CNATRA LEAD SAFE BRIEFCNATRA LEAD SAFE BRIEF

Cecil Field / USS George H W BushCecil Field / USS George H W BushJune 2009June 2009

• WX Recce Procedures: As per the smart packWX Recce Procedures: As per the smart pack– Verify distance to ship from divert. Verify distance to ship from divert. – Bases, tops? Sections vs. Divisions?Bases, tops? Sections vs. Divisions?– Ship may have you check other area’s for better Ship may have you check other area’s for better

wx. Don’t launch late.wx. Don’t launch late.– Over fly divert to verify field status and weather.Over fly divert to verify field status and weather.– Climb to bingo altitude once distance is known Climb to bingo altitude once distance is known

and check winds.and check winds.– May have to prestage at Mayport for weatherMay have to prestage at Mayport for weather

WX RecceWX Recce

General Lead Safe General Lead Safe ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities• Safety of flight to and from the carrierSafety of flight to and from the carrier

• Give thorough CNATRA STAN CQ brief to students Give thorough CNATRA STAN CQ brief to students (i.e. use the CNATRA PowerPoint brief)(i.e. use the CNATRA PowerPoint brief)

• Advise and update the Boss on weather conditionsAdvise and update the Boss on weather conditions

• Monitor SNA fuel states and position in the pattern – Monitor SNA fuel states and position in the pattern – PRIMARILY UPWINDPRIMARILY UPWIND

• Advise Boss and/or direct action if an unsafe Advise Boss and/or direct action if an unsafe situation developssituation develops

• Monitor Bingo/Divert student departure from Monitor Bingo/Divert student departure from pattern. Don’t let them cut someone off in the pattern. Don’t let them cut someone off in the pattern or at the initialpattern or at the initial

• Escort Bingo/Emergency SNA to the beachEscort Bingo/Emergency SNA to the beach

The BriefThe Brief

• As per the CNATRA STANAs per the CNATRA STAN

• Additional points:Additional points:– SNA’s: SNA’s: ALWAYSALWAYS hook-up for 2 T&G’s hook-up for 2 T&G’s

initially unless told by the tower. After initially unless told by the tower. After that, stud is hook down unless told that, stud is hook down unless told otherwiseotherwise

– Make sure the studs know their Make sure the studs know their requirements and limitationsrequirements and limitations

– Pass to studs that they don’t have to ask Pass to studs that they don’t have to ask for a Rep on BTN 18. Just go ahead and for a Rep on BTN 18. Just go ahead and call BTN 18call BTN 18

The Brief (cont.)The Brief (cont.)

• Make sure the studs know what to do Make sure the studs know what to do if they need to slideif they need to slide– Stud should go in the next available Stud should go in the next available

division. They should NOT wait for the division. They should NOT wait for the late safe unless the next division is fulllate safe unless the next division is full

– The studs should have all three divisions The studs should have all three divisions TAC freq’s and who is leading each TAC freq’s and who is leading each division in case they need to roll to the division in case they need to roll to the next divisionnext division

Timing – 1Timing – 1stst Division Division• 11stst Division per wave Take-off time Division per wave Take-off time

= dist/4 + 10 min= dist/4 + 10 min– Assumes 4 nm/minute (approx 12 units) Assumes 4 nm/minute (approx 12 units) – If late, speed-up if fuel available (i.e. able to If late, speed-up if fuel available (i.e. able to

show up Bingo + 600lb), but inform the show up Bingo + 600lb), but inform the division behind you division behind you

– Let the Boss know as soon as you can that Let the Boss know as soon as you can that you are inbound. Might just get a “Charlie on you are inbound. Might just get a “Charlie on arrival”arrival”

• If you cannot take-off on-time, or make If you cannot take-off on-time, or make your ramp as the first division of your your ramp as the first division of your wave, you MUST let base and ship know.wave, you MUST let base and ship know.

Timing – follow-on divisionsTiming – follow-on divisions• The goal is to have 3 new studs in the The goal is to have 3 new studs in the

break every 15 minutes.break every 15 minutes. Therefore, Therefore, for follow-on divisions:for follow-on divisions:– Communicate with the other divisionsCommunicate with the other divisions– If everyone is flying 4 NM/min and the If everyone is flying 4 NM/min and the

division in-front of you…division in-front of you…•……had 3 studs, t/o 15 minutes laterhad 3 studs, t/o 15 minutes later

•……had 2 studs, t/o 10 minutes laterhad 2 studs, t/o 10 minutes later

•……had 1 stud, t/o 5 minutes later. You will had 1 stud, t/o 5 minutes later. You will probably be charlied with the previous sectionprobably be charlied with the previous section

Timing (cont.)Timing (cont.)• DO NOT BUSTER TO MAKE YOUR TIME AND DO NOT BUSTER TO MAKE YOUR TIME AND

THEN END UP WITH LESS THAN BINGO + THEN END UP WITH LESS THAN BINGO + 600LB ON THE BALL600LB ON THE BALL

• IT DOES US NO GOOD FOR YOU TO BE ON-IT DOES US NO GOOD FOR YOU TO BE ON-TIME AND OUT OF GAS!!!!!!!TIME AND OUT OF GAS!!!!!!!

EnrouteEnroute

• Inform divisions behind of ships Inform divisions behind of ships position and your speedposition and your speed

• Keep apprised of your fuel and Keep apprised of your fuel and timing.timing.

• Feet Wet Checks!!!!Feet Wet Checks!!!!– Make sure YOU and your studs Make sure YOU and your studs

complete.complete.

• How’s the weather? How’s the weather?

20 miles from ship20 miles from ship

• Switch division to Lead Safe Common (BTN Switch division to Lead Safe Common (BTN 17) in the back radio and check-in17) in the back radio and check-in

• De-conflict with other divisionsDe-conflict with other divisions

• Time your descent as appropriate. Don’t be Time your descent as appropriate. Don’t be at 20,000FT, 20 miles from the ship if you at 20,000FT, 20 miles from the ship if you are expecting to charlie on timeare expecting to charlie on time

• If you can see the ship, request for Marshall If you can see the ship, request for Marshall to let you switch to BTN 1 for a check-in to let you switch to BTN 1 for a check-in with the Boss. You may be able to Charlie-with the Boss. You may be able to Charlie-on-arrival, especially if you are the first on-arrival, especially if you are the first division of the wavedivision of the wave

““Charlie”Charlie”

• Once you get the call from the Boss:Once you get the call from the Boss:– ““IF” you have the gas, accelerate. It IF” you have the gas, accelerate. It

should take about 8 minutesshould take about 8 minutes– Perform the penetration…210Perform the penetration…210ºº relative relative

to BRC. Make a commencing call on the to BRC. Make a commencing call on the back radio and start your descent. Start back radio and start your descent. Start your turn at 7 miles to arrive at a 7 mile your turn at 7 miles to arrive at a 7 mile initialinitial

SpinningSpinning• Be extremely precise and smoothBe extremely precise and smooth

• Spin at the bowSpin at the bow

• Don’t confuse depart and re-enter with Don’t confuse depart and re-enter with spinningspinning

• Don’t balloonDon’t balloon– A great potential for a mid-air with a lead safe at 2k.A great potential for a mid-air with a lead safe at 2k.

• Make sure your chicks come with you Make sure your chicks come with you – Let them know you are spinningLet them know you are spinning– Direct them all to take VFR parade so they don’t Direct them all to take VFR parade so they don’t

balloon up to 1600 FTballoon up to 1600 FT

• Remember – even if directed, don’t spin 2… Remember – even if directed, don’t spin 2… Dash 3 stud is not allowed to lead anythinDash 3 stud is not allowed to lead anythin

Lead Safe Stack – Case ILead Safe Stack – Case I

• Holding Altitudes - 2K, 3K, 4K; unless Holding Altitudes - 2K, 3K, 4K; unless WX dictates. WX dictates. – WX considerationsWX considerations

•When to go CASE IIWhen to go CASE II

•3K layer, still Case I, does 4K guy go above 3K layer, still Case I, does 4K guy go above layer or below layer layer or below layer

– Tac wing? Tac wing? – Wilbur / Boss will manageWilbur / Boss will manage

2 nm2k and 3k L/S

3K should be across circle from 2K

4 nm

1- 3 SNAs in Pattern

4k L/S

Fuel conserve just outside of pattern

Lead Safe Responsibilities if:Lead Safe Responsibilities if:1- 3 SNAs in Pattern1- 3 SNAs in Pattern

• 2 K 2 K – Primary Control of upwind PatternPrimary Control of upwind Pattern

• 3 K3 K– Backup other L/S (Cross Circle), maintain Big Backup other L/S (Cross Circle), maintain Big

PicturePicture

• 4 K4 K– Max Endurance AOAMax Endurance AOA– Stay just outside of pattern (not 5 miles away!!!)Stay just outside of pattern (not 5 miles away!!!)– Maintain big picture Maintain big picture – If told to hawk – Lead Safe in best position, not If told to hawk – Lead Safe in best position, not

necessarily lowest altitude, should take the hawk necessarily lowest altitude, should take the hawk unless directed by the tower unless directed by the tower

2 nm

3k L/S

2k L/S

4 nm

> 4 SNAs in Pattern

4k L/S

Just outside of pattern

Lead Safe Responsibilities if:Lead Safe Responsibilities if:> 4 SNAs in Pattern> 4 SNAs in Pattern

• 2 K 2 K – Help direct pattern greater than 2nm fwd bowHelp direct pattern greater than 2nm fwd bow– Primarily responsibility - intervalPrimarily responsibility - interval

• 3 K3 K– Watch pattern from bow to 2 nm fwdWatch pattern from bow to 2 nm fwd– Primarily responsibility - keeping SNAs from Primarily responsibility - keeping SNAs from

cutting out their intervalcutting out their interval• 4 K4 K

– Max Endurance AOAMax Endurance AOA– Stay Stay just just outside of the patternoutside of the pattern– Maintain Big Picture SAMaintain Big Picture SA– Help low and middle Lead Safes where neededHelp low and middle Lead Safes where needed

Lead Safe COMMLead Safe COMM• Good Calls:Good Calls:

– ““at xx dme, continue upwind. You are at xx dme, continue upwind. You are cutting out your interval”cutting out your interval”

– ““at xx dme, turn”at xx dme, turn”– ““approaching the bow, your wide”approaching the bow, your wide”

• Bad calls/technique:Bad calls/technique:– ““turn”turn”– ““number one upwind, turn”number one upwind, turn”– ““back to the right/left” without a back to the right/left” without a

direction of who you are referring to.direction of who you are referring to.– ““Level your wings”Level your wings”

Case II ConsiderationsCase II Considerations• Penetrate overcast/thick layers with sections Penetrate overcast/thick layers with sections

only (1 SNA)…only (1 SNA)…No heavy sectionsNo heavy sections / / No light No light divisions!! (pumpkin/3710)divisions!! (pumpkin/3710)

• Will go down to 6 studs (max) during Case 2 Will go down to 6 studs (max) during Case 2 OpsOps

• OptionsOptions: Depends on wx at Cecil and at ship : Depends on wx at Cecil and at ship Sticky / Wilbur will coordinateSticky / Wilbur will coordinate– Bucket brigade possible if Case II holding. Lead Bucket brigade possible if Case II holding. Lead

safes drop off dash 3 in holding. Penetrate with safes drop off dash 3 in holding. Penetrate with dash 2. Other lead safes sent to marshal to grab dash 2. Other lead safes sent to marshal to grab dash 3. Ship will need to be close for this method.dash 3. Ship will need to be close for this method.

– TCN Rendevous in W-158/157. (If wx precludes TCN Rendevous in W-158/157. (If wx precludes division rendevous out of Cecil)division rendevous out of Cecil)

– Lead Safes bring out a single stud in sectionsLead Safes bring out a single stud in sections

• Spin pattern should be closed, but if told, it’s Spin pattern should be closed, but if told, it’s a MAJOR mid-air potential with the Lead Safe’sa MAJOR mid-air potential with the Lead Safe’s

• Bottom two Lead Safe’s can be in TAC Wing, Bottom two Lead Safe’s can be in TAC Wing, opposite circle or lead follow. opposite circle or lead follow. Bottom line, Bottom line, only one Lead Safe is actually doing the job. only one Lead Safe is actually doing the job. The second is responsible for safe separation. The second is responsible for safe separation. Make sure you define rolls over the radio. Make sure you define rolls over the radio. Also, don’t work TAC Wing too low. Advise Also, don’t work TAC Wing too low. Advise Wilbur/Boss if wx precludes this methodWilbur/Boss if wx precludes this method

• Third and Fourth Lead Safe should be above Third and Fourth Lead Safe should be above the layer, on deck, or part of the bucket the layer, on deck, or part of the bucket brigadebrigade

Case II Considerations cont.Case II Considerations cont.

BINGO ProceduresBINGO Procedures• The Bingo should be taken by the Lead Safe who The Bingo should be taken by the Lead Safe who

is in the best position…NOT necessarily the one is in the best position…NOT necessarily the one on the bottom of the stackon the bottom of the stack– Communicate with each other, and tell the Communicate with each other, and tell the

Boss who’s got the Bingo, unless he specifically Boss who’s got the Bingo, unless he specifically assigned someoneassigned someone

• DIRECT the stud onto the bingo profile, DIRECT the stud onto the bingo profile, – ““Configure, take airspeed XXX, turn to heading Configure, take airspeed XXX, turn to heading

YYY, climb at XXX airspeed, Switch 22 in the YYY, climb at XXX airspeed, Switch 22 in the back radio, Squawk EMERG, Level off at back radio, Squawk EMERG, Level off at ZZ,ZZZ ft and set your power at QQQQ lb/hr.”ZZ,ZZZ ft and set your power at QQQQ lb/hr.”

Ensure you understand whether divert or bingo, and Ensure you understand whether divert or bingo, and where you are goingwhere you are going

BINGO Procedures cont.BINGO Procedures cont.• DO:DO:

– All radio calls coordinating with ATCAll radio calls coordinating with ATC– Call divert tower ASAP to let them know you are Call divert tower ASAP to let them know you are

inbound with a bingo and whether or not you need inbound with a bingo and whether or not you need an LSOan LSO

– Talk to the LSO on the radio and relate the problemTalk to the LSO on the radio and relate the problem

• DO NOTDO NOT– Make the SNA join on youMake the SNA join on you– Lead the student into the break or tell him to go Lead the student into the break or tell him to go

into the break. They should be doing a visual into the break. They should be doing a visual straight instraight in

– Allow ATC to level you off at a lower altitude than Allow ATC to level you off at a lower altitude than the profile or ask you to deviate from the heading. the profile or ask you to deviate from the heading. You are on an EMERGENCY. Make everyone else You are on an EMERGENCY. Make everyone else get out of your wayget out of your way

Late SafeLate Safe• Responsible for taking any stragglers Responsible for taking any stragglers

that could not launch with previous that could not launch with previous divisions divisions

• Do not launch until last division of Do not launch until last division of SNA’s has launched!SNA’s has launched!

• 1st1st Late Safe of a 3.5-hour block - Late Safe of a 3.5-hour block - “LATE SAFE TURNING SPARE” “LATE SAFE TURNING SPARE” – Only launch if a SNA falls out of previous Only launch if a SNA falls out of previous

division, then you will take them to the division, then you will take them to the boat boat

Late Safe (cont.)Late Safe (cont.)

• Late Safe: 2Late Safe: 2ndnd Late Safe of a 4-hour Late Safe of a 4-hour block block - Wait to launch until the last student Wait to launch until the last student

launches launches - Unlike the LSTS, launch even without a stud if all Unlike the LSTS, launch even without a stud if all

studs got off of the deck. We will need you as studs got off of the deck. We will need you as the 4th lead safe overhead the 4th lead safe overhead

– If jet is down for maintenance, get another If jet is down for maintenance, get another jet and go late jet and go late

– If you cannot make it any reason…let the If you cannot make it any reason…let the OIC/ship know. They may hold over an OIC/ship know. They may hold over an earlier Lead Safe as a spareearlier Lead Safe as a spare

Gotcha’sGotcha’s• Being lateBeing late - Make your Ramp time! - Make your Ramp time! • Not having pattern SA when division proceed to break Not having pattern SA when division proceed to break

(Lead Safes help out leads at initial with pattern calls)(Lead Safes help out leads at initial with pattern calls)• Watch your Watch your abeam distanceabeam distance and set the studs up and set the studs up

properly properly • Don’t go long in the grooveDon’t go long in the groove• There is no Top 10 patch for CNATRA Lead There is no Top 10 patch for CNATRA Lead

Safes:Safes:– Be safe, fly the cresting ball, and get aboard the Be safe, fly the cresting ball, and get aboard the

first time every timefirst time every time– Fair’s are acceptable. No grades/cut passes are not!Fair’s are acceptable. No grades/cut passes are not!– PLEASE! PLEASE! Keep your feet off the brakes on Keep your feet off the brakes on

the trap!!!the trap!!!– NO PIW PIW PIW NO EGLT EGTL EGTL !!!!NO PIW PIW PIW NO EGLT EGTL EGTL !!!!

Gotcha’s cont.Gotcha’s cont.• Proper clearing turns.Proper clearing turns.

– Get the jet flying, then turn Get the jet flying, then turn – 2020º AOB for 20º HDG change º AOB for 20º HDG change – No No shit hot turnsshit hot turns

• Give Give extra intervalextra interval on a stud (shoot for 1+15 at a on a stud (shoot for 1+15 at a minimum because they are going to be TWA, Deep minimum because they are going to be TWA, Deep 90, LIG)90, LIG)

• Be smart on Be smart on conserving gasconserving gas in lead safe pattern. in lead safe pattern. • Bring an overnight bagBring an overnight bag

– Everyone is eligible. Wilbur may ask preferences. Everyone is eligible. Wilbur may ask preferences. Warn your backseater!Warn your backseater!

• Be ready to conduct Be ready to conduct AM boatAM boat brief if you stay brief if you stay aboard overnightaboard overnight

• Bring your pubs (plates and smartpacks)Bring your pubs (plates and smartpacks)• Lead safe common chat on BTN 17Lead safe common chat on BTN 17. Keep it . Keep it

clean, suitable for public consumption. The ship clean, suitable for public consumption. The ship listens!listens!

Guest BackseatersGuest Backseaters• Riders approved by CNATRA. All riders are vetted to ensure Riders approved by CNATRA. All riders are vetted to ensure

swim/phys and medical qualifications. CNATRA Det OIC has swim/phys and medical qualifications. CNATRA Det OIC has final say on actual scheduling of guest riders.final say on actual scheduling of guest riders.

• If you would rather not have a backseater, make sure your If you would rather not have a backseater, make sure your schedulers know your preference prior to the det schedulers know your preference prior to the det commencing. Not at brief time with rider standing there.commencing. Not at brief time with rider standing there.

• Brief Items:Brief Items:– Cockpit Fam completedCockpit Fam completed

• Strap-in proceduresStrap-in procedures• Switch PositionsSwitch Positions

– Comm/ICS Panel Settings (hot mic for TW-1 on Cat’s)Comm/ICS Panel Settings (hot mic for TW-1 on Cat’s)– Anti-Skid Anti-Skid – OBOGSOBOGS– Manual fuel control (Caution!)Manual fuel control (Caution!)

– Ejection procedures – all riders should have completed Ejection procedures – all riders should have completed seat briefseat brief

– Ensure feet are off brakes on trapEnsure feet are off brakes on trap

Prior Boat NotablesPrior Boat Notables• Two cut passes for PIW. One was flown by a Two cut passes for PIW. One was flown by a

LSO IP LSO IP – THIS MUST STOP!THIS MUST STOP!

• Tight intervals by Lead Safes Tight intervals by Lead Safes

• Lousy ball flying by IUT’s Lousy ball flying by IUT’s

• A lot of people (both IP’s and studs) not on A lot of people (both IP’s and studs) not on centerline. Get there and stay there!centerline. Get there and stay there!

• Still smoking tires. Mind your feet! Get off the Still smoking tires. Mind your feet! Get off the brakes!!!!brakes!!!!

JaxJaxW-157 & 158 notablesW-157 & 158 notables

• FLOLS no longer in use at NAS JaxFLOLS no longer in use at NAS Jax• NAS Jax RWY Realigned – new RWY numbers 10/28 NAS Jax RWY Realigned – new RWY numbers 10/28

VISE 9/27VISE 9/27• NAS Mayport - PAR DH/MDA RWY 5 213/RWY 23 NAS Mayport - PAR DH/MDA RWY 5 213/RWY 23

307 FOR HELOS AND FIXED WING307 FOR HELOS AND FIXED WING• Watch out for GUNEX AA/BB being hotWatch out for GUNEX AA/BB being hot

Keep’em safeKeep’em safe