CNATRA LEAD SAFE BRIEFCNATRA LEAD SAFE BRIEF

Cecil Field / USS George H W BushCecil Field / USS George H W BushJune 2010June 2010

• Overall CNATRA OIC – CDR “Buffalo” Overall CNATRA OIC – CDR “Buffalo” SheehanSheehan

CO, VT-9CO, VT-9

• CNATRA Boat OIC – CDR “Griff” Griffeth, VT-CNATRA Boat OIC – CDR “Griff” Griffeth, VT-99

• TW-2 OIC – CDR “Sticky” Murphy, CO, VT-22TW-2 OIC – CDR “Sticky” Murphy, CO, VT-22

• TW-1 AOIC’s – LT “AYCE” Wilkinson, VT-7TW-1 AOIC’s – LT “AYCE” Wilkinson, VT-7

MAJ “Lothar” Yoskovich, VT-9MAJ “Lothar” Yoskovich, VT-9

• TW-2 AOIC – LT “Charlie” Murphy, VT-21TW-2 AOIC – LT “Charlie” Murphy, VT-21

LeadershipLeadership

• 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 Ship may have you check other area’s for

better wx. Don’t launch latebetter wx. Don’t launch late– Over fly divert to verify field status and Over fly divert to verify field status and

weatherweather– Climb to bingo altitude once distance is known Climb to bingo altitude once distance is known

and check windsand check winds– May have to pre-stage at Mayport/Savannah May have to pre-stage at Mayport/Savannah

for weatherfor 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

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

• If a student’s jet goes downIf a student’s jet goes down– Lead/Safe shall not delay take-off due to Lead/Safe shall not delay take-off due to

student jet issuesstudent jet issues– Stud should go in the next available Stud should go in the next available

division division – If next available division is full, stud If next available division is full, stud

should go with the late safeshould go with the late safe– Studs should have each division leads and Studs should have each division leads and

late/safe’s info including side numbers late/safe’s info including side numbers and TAC freq’sand TAC freq’s

Timing – 1Timing – 1stst Division Division• Try to verify ships position prior to Try to verify ships position prior to

walking via POTS or email.walking via POTS or email.

• 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 If late, speed-up if fuel available (i.e. able

to show up Bingo + 600lb), but inform the to show up Bingo + 600lb), but inform the proceeding division proceeding division

– Switch to BTN 1 ASAP and check in with Switch to BTN 1 ASAP and check in with Boss. Might just get a “Charlie on arrival”Boss. Might just get a “Charlie on arrival”

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

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

the division/flight preceding….the division/flight preceding….•……had 3 studs, take-off 15 minutes laterhad 3 studs, take-off 15 minutes later

•……had 2 studs, take-off 10 minutes laterhad 2 studs, take-off 10 minutes later

•……had 1 stud, take-off 5 minutes later had 1 stud, take-off 5 minutes later

Timing (cont.)Timing (cont.)• If unable to make an on time If unable to make an on time

departure or make your ramp as the departure or make your ramp as the first division of your wave, let first division of your wave, let CNATRA base and the ship knowCNATRA base and the ship know

• DO NOT BUSTERDO NOT BUSTER TO MAKE THE TO MAKE THE ASSIGNED RAMP TIME AND THEN ASSIGNED RAMP TIME AND THEN END UP WITH LESS THAN BINGO + END UP WITH LESS THAN BINGO + 600LB ON THE BALL600LB ON THE BALL– NOTHING GAINED BY BEING ON-TIME NOTHING GAINED BY BEING ON-TIME

AND OUT OF GAS!!!!!!!AND OUT OF GAS!!!!!!!

EnrouteEnroute• Inform divisions behind you of ships Inform divisions behind you of ships

position and your speedposition and your speed

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

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

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

20 miles from ship20 miles from ship

• Switch division to Lead/Safe common Switch division to Lead/Safe common (BTN 17). De-conflict with other (BTN 17). De-conflict with other divisionsdivisions

• Time the flights descent as Time the flights descent as appropriate. Don’t be at 20,000FT and appropriate. Don’t be at 20,000FT and 20 miles out20 miles out

• As soon as you see the ship, press As soon as you see the ship, press Marshall to let you switch to BTN 1. Marshall to let you switch to BTN 1. You may be able to directed to charlie You may be able to directed to charlie immediatelyimmediately

““Charlie”Charlie”

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

take about 8 minutestake about 8 minutes– Penetrate 210Penetrate 210ºº relative to BRC. Make a relative to BRC. Make a

commencing call on Lead/Safe Common commencing call on Lead/Safe Common (BTN 17) and start descent (BTN 17) and start descent

– Commence the flights turn at 7 miles to Commence the flights turn at 7 miles to arrive at a 7 mile initialarrive at a 7 mile initial

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 A great potential for a mid-air with a lead safe at

2k.2k.

• Make sure the studs chicks come with the Make sure the studs chicks come with the lead lead – Review hand signals/radio calls in the briefReview hand signals/radio calls in the brief

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

Lead Safe Stack – Case ILead Safe Stack – Case I

• Holding Altitudes - 2K, 3K, 4K, 5K; Holding Altitudes - 2K, 3K, 4K, 5K; unless WX dictates. unless WX dictates. – WX considerationsWX considerations

•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?

•Griff / Boss will manageGriff / Boss will manage

2 nm2000’/3000’ L/S

3K should be across circle from 2K

4 nm

1- 3 SNAs in Pattern

4000’ 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

• 2000’ Lead/safe 2000’ Lead/safe – Primary Control of upwind PatternPrimary Control of upwind Pattern

• 3000’ Lead/safe3000’ Lead/safe– Backup other L/S (Cross Circle), maintain Big Backup other L/S (Cross Circle), maintain Big

PicturePicture

• 4000’ Lead/safe4000’ Lead/safe– 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

• 2000’ Lead/safe 2000’ Lead/safe – Help direct pattern greater than 2nm fwd bowHelp direct pattern greater than 2nm fwd bow– Primarily responsibility - intervalPrimarily responsibility - interval

• 3000’ Lead/safe3000’ Lead/safe– 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• 4000’ Lead/safe4000’ Lead/safe

– 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 only – No heavy sectionsNo heavy sections / / No light divisions!! No light divisions!!

• Six studs (max) during Case 2 Ops. No more Six studs (max) during Case 2 Ops. No more than 2 in the pattern at one timethan 2 in the pattern at one time

• OptionsOptions: Depends on wx at Cecil and at ship : Depends on wx at Cecil and at ship Beach / Griff will coordinateBeach / Griff will coordinate– Bucket brigade possible if Case II holding. Lead/safes Bucket brigade possible if Case II holding. Lead/safes

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

– TCN Rendezvous in W-158/157. (If wx precludes TCN Rendezvous in W-158/157. (If wx precludes division rendezvous out of Cecil)division rendezvous 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, only one Lead Safe is actually doing Bottom line, only one Lead Safe is actually doing

the job. The second is responsible for safe the job. The second is responsible for safe separation. Make sure you define rolls over the separation. Make sure you define rolls over the radio. Also, don’t work TAC Wing too low. Advise radio. Also, don’t work TAC Wing too low. Advise Griff/Boss if wx precludes this methodGriff/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.”

• Understand whether divert or bingoUnderstand whether divert or bingo

• If bingo, got to the designated bingo fieldIf bingo, got to the designated bingo field

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

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

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

– Talk to the LSO on the radio and relate the Talk to the LSO on the radio and relate the problemproblem

• 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 Allow ATC to level you off at a lower altitude than the profile or ask you to deviate from the than the profile or ask you to deviate from the heading. You are on an EMERGENCY. heading. You are on an EMERGENCY.

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 first period - “LATE Late Safe of a first period - “LATE SAFE TURNING SPARE” 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 second period Late Safe of second period - Wait to launch until the last stud launches Wait to launch until the last stud launches

- Unlike the LSTS (late/safe turning spare), launch Unlike the LSTS (late/safe turning spare), launch even without a stud if all studs got off of the even without a stud if all studs got off of the deck. We will need you as the 4th lead safe deck. We will need you as the 4th lead safe overhead 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 the division proceeds Not having pattern SA when the division proceeds to the break to the break

(Lead/safes help out leads at initial with pattern (Lead/safes help out leads at initial with pattern calls)calls)

• Watch your Watch your abeam distanceabeam distance and set the studs up and set the studs up properly. Too many TWAB’s from lead/safesproperly. Too many TWAB’s from lead/safes

• 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 Fair’s are acceptable. No grades/cut passes are

not!not!

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

• Give Give extra intervalextra interval on a stud on a stud – shoot for 1+15 at a minimum because they are going to shoot for 1+15 at a minimum because they are going to

be TWA, Deep 90, LIG)be TWA, Deep 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. Griff may ask preferences. Everyone is eligible. Griff 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!

Gotcha’s cont.Gotcha’s cont.

• New Catapult ProceduresNew Catapult Procedures– No problems in April. We had No problems in April. We had

no suspends due to the new no suspends due to the new

proceduresprocedures– Ensure you have received a Ensure you have received a

a brief from your Wing LSOa brief from your Wing LSO– Long story short..Long story short..

• Do not go to MRT upon tension signal!!Do not go to MRT upon tension signal!!

• Go to MRT upon power up signalGo to MRT upon power up signal

• No launch bar retract signalNo launch bar retract signal

Guest flyer /Back seater Guest flyer /Back seater considerationsconsiderations

• If you are not comfortable flying guest fliers, let your det If you are not comfortable flying guest fliers, let your det OIC/AOIC know. But not 5 minutes prior to the brief time.OIC/AOIC know. But not 5 minutes prior to the brief time.

• Back seater review itemsBack seater review items– Strap-in Procedures / Proper leg restraint positionStrap-in Procedures / Proper leg restraint position– Cockpit switches to watch forCockpit switches to watch for

•Manual Fuel Control / Anti-Skid SwitchManual Fuel Control / Anti-Skid Switch– Comm / ICS use and adjustmentComm / ICS use and adjustment– Seat Height and Rudder Pedal adjustmentSeat Height and Rudder Pedal adjustment

•Feet off brakes on trap!Feet off brakes on trap!– Lead safe workload Lead safe workload – Overnight gearOvernight gear– Flight Deck Safety / FOD concernsFlight Deck Safety / FOD concerns– Mask on while taxing on flight deck Mask on while taxing on flight deck – Ejection ProceduresEjection Procedures

April Boat NotablesApril Boat Notables• Studs and IP’s not performing proper clearing Studs and IP’s not performing proper clearing

turnsturns– 2020º AOB for 20º heading change, then align to BRC º AOB for 20º heading change, then align to BRC

when clearwhen clear

• Studs turning off the cat when staying in Studs turning off the cat when staying in patternpattern

• Studs shallow climbs off catStuds shallow climbs off cat

• Launch bar getting stuck. Will initially try Launch bar getting stuck. Will initially try again, but may have to revert to alternate again, but may have to revert to alternate hook-up procedureshook-up procedures

• IUT’s trying SH breaks! Ah, no!IUT’s trying SH breaks! Ah, no!

• One stud on the brakes..smoked the tires.One stud on the brakes..smoked the tires.

April Boat NotablesApril Boat Notables• Lead/SafesLead/Safes

– Too wide abeamToo wide abeam– Long in the grooveLong in the groove– Had a few divisions show up early (10 minutes Had a few divisions show up early (10 minutes

early in one case)early in one case)

• Bush likes to launch Lead/Safes off the waist Bush likes to launch Lead/Safes off the waist with the bubble. Be ready! with the bubble. Be ready!

• TWR is not proactive in managing pattern. TWR is not proactive in managing pattern. Don’t rely on Mini to help upwind interval with Don’t rely on Mini to help upwind interval with guidance guidance

Keep’em safeKeep’em safe