EMF – RANGE DAY1st VFW Training Operations

2015 JANUARY

AIR TASKING ORDER

WELCOME TO THE FIRST “RANGE DAY” EVENT OF 2015, HOSTED BY THE 294th BLACK KNIGHTS! This will be our first large event in the new Eastern Mediterranean Front (EMF) theater. We have been testing the theater and have every expectation that this will be a fun and stable event.

You all know that the 2015 Gunsmoke competition is about to begin, so we thought this would be a fun way to warm up while sharpening your competitive edge.

We hope you all enjoy this training exercise and good luck to all the participants

Demo & Raven6 | 294th Black Knights VFS

AIR TASKING ORDER

1st VFW ATO Callsign Mission Callsign # A/C VHF UHF TCN PackageVandal Vandal1 2 1 17 74 1Boxer Boxer2 4 2 12 75 1

Chowder Knight3 4 3 12 76 1Dipper Fury4 4 4 13 77 2

Fist Fist5 4 5 13 78 2Enfield Stud6 4 6 13 79 2

*Updated callsigns because some don't exist in Falcon

Takeoff order matches the ATO order above.

Don’t forget to switch your flight to UHF 17 when contacting Vandal 1 / RCO

There are two packages – 1 and 2. Vandal will host Datalink for Package 1. Fury will host Datalink for Package 2.

Full alignment for all flights. Taxi minimum 6 minutes prior to takeoff time.

Loadouts are locked. You can add a TGP and wing tanks but nothing else

You will receive a PPT and INI file for today’s sortie that includes fixes for the holding patterns and additional steerpoint line boxes to mark the holding patterns.

RANGE DAY ROE First and foremost, this is a training exercise to hone your SAT

skills. Do not get caught up in the competition aspect of the event too much and get sloppy.

Follow SOPs. Read the SOPs tab on our website.

Safety first. Every aircraft in this event is expected to RTB. There are no threats. Only pilot error, particularly target fixation, or being too aggressive will cause an accident.

Pay attention to the foul altitudes in particular. Execute CSEMs after every pass (no turning safe escape maneuvers are

permitted). Watch your distance and spacing in the holding stack. Being vigilant about

monitoring your altitude and airspeed will be the key to success.

Try to focus on your attack profiles, brevity, and situational awareness. While we did our best to keep this event simple, you are expected to know all the rules and SPINS for this event, which will test your ability to multi-task while striking targets.

While you are in the range airspace and/or STAGE WEST holding stack you are responsible for managing your own position, altitude, and airspeed based on the RCO direction. You will be held accountable for knowing our SOPs and the operation SOPs. But everywhere else during the sortie you will be part of a 4-ship and are expected to follow Flight Lead’s direction.

RANGE DAY EVENT PROCEDURES You will each get two events, attacking the same targets in the same order listed below:

EVENT 1:• RUN #1: BULLSEYE• RUN #2: BUNKER• RUN #3: BRIDGE

EVENT 2:• RUN #4: BULLSEYE• RUN #5: BUNKER• RUN #6: BRIDGE

8 aircraft will be allowed in the holding stack at one time in 1,000ft increments (1,000ft between individual aircraft, not between flights – see the holding pattern slide for specific details on the holding stack). As the aircraft at the bottom of the holding stack (at STPT 57 / 15,000ft) gets cleared in hot “[C/S], CLEARED HOT”, each aircraft will drop 1,000ft in the stack and continue flying the holding pattern until reaching the bottom and cleared onto the range.

For example, Boxer 21 gets to STPT 57 at 15,000ft, makes the call “Boxer 2-1, In”, the RCO responds, “Copy, cleared hot Boxer 2-1, bridge”, Boxer 21 acknowledges “Boxer 2-1, cleared hot, bridge” and starts his initial approach to target with a left turn from STPT 57. When the other aircraft in the stack hear that, they descend 1,000ft to the next holding altitude.

.

SPINS - COMMUNICATION The check-in procedure is simple for this event. Only flight leads will need to check

in as they will check in their entire flight.

Prior to checking in, Flight Leads need to maneuver their flight into a 3NM trial formation and perform FENCE checks.

Package 1 Flight leads will contact the RCO on UHF 359.30. Example: FL: Vandal 1, Boxer 2, ready check-in RCO: Boxer 2-, Vandal 1, go with check-in FL: Boxer 2 checking in as fragged, 10 miles southeast of STAGE WEST at 15,000ft RCO: Vandal 1, copy. Boxer 2, climb and maintain 18,000. Expect altitude block 1-8 to 2-1 at STAGE

WEST. We currently have 2 vipers in the stack, callsign Knight 3, how copy? FL: Boxer 2, copy, climb to 18,000, expect block 1-8 to 2-1. RCO: Vandal 1, good readback. Altimeter setting 3-0-6-4, advise when established in the stack. FL: Boxer2, wilco, 3-0-6-7, and will let you know when established.

NOTE: Package 2 Flight Leads need to contact the RCO on VHF 1 / 138.05 when they are approaching STAGE EAST. This is to limit comms traffic on UHF 17 while package 1 is in on the range.

Flight Leads will enter the holding patterns at the briefed fix (a PPT on your HSD) at the top of the altitude stack. The RCO will clear the flight into the holding stack assigning 4,000ft in airspace per 4-ship, then the Flight Leads (on their own VHF channel) will direct each aircraft into an assigned altitude block

Once in the holding stack fly the holding pattern as outlined in this briefing. Once in the holding stack all aircraft are under the control of the RCO. Wingmen can still speak to their Flight Lead and wingmen on their assigned VHF as needed, however, flight control belongs to the RCO.

Each aircraft will hold their assigned altitude block flying the holding pattern until an aircraft gets cleared onto the range (i.e. “Knight1-1, cleared hot, target bunker”). When you are in the holding stack and hear this on UHF, you will begin descending 1,000ft to the next altitude block below. This will continue until you are at 15,000ft and get clearance onto the range. You will then return to the holding stack after striking your target and begin the process over again.

‘WHAT IFs’ What if I have an issue during ramp start ? Or while in flight?

If you identify the issue before your flight is aligned or taxing, you may back out and rejoin. Each pilot will get 1 rejoin attempt if needed. If it happens after aligned, wait until your flight is airborne before rejoining. If it happens in flight, Larisa AFB is so close to the Kranea range that flight lead may send that one ship home on his own. Do not send an escort.

What if I disagree with a score by the range spotter?

If the range spotter calls out a miss when you think it is a hit, make a note of it and bring it up in the debrief. We can review the tapes/screenshots and challenge the spot. If you did hit the target, your score will be updated.

What if we have an issue with the tanker?

If there is an issue with the technical issue with the tanker, scrub the tanking part of the mission and head to your assigned holding pattern. If an aircraft in the flight struggles to tank (takes longer than 2mins to connect to the tanker), have that pilot clear the tanker and let the next guy get gas. We will not allow one person to delay Package 2. If you are not confident you can air refuel, please let Demo or Raven6 know so we can put you in Package 1 since Package 1 does not have to air refuel. We will assign a Package Leader for each package. The Package 2 leader will be responsible for monitoring the time it takes pilots to air refuel.

What if my IQT Cadet is not comfortable with Approach/Departure procedures for Larisa?

The weather will be clear/VFR, so anyone that is not confident in their TACAN approach/departure skills can simply follow their flight lead.

What if a target at the range gets destroyed or we are not able to drop anymore BDUs on it?

In the unlikely event this actually happens, the RCO will pass a MKPT and the participants will be scored on how close they can put their BDUs on top of the STPT diamond..

What if I hit bingo before making all my passes?

If you hit bingo fuel you will have to RTB. Fuel management is part of every mission and today is no different. Monitor your fuel and make sure you save enough fuel for your runs.

Package 1 Flight Plan

h) Air Refuel if you want after the range

d) Contact Vandal1 en route to STPT5 to check in and get altitude block and local altimeter

e) After STPT5, fly to STPT 57 to get to Stage West Holding Pattern and enter pattern at assigned block. Fly 350kts 1min legs

a) Fly ANL1Q departure, continue to STPT3

b) Go 3NM Trail to be setup to enter HLD

c) Fence In at STPT4

f) After ea. Pass follow additional STPT back to Stage West and climb to top of stack

i) Drag for landing – Call “Initial” at LOKNO for TCN 08L APP – Hold if needed for traffic

g) Depart range North

Stage WEST

e) Fence In

f) Begin Holding pattern STPT 58 until package 1 is off the range

Package 2 Flight Plan

g) Go to Stage West when package 1 is finished on the range – STPT 57

c) Go 3NM Trail after AAR

a) Fly MKR 1N & go to tanker before range

h) Drag for landing – Call “Initial” at LOKNO for TCN 08L APP – Hold if needed for traffic

b) Air Refuel

d) Contact Vandal1 on VHF 138.05 to check in Stage East

Stage WEST Stage

EAST

HOLDING PATTERN

360° back STPT 57/58, start turn once you reach the STPT

180° | 1 min leg

60° bank2G level turn350kts

60° bank2G level turn350kts

Stage West is STP 57Stage East is STP 58

When you reach STPT 57 at Stage West at 15,000ft, call IN to get clearance and your target. When others in the stack here you get cleared in, they will descend 1,000ft in the stack.

HOLDING PATTERN

0 – 14,999ftRestricted In Holding

Patterns for Noise Abatement Over Cities

22,000ft

21,000ft

20,000ft

19,000ft

18,000ft

17,000ft

16,000ft

15,000ft

• This is the altitude stack for both holding points. Max 8 aircraft are allowed in the stack.

• When re-entering the Stage West holding stack, enter at the top. For example, if a pilot is at 21,000ft, you enter at 22,000ft. If the highest aircraft in the stack is 17,000ft, you enter at 18,000ft.

• If for some reason there is 2,000ft separation between you and the guy below you, descend 1,000ft to correct it. There should always be 1,000ft separation between ships.

MSL A

ltitud

e

RANGE DAY PATTERN

BULLSEYE TGT

BRIDGE TGT

BUNKER TGT

BRIDGE GENERAL PATTERN

BUNKER GENERAL PATTERN

BULLSEYE GENERAL PATTERN

This represents the general patterns for the range, however, you can be flexible with how you decide to attack the target. The basic rules you have to follow are that you enter the range from the East heading West and that you do not run in on any targets from a heading less than 260° or greater than 020°. Basic idea is that you do not face the holding pattern when on your final attack heading nor face any incoming aircraft from the East. When you come off target follow the additional STPT line we provided as you climb back to the top of the STAGE WEST holding pattern. On your final pass, you will make a climbing right turn and hold North of the range until rejoined with your entire flight and checked out by the RCO. TIP: Don’t fly straight towards the target – always offset for visibility and roll in..

S

W

E

N

260°

020°

APPROVED FINAL HDG RANGE

RCO & SPOTTER POSITION

270

°

090

°

The RCO (Vandal 11) and the Spotter (Vandal 12) will be in a racetrack holding pattern directly over the range at blocks 20,000ft – 24,000ft (Spotter) and 25,000ft+ (RCO). All other aircraft are required to stay below 20,000ft when IN on target.

NOT TO SCALE

1min legs300kts45° bank in turns1.5G

RUN #1 & RUN #4 - BULLSEYE TARGET

HALF OR MORE OF THE SMOKE FROM YOUR BDU MUST BE INSIDE THE RED ZONE TO COUNT AS A HIT.

RUN #1: BULLSEYE RUN #2: BUNKER RUN #3: BRIDGE

RUN #4: BULLSEYE

RUN #5: BUNKER RUN #6: BRIDGE

EVENT 1 EVENT 2

TARGET DIFFICULTY RATING:NOVICE

003°

RUN IN HDG

APPROVED RUN IN HDG RANGE:

260°-020° | Recommended 003°

NO

RTH

RUN #2 & RUN #5 - BUNKER TARGET

HALF OR MORE OF THE SMOKE FROM YOUR BDU MUST BE INSIDE THE RED ZONE TO COUNT AS A HIT – BASICALLY INSIDE THE DOOR ENTRANCE.

RUN #4: BULLSEYE RUN #5: BUNKER RUN #6: BRIDGE

EVENT 1 EVENT 2

TARGET DIFFICULTY RATING:

INTERMEDIATE

360°

RUN IN

HD

G

APPROVED RUN IN HDG RANGE:

260°-020° | Recommended 360°

NO

RTH

RUN #1: BULLSEYE RUN #2: BUNKER RUN #3: BRIDGE

RUN #3 & RUN #6 – BRIDGE TARGET

FOR A HIT ON THE BRIDGE, THE SMOKE MUST IMPACT THE BRIDGE IN THE HIGHLIGHTED SECTION. (BDU MUST HIT THE BRIDGE CENTER SECTION BETWEEN THE TWO SUPPORT TOWERS. NOTE: THE SMOKE WILL EMIT FROM BELOW THE BRIDGE EVEN IF YOU HIT IT – THIS IS DUE TO THE PARTICLE SYS FILE PARAMETERS FOR BDU SMOKE.

RUN #4: BULLSEYE RUN #5: BUNKER RUN #6: BRIDGE

EVENT 1 EVENT 2

TARGET DIFFICULTY RATING:EXPERT

268°

RUN IN HDG

APPROVED RUN IN HDG RANGE:

260°-020° | Recommended 268°

NO

RTH

RUN #1: BULLSEYE RUN #2: BUNKER RUN #3: BRIDGE

HOW IT WILL BE SCORED We will score the event based on a simple calculation:

TOTAL HITS / 6 PASSES (Total Hits divided by 6 Passes)

A “HIT” is hitting the targets as shown on the previous slides. For bullseye it is within the 3 white circles, for the bunker it is inside the entrance to the bunker, and the bridge in the middle section.

Your score sheet will have a 1 for a hit, 0 for a miss, and X for a dry pass, and a F for a foul. The score sheets will be announced after the flight and posted in the forum by flight callsign.

ALL PASSES COUNT. If you are unable to release a weapon, it still counts as one of your 6 passes, and it will be counted the same as a miss with a score of 0. If you do not release a BDU in one of your 6 attempts (you will each carry 6 BDUs), you will bring the remaining BDUs home with you to Larisa. Double check your SMS profile and master arm when on the inbound leg at 15,000ft in Stage West.

If you release two or more BDUs on a pass, this is a foul and your pass will be nullified and counted the same as a dry pass (0 points). This is the worst thing you can do as it means you are giving up two attempts so pay attention to your SMS profiles.

If you drop without clearance, this is a foul and you get zero points.

If you make two fouls you will be asked to exit the range airspace and RTB.

We are not able to break a tie. If more than one pilot gets a perfect score or the same high score, they will both be winners for this event. Winners will get a 1st place patch and name on the plaque.

The range will have two pilots scoring hits: the RCO (who controls the airspace and provides clearance to drop, and the spotter who’s sole job is to watch your bomb impacts and call your scores). The RCO and Spotter will communicate on their own VHF and judge if a hit or miss, then the spotter will call on UHF 17 either “[C/S] good hit”, or “[C/S], miss, [DIRECTION]”. If you fouled on that pass the Spotter will add “foul” and the reason in his UHF call.

LARISA AFB

North Loop is where you will RAMP. From North Loop take taxiway H to the EOR for RWY 08L. If the EOR is full with aircraft, hold on the taxiway.

Runway 26L/08R is not to be used during today’s sortie as a RWY unless it is an emergency. It is taxiway Alpha for this flight.

When landing – turn left on taxiway D, park at the 26R EOR to de-arm, then taxi back to the same location you performed your ramp start. All aircraft are required to return to parking.

NOTE: Do not taxi to the end of 08L or else you won’t be able to exit the runway without having to turn right and take the long way back to parking. Use taxiway D just short of the runway.

Active RWY is 08L

Do N

ot

Use

Taxiw

ay C

as

it

has

F-4

s p

ark

ed

on it

Charts courtesy of Red Dog

LARISA AFB

NOTE: Taxi traffic pattern is East. Do not taxi in the wrong direction.

Some parking spots have a HAS, some have cement walls, some have nothing. Make a note of your RAMP location and (use satellite view) and ensure you return tom the same location facing towards to taxiway.

If you accidentally go too far down 08L after landing and miss taxiway Delta, you can continue to the end of the runway and turn right onto taxiway Alpha (which is 08R/26L). If needed you can taxi back on Alpha but be careful and check for traffic before crossing 08L.

Taxi flow should be East. Do not taxi West on any of the taxiways.

Nobody should spawn here, but if you do, just enter 08L from the South side of the airfield.

Taxiway ATaxiway B

Taxiway D

Taxiway G

Taxiway F

Taxiway E

Taxiway C

Taxiway H

PACKAGE 1 – ANL1Q

Package1

Direct to H

olding Pattern

PACKAGE 2 – MKR 1N

CAM

EL1

Package2

to AAR

ALL Aircraft enter at LOKNO, enter holding pattern in 1,000ft increments stacked starting at 5,000ft. Holding pattern HDGs = 050°, 230°

ALL A/C REQUIRED

TO USE TCN APP RWY

08L

DEP/APP

Charts courtesy of Red Dog

ALTERNATE REFERENCE

NOT TO SCALE

LGBL103X ANL

UHF 362.30

LGSVUHF

257.80HWY STRIP

LGPZ28X AKT

UHF 362.50

LGTS100X MKRUHF

363.60

LGLM95X LMO

UHF 362.40

LGSY108X SKY

UHF 362.60

LGIO23X YNN

UHF 257.80HWY STRIP

LGD 77 KRANEA TGT RNG

134°|14NM

161°|2

8N

M

298°|33NM 24°|

58NM

126°|83NM

114°|97NM

243°|90NM

272°|78NM

LGLR27X LAR

UHF 362.40