113 Squadron Operations Fundamentals
113. SQUADRON OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTALSPage 1 of 13
113. SQUADRON OPERATIONS FUNDAMENTALS
References:
[a] OPNAVINST 3120.32C, Standard Organization and Regulations Manual of theU.S. Navy (SORM)
[b] NAVAIR 00-80T-105, CV NATOPS Manual
[c] NAVAIR 00-80T-103, Conventional Weapons Handling Procedures Manual (Ashore)
[d] OPNAVINST 4790.2H, Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), Vol. I
[e] NAVAIR 00-80T-114, Air Traffic Control Facilities NATOPS Manual
[f] OPNAVINST 3140.24E, Warnings and Conditions of Readiness ConcerningHazardous or Destructive Weather Phenomena
[g] NWP 10-1-11 (Rev. A), Status of Resources and Training (SORTS)
[h] NAVAIR 00-80T-106, LHA/LHD/MCS NATOPS Manual
[i] Local Directives and Standard Operating Procedures
[j] NAVAIR 00-80T-104, NATOPS Landing Signal Officer Manual
[k] NAVEDTRA 14014, Airman
.1 Identify the departments within a squadron and their responsibilities
* Self explanatory
.2 Discuss the interaction between the maintenance department and operations
* Self explanatory
.3 Discuss the purpose and components of the flight schedule and CV/CVN air plan
* To obtain maximum efficiency from personnel andequipment, carrier air operations must be preciselyscheduled in every respect. Air operations and strikeoperations are the coordinating and scheduling agenciesfor all flight operations. The strike operations officerwill collect all required flight information forpreparation of the daily air plan that will be submittedto the operations officer via the air operations officer,for approval and signature.
In order for strike operations to prepare an air planthat is within the capabilities of the air wing and allsupporting activities, the following must be reported ona regular basis:
1. An up-to-date inventory of aviation ordnance onboard and available for the next day’s operation.
2. The status of all embarked aircraft. This reportshall be delivered to the bridge, flag bridge, flagoperations, air operations, and the air department.In addition to current aircraft status, the reportshould include expected changes in status and testflight requirements for the following day.
3. Air intelligence information concerning the nextday’s operation.
Normally, the air plan will be distributed on theevening before the scheduled operations. When the airplan is delayed, the strike operationswatch officer shallprovide advance information to allow preparations forthe first flights. As a minimum, air ops, flight deckcontrol, PriFly, the air department duty officer, all readyrooms, CVIC, the ship’s ordnance handling officer, andCDC shall be advised of the following:
1. Launch times
2. Mission
3. Flight composition
4. Fuel requirements
5. Ordnance loading.
The air plan shall include the following:
1. Event number
2. Launch time
3. Recovery time
4. Mission
5. Number and model of aircraft, including spares
6. Squadron and radio call
7. Total sorties
8. Sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, phase
9. Date
10. Fuel
11. Alert aircraft
12. Logistics aircraft
13. Tactical frequencies
14. Notes as required. Notes shall include thefollowing:
a. EMCON/ZIP LIP conditions
b. Ready deck schedule
c. Any other information required includingrestrictions or hazards to flight.Upon receipt of the daily air plan, each squadronshall prepare and distribute its flight schedule asrequired. This schedule shall designate pilots, radiocalls, and the mission for each flight assigned.
.4 Discuss the purpose and components of the ordnance load plan
Strike[ref. b, chs. 2, 6]
* Operations shall prepare an ordnance load plan that willbe utilized as a supplement to the air plan for aircraftordnance loads. No changes will be made to theordnance load plan without approval by the strikeoperations officer. It is the responsibility of the aircrafthandling officer to ensure strict conformance to theordnance load plan.
.5 Discuss the significant events of your IDRC plan
* Inter Deployment Readiness Cycle
* Deck Cert, C2X, TESTA, JTFEX. Not going into detail on this one, those of us that were here for the work ups should be able to discuss.
.6 Discuss the purpose of the monthly SORTS report
* The correct reference is the NTTP 1-03.3 (Rev. A) Status of Resources and Training System Joint Report-Navy (SORTSREPNV).
* The monthly SORTS report is the principle report within the U.S. Navy for use by designated Navy, Military Sealift Command (MSC) and U.S. Coast Guard units to provide identification and general status data to the National Command Authorities (NCA) the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), fleet commanders in chief (CINCPACFLEET, CINCLANTFLEET, and CINCUSNAVEUR), and other operational fleet commanders. Basically it provides unit general status to maintain the currency of the Navy Status of Forces (NSOF) data base within the Navy Command and Control System (NCCS).
.7 Discuss the purpose and location of the weapons loading downloading area
* Combat Aircraft Loading Area(CALA): Anyarea specifically designated for aircraft loading orunloading of combat configured munitions.
* loading/downloading area: That designated areain which replenishment of airborne weapons orstores and other armament items on or in an aircraft isconducted. When handling weapons in this area, allfuzes and initiators shall remain safe and all gunchambers clear
.8 Discuss the following operational terminology
a. Hot refueling: An operational evolution where an aircraft is refueled while the engine(s) is (are) operating.
b. Hot Seating: An operational evolution where the pilot/crew of an aircraft is changed while the engine(s) is (are) operating and the aircraft is to be immediately relaunched.
* Additional info for Hot Seat
(1) For hot seat evolutions, a new Aircraft Inspection and Acceptance Record (OPNAV 4790/141) will be initiated. As a minimum, "Hot Seat" shall be entered in Block 8, and the new pilot-in-command shall review the ADB and sign Block 11. Performance of these actions will signify a physical continuation for flight of an inspected, serviced, and certified aircraft with a change in pilot or crew and adherence to hot seat servicing and inspection minimums. The debarking pilot shall sign Block 10.
(2) Turnaround inspections are not required for aircraft participating in hot seating evolutions. Only those items pertaining to the refueling shall be required for aircraft participating in hot refueling evolutions when the aircraft is to be immediately relaunched. All applicable NATOPS checklists shall be complied with during such ground periods. When servicing or minor maintenance is performed during such ground periods, only those portions of turnaround inspections applicable to that servicing or maintenance need to be performed, as directed by Maintenance Control. This is not intended to limit commands from exercising their prerogative of performing inspections they deem necessary. Inspection/servicing intervals shall not be exceeded during successive evolutions.
- Case I, II and III weather conditions
* Weather in the carrier control zone is the mostprominent factor affecting the type of departure and/orrecovery. There are three types of departure andrecovery operations, which are referred to as Case I,Case II, and Case III.The air officer, unless otherwise specified by higherauthority, determines what case launch and/or recoverywill be exercised using the following weatherminimums:
Case I: When it is anticipated that flights will notencounter instrument conditions during daytimedepartures, recoveries, and the ceiling and visibility inthe carrier control zone are no lower than 3,000 feet and5 nm respectively.
Case II: When it is anticipated that flights mayencounter instrument conditions during a daytimedeparture or recovery, and the ceiling and visibility inthe carrier control zone are no lower than 1,000 feet and5 nm respectively.
Case III: When it is anticipated that flights willencounter instrument conditions during a departure orrecovery because the ceiling or visibility in the carriercontrol zone are lower than 1,000 feet and 5 nmrespectively; or a nighttime departure or recovery (onehalfhour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise).
.9 Discuss the aircraft alert condition for
- Fixed wing operations
ConditionI. The aircraft shall be spotted onthe catapult or in a position affording a clear route to thecatapult. Unless otherwise directed by the aircrafthandling officer, the aircraft shall be securedwith initial(four--point/six--point) tiedown. All necessary startingequipment shall be plugged in and a director, startingcrewman, plane captain, arm/dearm crew, and requiredplane handlers shall stand by the aircraft. The aircraft’screw shall be ready for flight in all aspects, withparachutes, safety belts, shoulder harnesses, radioleads, or other personal equipment attached andadjusted as in flight. The catapult crew shall be onstation and alert. Launching accessories shall be ondeck ready for immediate use. When ordered bycompetent authority, the air officer will pass the orderover the flight deck announcing system to launch theCondition I aircraft. Aircraft, flight deck, arm/dearm,and catapult crews shall, without awaiting furtherinstructions, go through the normal start and prelaunchprocedures. The LSO shall man the platform and therecovery equipment controller shall have all recoveryequipment manned. As preparations are made for thelaunch, the air officer will relay wind information to thelaunching officer and an initial vector, if available, tothe pilot. He shall obtain permission from the bridge tolaunch and, when all conditions are satisfactory, shallturn on the green rotating beacon, clearing the catapultofficer to launch.
Condition II. All provisions for ConditionI apply, except that flightcrews are not required in theaircraft. They shall, however, be on the flight deck neartheir aircraft or inside the island structure at the flightdeck level.
Condition III. Flightcrews shall be in fullflight gear, briefed, and standing by the ready rooms.Starting equipment shall be immediately available, andflight deck and catapult crews shall be standing by neartheir stations.
Condition IV. This is similar toCondition III except that minor maintenance may beperformed on the aircraft if no delay in launch isinvolved.
b. Helicopter operations
Condition I. The aircraft shall be spottedfor immediate launch. It shall be headed into the relativewind, with rotor blades spread, starting equipmentplugged in, and aLSE, starting crewman, plane captain,and required plane handlers standing by. Unlessotherwise directed by the aircraft handling officer, atleast four tiedowns shall be attached to the aircraft. Theflightcrew shall be ready for launch in all respects, withall personnel equipment attached and adjusted as inflight. When the air officer passes the word to stand byto launch the Condition I helicopter(s), engines shall bestarted without further instructions; however, rotorengagement and launch shall be positively controlledby PriFly.
Condition II. The same conditions apply asfor Condition I, except that flightcrews shall stand by inthe ready rooms.
Condition III. Main rotor blades may befolded and the aircraft need not be in position forimmediate launch; however, it must be parked so as toallow direct access to a suitable launch spot. A towbarshall be attached to the aircraft and a specific LSE,tractor driver, handling crew, and starting crewmanshall be designated and assigned to each helicopter.These personnel must be thoroughly briefed so thatwhen the order is given to prepare to launch, the aircraftcan be safely and expeditiously moved into position andreadied for launch. Flightcrews should be briefed for thelaunch and be standing by in a designated location.
Condition IV. This is similar to ConditionIII except that minor maintenancemay be performed onthe aircraft if no delay in launch is involved.
Alert 5 Condition I
Alert 15 Condition II Alert SAR helicopter in Condition II may be folded
provided the primary SAR helicopter is airborne.
Alert 30 Condition III
Alert 60 Condition IV
.10 Discuss the requirements and procedures to operate vehicles or self propelled SE on an airfield
* Indoctrination Course for Operators: Commanding Officers shall establish an airfield vehicleoperator’s indoctrination course. Organizations withairfield vehicle operators shall ensure operators attendand successfully complete the course initially uponassignment and annually thereafter. Attendance of thecourse shall be documented and maintained by thecourse manager.
* Local Airfield Rules: Local rules shall beestablished which minimize vehicle traffic on movementareas. Unnecessary vehicular traffic on the airfieldis a safety hazard, which requires constant evaluation todevelop alternative measures such as use of perimeterroads.
* Movement Areas: All vehicles operatingon movement areas, shall be radio equipped or beescorted by radio-equipped vehicles. Vehicle painting,markings, and lighting shall be in compliance with FAAAdvisory Circular 150/5210-5 (series). Vehicles shallreceive a specific clearance from the control tower priorto operating on runways and designated helicopterlanding areas. Light signals shall not be used forcontrolling vehicles except when the control towerexperiences an outage of radio equipment.
* Other Than Airport Vehicles. Allvehicles not regularly used on the airfield shall carry aflag 3 feet square attached to a staff and flying above thevehicle or be equipped with an amber rotating beaconwhenever operations on aircraft operating areas arenecessary. Flags shall consist of a checkered pattern ofinternational orange and white squares not less than1 foot on each side.
.11 What are the restrictions to maintenance in the following weather conditions
- Thunderstorm condition I
Destructive winds accompanying the phenomena indicated are imminent or are occurring. Associated lightning/ thunder, torrential rain, hail, severe downbursts, and sudden wind shift are possible. Take immediate safety precaution and shelter
- Thunderstorm condition II
Destructive winds accompanying the phenomena indicated are expected in the general area within 6 hours. Associated lightning/ thunder, torrential rain, hail, severe downbursts, and sudden wind shift are possible. Take precaution that will permit establishment of an appropriate state of readiness on short notice.
* Co shall use all available weather information to avoid or minimize loss and damage due to destructive weather phenomena.
.12 Discuss the responsibilities of the LSO
* The landing signal officer’s primary responsibilityis the safe and expeditious recovery of non-V/STOLfixed-wing aircraft aboard ship. The employment ofhigh-performance aircraft and the necessity for allweather operations have placed ever increasingdemands on the LSO’s skill and judgment. Throughtraining and experience, he is capable of correlatingfactors of wind, weather, aircraft capabilities, shipconfiguration, pilot experience, etc., in order to provideoptimum control and assistance in aircraft landings. TheLSO is also directly responsible for training pilots incarrier landing techniques. In this regard, he mustconstantly monitor pilot performance, schedule andconduct necessary ground training, counsel and debriefindividual pilots, and certify their carrier readiness andqualification. The pilot and LSO form a professionaland disciplined team, both ashore and afloat. The LSOstrives to develop the pilot’s confidence, judgment,maximum effort, technical proficiency, and personalinterest. The pilot must rely on the LSO’s experienceand ability to prepare him for optimum effectiveness asa carrier pilot.
** LSO Designation Category.
1. Field LSO reflects the individual’s ability tosatisfactorily control one or more specific typeaircraft during FCLP. Further, he is consideredqualified to maintain and interpret LSO logs andrecords of FCLP periods conducted for thepurpose of making recommendations to thecommanding officer regarding extension orrevocation of pilot currency for CV landings.
2. Squadron LSO reflects the individual’s ability tosatisfactorily control one or more type aircraft atthe field and aboard ship in day and nightconditions and satisfactorily operate theMOVLAS (day). It is the responsibility of the airwing staff LSO to recommend the squadron LSOdesignation.
3. Wing LSO reflects an individual’s ability tocontrol a majority of the air wing aircraft at thefield and aboard ship in day/night, all weather anddeck conditions without assistance, as well as anability to function as an LSO watch teamsupervisor and satisfactorily recover aircraftaboard ships utilizing MOVLAS. Designation asa wing LSO shall be required prior to assignmentto an air wing staff LSO billet. It is theresponsibility of the air wing staff LSO torecommend the designation as wing LSO.
** LSO SENIORITY
* LSO seniority will be determined by level of LSOdesignation, with LSO School OIC, TYCOM LSOs,and CNATRA LSO being the highest level ofdesignation, followed by staff LSO, wing LSO, andsquadron LSO in that order. In FRS and trainingcommand squadrons only, the training LSO designationshall be used to determine LSO seniority, regardless ofsquadron or wing designation. In situations involvingtwo or more individuals with the same level ofdesignation, seniority of designation date willdetermine LSO seniority unless modified by the CNAF,Air Wing Commander, or Commanding Officer.All LSOs within the air wing are operationallysubordinate to the air wing staff LSO.
. 13 Explain the term bingo
* An order to proceed and land at the fieldspecified, utilizing a bingo profile. Aircraft isconsidered to be in an emergency/fuel criticalsituation. Bearing, distance, and destination shall beprovided.
.14 State the mission of air operations
a. Afloat: Air Ops mission is to coordinate all matters pertaining to air operations including the proper functioning of CATTC. (Ref b, Glossary, pg.19). From Ref e, para 11.1.2.1, Air Operations has overall responsibility and makes real-time decisions necessary for safe and efficient aircraft launch and recovery. These decisions are coordinated with the air wing commander and other aircraft carrier personnel.
b. Ashore: Air Ops- Ref e. Page 1-1, para 1.1 Provides for the safe, orderly and expeditious movement of air traffic. It includes aircraft movements on the airport surface and within airspace where control jurisdiction has been delegated.
.15 Discuss CATCC flight quarter stations preliminary procedures
* Carrier air traffic control center (CATCC) is comprised of twointerdependent work centers, Air Operations (AirOps) and Carrier Controlled Approach (CCA). It isthe centralized agency responsible for the statuskeeping of all carrier air operations and control of allairborne aircraft under the operations officer’scognizance except those being controlled by CDCand the air officer.
* Preliminary Procedures—CATCC. Oneand one-half hours before scheduled flight operations,CATCCshall bemanned and the following checkoff listexecuted, commensurate with the EMCON plan ineffect. Immediately report all discrepancies forappropriate action and advise the operations officer andcommanding officer if equipment failure will affect airoperations.
1. Check all radio/intercom and sound poweredequipment including proper patch panel setup.Check frequency assignment.