Immunizations

Flight personnel shall not participate in flight duties for 12 hours after receiving an immunization or injection unless cleared sooner by a flight surgeon

Icing and Thunderstorm Conditions

Flights shall be planned to circumvent areas of forecast atmospheric icing and thunderstorm conditions whenever practicable.

Pilot-in-Command Responsibilities:

For multipiloted aircraft, the pilot in command/formation leader may choose to delegate this responsibility to a NATOPS qualified pilot 1. The flight has been properly authorized. (authorized) 2. Adequate flight planning data, including NOTAM service, was available for complete and accurate planning. ( adequate preflight planing) 3. The flight will be conducted in accordance with governing directives and adherence to criteria for fuel requirements and weather minimums. (fuel/wx Mins) 4. Each pilot in a formation flight has received the required flight route weather briefing (in accordance with paragraph 4.6.3). 5. The pilot in command/each pilot in a formation flight possesses a valid instrument rating if any portion of the flight is to be conducted under IMC or in positive control areas or positive control route segments. 6. Passengers have been properly briefed and manifested. (pax) 7. Proper weight and balance forms, if applicable, have been filed. (w/b) 8. The pilot in command acknowledges responsibility for the safe and orderly conduct of the flight. A signature by the reporting custodian or other appropriate authority on the daily flight schedule, when used in lieu of a flight plan form, signifies that preceding items 1. through 8. shall be ensured prior to flight.

Altitude in B/C/D airspace

Helicopter/tiltrotor flights within class B, C, or D airspace shall be in accordance with the local Air Operations Manual. Where no other guidance is provided, pilots of helicopters and tiltrotors (which are operated in conversion mode) shall not exceed 500 feet AGL unless specifically cleared by the tower or other control agency. Pilots shall avoid flying over areas at altitudes where their rotor or prop-rotor wash could result in damage to aircraft, property, or personnel. Tiltrotors in airplane mode shall comply with fixed wing procedures.

IFR Approaches and landing Mins

Helicopters and tiltrotor required visibility minimum may be reduced to one-half the published visibility minimum for Category A aircraft, but in no case may it be reduced to less than one-fourth mile or 1,200 feet RVR. Reducing Category A visibility recognizes the unique maneuvering capability of the helicopter and tiltrotor and is based on airspeeds not exceeding 90 knots on final approach. Published approach ceiling minima shall not be reduced. Helicopter procedures ("COPTER" approaches) ceiling and visibility minima shall not be reduced.

Other than Airfields

Helicopters are authorized to land at other than airfield locations (such as fields, highways, and parks), provided: 1. A military requirement exists for such landing. 2. Adequate safeguards are taken to permit safe landing and takeoff operations without hazard to people or property. 3. There are no legal objections to landing at such nonairfield sites. Note: COs are authorized to waive the provisions in subparagraph 1. through 3. when dispatched helicopters are engaged in SAR operations.

PIC

In the absence of direct orders from higher authority cognizant of the mission, responsibility for starting or continuing a mission with respect to weather or any other condition affecting the safety of the aircraft rests with the pilot in command. The authority and responsibility of the pilot in command shall not be transferred during flight. It shall not be transferred to another individual except as required by emergency, operational necessity, or as directed by the commanding officer of the unit to which the aircraft is attached. The authority and responsibility of a pilot in command is independent of rank or seniority in relation to other persons participating in the mission or flight except for the following. (OTC/FLAG EMBARKED/flight control station)

deviation from CNAF

In the tactical environment, military exigency (urgent need or demand) may require on-site deviations from CNAF The existing risk of deviation must continually be weighed against the benefit of deviating from CNAF Deviation from specified flight and operating instructions is authorized in emergency situations when, in the judgment of the pilot in command, safety justifies such a deviation. EX...

Closing of Flight Plan

It is the responsibility of the pilot in command/formation leader to ensure that the proper agency is notified of flight termination.

Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)

Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, cloud distance, and ceiling that are equal to or better than specified minimums. Basic weather conditions prescribed for flight under visual flight rules (VFR). (Refer to Chapter 5 (airspace table))

Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)

Meteorological conditions expressed in terms of visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling less than the minimums specified for visual meteorological conditions. IMC conditions exist anytime a visible horizon is not distinguishable.

Authorized Civillian Airfields

Naval aircraft are permitted to operate at civilian airfields listed in the DoD Enroute Supplement when such operations contribute to mission accomplishment, add value to training, or are otherwise in the interests of the government and taxpayer. ... Pilots in command shall ensure that they are familiar with any special procedures, practices or rules that apply at the civilian airfield ... If fueling and or servicing are anticipated, pilots in command shall ensure that DoD contract services are available. Pilots in command and other authorizing officials should consider the issues set forth in paragraph 3.12 of this instruction when planning operations at civilian airfields. Civilian airfields shall not be used for RON unless required for mission accomplishment. In such cases, approval by the appropriate Wing/Group Commander is required. RON is authorized if required for aircraft maintenance or following an emergency divert. . When planning for operations at civilian airfields, pilots in command shall ensure that runway length and runway and taxi load-bearing capabilities are adequate. If fueling and or servicing are anticipated, pilots in command shall ensure that DoD contract services are available. Unit commanding officers shall ensure that appropriate security and force protection plans can be implemented whenever an aircraft is left unattended away from its home field. Wing/Group Commanders shall only authorize planned RON stops at civilian airfields if the security and force protection requirements set forth in applicable directives can be satisfied.

Emergency and Humanitarian Operations

Naval aircraft operations are authorized in emergencies such as forest fire, search, rescue, major calamities, and for humanitarian reasons involving life-threatening circumstances. Notification of the operation shall be made to CNO or CMC, as appropriate, and the responsible local commander, but without delaying action when time is an essential factor. Squadron commanders and officers in charge will operate under the direction of assigned Joint Task Force commanders per Combatant Commander policy/guidance.

FAR Excemptions

Naval aircraft shall be operated in accordance with applicable provisions of FAR, Part 91, except: 1. Where CNAF prescribes more stringent requirements. 2. Where exemptions or authorizations issued to the Navy/DOD permit deviation from FAR. (VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level). Allows operations at altitudes other than those prescribed by section 91.159 (a) while engaged in drug interdiction operations, only to the extent necessary to obtain positive identification of a suspect aircraft and maintain visual contact with that aircraft, provided the aircraft has a dedicated on-board observer (other than the pilot) to watch for other air traffic, and the aircraft has an operating transponder with Mode C. (Alternate airport requirements) and alternate airport weather criteria for clearance of flights to be conducted under IFR shall be specified in CNAF (IFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level). Exemption from the altitudes to be maintained in uncontrolled airspace has been granted to the extent necessary to conduct military training route (MTR) training. (Aircraft Lights). An exemption has been granted to DOD aircraft engaged in drug interdiction flights provided the aircraft has a dedicated on-board observer plus an additional resource capable of detecting all aircraft operating in the vicinity of the DOD aircraft. (Aircraft Lights). An exemption for USMC aircraft from 91.209 (a) and (b) for flight without lighted aircraft position lights in order to conduct night vision device flight training in USMC helicopters.

Helicopter/Tiltrotor Night Hover Operation Over Water

Night/low visibility hover operations over water shall be conducted using aircraft equipped with operable automatic hover systems (i.e., coupler/Doppler/Aircraft Flight Control System (AFCS) equipment) on all occasions when a natural horizon visible from the cockpit is not available to assist the pilot in establishing/maintaining a stable hover.

Personnel Authorized To Taxi Naval Aircraft (Helo)

No one shall be permitted to taxi a helicopter except those persons who are authorized to fly helicopters.

What Requires a HAC

Operational/tactical/ Administrative missions in helo Flights in which the transport of passengers is involved. Training flights, except those that are within the capabilities of pilots of lower classification and which, in the opinion of the commanding officer, are best suited to teach such pilots self-reliance and command responsibility.

FCF

Passengers shall not be carried. Functional checkflights should be conducted during daylight hours within the local flying area in VMC If necessary to accomplish the assigned mission, unit commanders may authorize checkflights under conditions other than the above if in their opinion the flight can be conducted with an acceptable margin of safety under the existing conditions. The authority shall not be delegated. Those portions of the flights that are considered critical shall be conducted in the vicinity of a suitable landing area.

Annual Flight Hours

Pilot 40/100 night 6/12 ins 6/12

External Cargo/Stores

Pilots carrying external stores/cargo shall avoid overflying populated areas whenever possible

deviation from FAR

Pilots in command and local commanders will ensure that deviations from ATC clearances and instructions, which result because of emergency or operational necessity, are reported to FAA immediately

Criteria for Continuing Instrument Approaches to a Landing

Pilots shall not descend below the prescribed minimum descent altitude (MDA) or continue an approach below the decision height (DH) unless they have the runway environment in sight and in their judgment a safe landing can be executed, either straight-in or from a circling approach, whichever is specified in their clearance. 1. Precision Approaches — A missed approach shall be executed immediately upon reaching the decision height unless the runway environment is in sight and a safe landing can be made. On precision radar approaches, the pilot may expect control instructions until over landing threshold; course and glidepath information given after decision height shall be considered advisory in nature. 2. Non-precision Approaches — A missed approach shall be executed immediately upon reaching the missed approach point if visual reference is not established and/or a landing cannot be accomplished. If visual reference is lost while circling to land from a published instrument approach, the missed approach specified for that particular procedure must be followed. To become established on the prescribed missed approach course, the pilot should make an initial climbing turn toward the landing runway then maneuver in the shortest direction to become established on the missed approach course.

Autorotations

Practice autorotations shall be conducted within the limits of the field boundary over a surface upon which a full autorotation can be safely completed and that is readily accessible to crash, rescue, and firefighting equipment. Practice autorotations shall require the specific approval of the tower.

IFR Flight Plans

Regardless of weather, IFR flight plans shall be filed and flown whenever practicable as a means of reducing midair collision potential. In any case, forecast meteorological conditions must meet the weather minimum criteria for filing IFR flight plans and shall be based on the pilot's best judgment as to the runway that will be in use upon arrival.

Passenger Catch All

Reporting Custodians for helicopter units may authorize personnel to be embarked as passengers onboard their aircraft. This authority may be delegated to a designated det OIC when deployed or embarked. No person shall be carried in a taxiing aircraft as a passenger unless such person is authorized to fly in it or has been authorized by competent authority to be embarked therein. The pilots in command of a naval aircraft (while absent from home unit) may authorize air transportation for personnel and/or equipment not otherwise qualified for Government air transportation when required for the successful prosecution of SAR, MEDEVAC, or disaster relief mission. This authority shall only be exercised when all practical means of obtaining authorization from competent authority have proven unsuccessful or unavailable. Appropriate authority shall be notified of such air transportation as soon as practicable. (i.e., civilian physicians, paramedic teams, sheriff department personnel, park rangers, search dogs, medical equipment, etc.) Helicopter and Tiltrotor passenger overwater flights at night are authorized subject to the following restrictions: Ship launches and recoveries shall be made during daylight hours. This constraint may be waived by the Strike Group Commander, Amphibious Squadron commander, Commander or Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) in cases of operational necessity. In cases of Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), a qualified medical attendant who is current in approved water survival training (non-aircrew underwater emergency egress as a minimum training requirement), and has been properly briefed on emergency egress procedures for that aircraft, may be transferred at night with approval from the ship's Commanding Officer. This does not preclude troop movement in support of amphibious exercises, visit board search and seizure (VBSS) level III operations, or SPECOPS training and operational missions.

POS LIGHTS

Standard position lights shall be displayed during the period 30 minutes before official sunset until 30 minutes after official sunrise or at any time when the prevailing visibility as seen from the cockpit is less than 3 statute miles. During these conditions, they shall be displayed: 1. Immediately before engine start and anytime the engine(s) is running. 2. When the aircraft is being towed unless the aircraft is otherwise illuminated. 3. When an aircraft is parked and likely to cause a hazard unless the aircraft is otherwise illuminated or marked with obstruction lights.

Weight and Balance Filing

Submission of the flight plan constitutes pilot in command certification that aircraft weight and center of gravity will be within safe limits at time of takeoff and remain so for the duration of the flight. Additionally, the pilot in command certifies that: 1. A completed DD 365-4 (Weight and Balance Clearance Form F — Transport/Tactical) presented with the flight plan represents the actual aircraft loading. 2. A completed DD 365-4 representing the actual aircraft loading is on file at the aircrafts home base.

Helicopter/Tiltrotor Terrain Flight Operations

Terrain flights (low level, contour, nap of the Earth (NOE)) shall be conducted only as operational necessity dictates, in training scenarios executed within designated training areas, or as published procedures and clearances prescribe.

Local Flying Area

That area in the vicinity of an air installation in which locally-based aircraft can operate during an average or typical sorties flight time. The local flying area shall not exceed 350 miles from an air installation and be designated as such in the Air Operations Manual by the Commanding Officer. In so far as practicable, local flying areas shall be bounded by prominent terrain features and/or air navigation aid radials/distances. Base Ops (350nm radius excluding mexico)

Severe Weather Watch Bulletins

The Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC), Norman, OK, issues severe Weather Watch (WW) bulletins in CONUS. They are responsible for issuing these threats in text as well as graphical formats. WW bulletins are issued for areas where conditions are favorable for development of severe weather and warnings are issued by local National Weather Service Forecast Offices where these conditions are actually occurring. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings should be treated similar to WW bulletins when flight planning. Except for operational necessity, emergencies, and flights involving all-weather research projects or weather reconnaissance, pilots shall not file into or through areas for which the Storm Prediction Center has issued a WW unless one of the following exceptions apply: 1. Storm development has not progressed as forecast. For air operations originating/terminating at Naval installations or at other DoD installations that serve as main operating bases for naval aircraft, local installation commanding officers and/or Wing Commanders may continue operations in areas under a WW based on a determination that storm development has not progressed as forecast for the planned route of flight. Normally, such determination should include verification by a DoD forecaster or a Flight Service Station (FSS). For Naval aviators contemplating flight operations from other DoD or commercial airfields, flight operations through WW are authorized only if storm development has not progressed as forecast for the planned route as verified by DoD forecasters or a Flight Service Station (FSS). In either situation: a. VFR filing is permitted if existing and forecast weather for the planned route permits such flights. b. IFR flight may be permitted if aircraft radar is installed and operative, thus permitting detection and avoidance of isolated thunderstorms. c. IFR flight is permissible in controlled airspace if VMC can be maintained, thus enabling aircraft to detect and avoid isolated thunderstorms. 2. Performance characteristics of the aircraft permit an en route flight altitude above existing or developing severe storms. Note: It is not the intent to restrict flights within areas encompassed by or adjacent to a WW area unless storms have actually developed as forecast.

Runway Environment

The approach light system The runway threshold Runway threshold markings Runway threshold lights Runway end identifier lights A visual approach slope indicator Touchdown zone, touchdown zone markings, touchdown zone lights Runway or runway markings Runway lights

Controlling Custodian

The command exercising administrative control of assignment, employment, and logistic support of aircraft.

Flight Time

The elapsed time computed in accordance with the definition of flight. Flight time is logged in hours and tenths of hours and is creditable to the aircraft, personnel aboard, and equipment.

Official Business

The necessity to contact personnel, units, or organizations for the purpose of conducting transactions in the service of and in the interest of the United States Government. does not authorize the use of official business only airfields, do not preclude the use of the facility as an alternate during instrument flight rule (IFR) conditions

Pilot in Command

The pilot assigned responsibility for safe and orderly conduct of the flight.

Flag Officer Embarked

The pilot in command of an aircraft with a flag or general officer eligible for command at sea or in the field embarked as a passenger shall be subject to the orders of such flag or general officer When such an embarked passenger exercises authority to command the aircraft, that passenger thereby assumes full responsibility for the safe and orderly conduct of the flight. The embarked passenger shall give due consideration to the judgment of the pilot in command regarding items of flight safety such as hazardous weather and aircraft/crew limitations. Flying rule violations, accident reports, and any other actions arising out of the flight will be referred to the embarked passenger as the responsible commander of the aircraft. This shall not be used to circumvent normal NATOPS qualification procedures if the officer desires to physically pilot the aircraft. Flights that require a NATOPS-qualified crew shall not be physically piloted by any individual not so qualified; however, the flight may be directed by an officer in tactical command embarked who is not NATOPS qualified.

Night Time

The portion of pilot time during darkness regardless of whether visual or instrument conditions exist. (i.e., between the official time of sunset and sunrise on the surface below the aircraft in flight)

Instrument Time

The portion of pilot time in either day or night under actual or simulated instrument conditions. 1. Actual instrument time will be logged by both pilots in a dual/multipiloted aircraft during flight in actual instrument conditions. 2. Simulated instrument time shall be logged only by the pilot actually manipulating the controls.

Operational Risk Management.

The process of dealing with the risk associated with military operations, which include risk assessment, risk decision making and implementation of effective risk controls.

Practice Approaches

The provisions of this section are not intended to preclude a single-piloted aircraft from executing practice approaches (no landing intended) at a facility where weather is reported below published minimums when operating with an appropriate ATC clearance. The facility in question must not be filed destination or alternate and the weather at the filed destination and alternate must meet the filing criteria for an instrument clearance as set forth in this instruction.

OTC

The senior officer present eligible to assume command, or the officer to whom he has delegated tactical command.

Radar Advisory Control

The tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit in which the pilot receives DIRECTIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS. Aircraft commanders are not relieved of responsibility for their own safety and navigation.

Radar Close Control

The tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit, whereby the pilot receives ORDERS affecting aircraft movements. The pilot will not deviate from controller instructions unless given permission or unless unusual circumstances require immediate action for the safety of the flight. In either case, the pilot will inform the controller of the action taken. This type of control requires two-way radio communication and radar contact. The controller is responsible for the safe separation of the aircraft, and the pilot must be informed whenever the aircraft is not held on the radarscope for periods in excess of 1 minute or five sweeps of the radar and, as a result, is being dead reckoned. The ultimate safety of the aircraft is the responsibility of the pilot.

Radar Positive Control

The tactical control of aircraft by a designated control unit, whereby the pilot receives orders affecting aircraft movements that transfer responsibility for the safe navigation of the aircraft to the unit issuing such orders. The ultimate safety of the aircraft is the responsibility of the pilot.

Nonessential Flights

The use of aircraft for nonessential flights shall not be authorized. Any flight open to misinterpretation by the public shall be avoided 1. Flights of a routine business nature for which commercial or other military transportation could be more economically substituted 2. Flights for any officer or group of officers, the sole purpose of which is the convenience and/or prestige of the officers concerned and not the performance of official duties or accomplishment of bona fide training 3. Repeated flights to the hometown area of flight personnel concerned 4. Flights coinciding with major sports events or civic celebrations.

Landing Lights

The use of landing/taxi lights is an effective means of illuminating surface hazards during taxi movements at night and alerting all concerned of an aircrafts presence/position in flight. Landing/taxi lights should be utilized for all taxi movements ashore during the hours of darkness unless a taxi signalman is directing the aircraft. Use of those lights during landing approaches (both day and night) within class B, C, or D airspace is recommended when meteorological conditions permit.

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

The use of specifically defined behavioral skills as an integral part of every flight to improve mission effectiveness by minimizing crew preventable errors, maximizing crew coordination, and optimizing risk management.

Noise Sensitive and Wilderness Areas

These areas shall be avoided when at altitudes of less than 3,000 feet AGL except when in compliance with an approved: 1. Traffic or approach pattern. 2. VR or IR route. 3. Special use airspace. Noise sensitive areas shall be avoided in the development of IR and VR routes and additional special use airspace unless the 3,000-foot criteria can be observed.

HAC Requirements

To be qualified as a helicopter aircraft commander: 1. Have completed the requirements for and possess to an advanced degree the knowledge, proficiency, and capabilities of a second pilot. 2. Have a minimum of 500 total flight hours. 3. Have 150 flight hours in rotary-wing aircraft. 4. Have pilot hours in class and model required by the commanding officer or higher authority and demonstrate the proficiency and judgment required to ensure the successful accomplishment of all tasks of the unit mission. 5. Demonstrate ability to command and train the officers and enlisted members of the flightcrew. 6. Demonstrate the qualities of leadership required to conduct advanced base or detached unit operations as officer in charge when such duty is required as part of the units mission or method of operation.

Contract Fuel

Unit commanders and pilots in command shall make every effort to purchase fuel from military or government contract sources. not authorized to purchase aircraft fuel/oil from other than military or government contract sources except when one of the following apply: 1. Mission requirements dictated stopping at a facility without military or contract fuel sources. 2. The flight terminated as the result of an emergency. 3. The flight terminated at an alternate airport in lieu of filed destination.

VIP

VIPs are defined as flag officers, DOD officials equal to or senior to flag officers, high-profile public figures, elected members of Congress, etc.

Actual Instrument Approach.

When actual instrument conditions are encountered below 1,000 feet above the airport/flight deck elevation during an instrument approach

Helicopter/Tiltrotor Operations in Class B, C, or D Airspace

When operating within class B, C, or D airspace, either tower frequency or an appropriate control frequency shall be monitored at all times.

Approach Criteria for Multipiloted Aircraft

When reported weather is at or below published landing minimums for the approach to be conducted, an approach shall not be commenced in multipiloted aircraft unless the aircraft has the capability to proceed to a suitable alternate in the event of a missed approach.

Starting Helicopters

When the engine of a helicopter/tiltrotor is started, the controls should be manned by a qualified helicopter/tiltrotor pilot. Commanding officers may authorize certain specially qualified personnel, other than pilots, to ground test helicopter/tiltrotor engines and avionics when a pilot is not available; however, prop-rotors and rotors of a tiltrotor shall not be engaged except by a qualified pilot. Commanding officers of Fleet Readiness Centers, and Waiver Authorities defined in NAVAIRINST 3710.1 Series may authorize qualified civilian employees to start engines and engage rotors or prop-rotors for ground system checks. Aircraft security requirements (e.g., tiedowns, chocks, parking brakes, etc.) shall be in accordance with applicable NATOPS.

Jettisoning Fuel

Whenever practicable, fuel shall not be jettisoned (dumped) below an altitude of 6,000 feet above the terrain. Should weather or emergency conditions dictate jettisoning at a lower altitude, every effort shall be made to avoid populated areas. When under positive control, the pilot in command should advise the air traffic control facility that fuel will be jettisoned.

OTC Embarked

Wing, group, or squadron commander, if embarked on a mission involving aircraft of their command, retains full authority and responsibility regarding command, including the mission in which participating.

Flight

a flight begins when the aircraft lifts from a rest point or commences ground taxi and ends after airborne flight when the rotors are disengaged or the aircraft has been stationary for 5 minutes with rotors engaged. (For helicopters)

NATOPS

a positive approach towards improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction in aircraft mishaps.

Minimum Fuel

advisory term indicating that in the judgment of the pilot the fuel state is such that no undue delay can be accepted en route to the destination Pilots declaring minimum fuel should not expect special handling from controllers.

Manifest

an accurate list of personnel aboard the aircraft, showing names, serial numbers, grade and service if military, duty station status aboard the aircraft(passenger or crew) When initial transmission of a flight plan by radio is permitted after takeoff in accordance with this instruction, depositing such a personnel list continues to be a mandatory pretakeoff requirement of the pilot in command of the flight. The pilot shall state the location of the required personnel list when filing by radio or telephone.

may / need not

application of a procedure is optional.

shall

is used only when application of a procedure is mandatory.

should

is used only when application of a procedure is recommended.

CRM Critical Behavior Skills

to integrate the instruction of specifically defined behavioral skills throughout Navy and Marine Corps aviation training, and to integrate the effective application of these behavioral skills into operational aviation procedures wherever appropriate 7 behavioral skills Decision Making Assertiveness Mission analysis Communication Leadership Adaptability/Flexibility Situational Awareness

Non Standard Ops

when an urgent requirement exists to fly a short-notice mission in support of a humanitarian, contingency, MEDEVAC, special access or state department requirement Commanders (0-8 or above) exercising Operational Control (OPCON) of aircraft operating in support of nonstandard operations are responsible for mission risk assessment