Circuit Area SOP

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RAAF SOP

See also the RAAF Circuit Training Page

SOP POLICY:
These SOPs are to be used at all times however may be departed from if operational necessity so dictates. Airmanship should be your guide. Your Section Leader will indicate if SOP is to be varied. This will normally be in exceptional circumstances only. As an example: Max weight takeoffs may call for WEP aand Radiator closed or the departure orbit may be skipped due to incoming enemy formations etc. In case of a true 'scramble' it is acceptable to takeoff from any surface and in any direction in order to avoid being caught with your pants down on the ground. Use your judgement when operating solo.

CIRCUIT DIRECTION:
All circuits are standard left hand patterns unless otherwise notified or terrain prohibits.
Standard circuit altitude is A300 above the runway elevation {AAL}.

RADIO CALLS:
Minimum Radio traffic is the sign of a well drilled pilot. Section Leaders will coordinate with other SLs for, landing sequence, priority etc. Only one call need be made in circuit by individuals. When turning onto Base Leg, each aircraft will make a BASE Call:
"PETERR BASE!"
"STRELA BASE!

RUNWAY START UP:
Most missions start with us all already on the runway. As soon as you are on the runway you must do the following:
Exercise Throttle {this ensures you are at T0 (idle) before engine fires and you don't do a 'Grubba'}
Note Runway Heading and Altitude on Mission Card
START Engine
Apply BRAKES
Lock Tailwheel
Ensure Trims are set for Takeoff {about 5 'clicks' of nose up is a guide}
Select Flap 2.
Radiator OPEN is RAAF Standard for all ops unless performance limited. Section Leader will advise if any configuration is to be varied
Open Map and adjust scale. Note track to first WP as well.
Turn 45 degrees LEFT and await Leaders Call for a check. If you are ready to roll acknowledge with ONLY your callign however if you are NOT ready say your callsign and the nature of problem.

APRON STARTUP:
Standard Engine Start above SOP but no need to turn 45 degrees. Just wait for Leaders call.
After start all stay put until Section Leader calls:
"AGGRO TAXI" Wait until the next in line has taxied past and off you go. T35 to get you rolling then T20 for taxi. Taxi speed should be about S20, max S40
Collision avoidance is the responsibility of the trailing aircraft. Judicious use of brake and rudder is required to make small zigzags to ascertain the relative position of the aircraft in front.

LINING UP:
Stream Takeoffs are the norm for IL2 due to net lag however: Formation takeoffs can be used for aerobatics and other special purposes. Procedure is to line up on the runway with odd number aircraft on the left and even on the right with the line-up staggered to assist in visibility of lead aircraft.

TAKE OFF:
Takeoff is initiated by the Section Leader with the call:
"DRIFTER ROLL!"
Again No need to call "ROLLING". This is an area we need to address as we are way too slow getting airborne. Many VEF missions are similar to 'Scrambles' where we must get airborne and otw to TGT asap. It is essential that the first wave get away as fast as possible top allow the second wave to get underway.
I stress: Collision avoidance is the responsibility of the trailing aircraft.
It is the responsibility of each pilot to do his after takeoff checks to ensure gear and flaps are up. Radiators will be OPEN for all take-offs. Cleanup and After Takeoff Checklist should be conducted expeditiously and you should aim to be joined up with your Section as soon as possible. Section Leads will initially fly gentle turns (15 Degrees AoB) and you should cut inside this turn to close up. See JOIN UP below.

JOIN UP:
A formation should be joined as soon as possible after take off. Normally Buckshot will make a slow LEFT Orbit through 360 degrees to depart along the runway centreline or first outbound track. Striker will make a RIGHT turn for same effect. The Leaders will fly a 15 degree AoB turn at T80 so that you have plenty of performance in hand to catch them. Note to number 3 and 4 particularly: Cut across the inside of their turn to form up asap. Any self respecting fighter pilot should know how to use lead

DEPARTING ENROUTE:
The enroute formation to be executed will depend upon numbers and is the Section Leader’s call. Finger Four or Combat Spread are recommended. Section Lead will choose an altitude, heading and power setting for the enroute phase and ensure the power setting is low enough so that there is sufficient margin for stragglers to catch up. T90 is recommended but final decision is up to the Section Leader.
When each aircraft should be formed up {You are expected to be able to join up fairly quickly and without fuss} the Section Leader will call for a check using Comms SOP. eg:
"BUCKSHOT CHECK!"
"SHARK!"
"SPAZ!"
"DIVE!"etc
If you are not 'IN' and 'Ops Normal' this is the time to say so

RETURNING TO BASE:
Normally we will RTB to HOMEPLATE {the same field and runway as we the departed} unless otherwise notified in the briefing or operational consideration dictate a diversion.
Section Leaders will lead the circuit entry. Standard Pitchout will be used. Section Leaders may exercise discretion to join on Downwind or Overhead but a Standard Pitch is preferred to set up a Stream Landing. See Circuit Training Page.

MISSED APPROACH:
In the event that you cannot land and are 'Going Around' for the amusement of your fellow pilots you must call:
"CALLSIGN GOING ROUND!"
This aircraft would then fly UPWIND to the end of the runway and then turn LEFT to join DOWNWIND for a normal circuit

AFTER LANDING:
After Landing each aircraft should endeavor to clear the runway as soon as possible by vacating at first usable exit or vacating at end of runway. Just remeber there may be someone right behind you.
Normally also taxi to apron, shut down and go immediately to the Officers Mess for post mission beer. If you are really thristy then just taxi off runway, shut down and have the crew bus meet you where you stop :)

LANDING PRIORITY:
Damaged aircraft have priority to land. If you have control difficulty or other severe problems then declare and emergency and you will be made Number One immediately and can land on any runway you can get to.