Attachment 3 - AFOP 7900.3-006.pdf

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Armstrong Flight Research Center AFOP-7900.3-006, Revision C-6 Edwards, California 93523 Expires May 1, 2021

Compliance is mandatory.

SUBJECT:

Aircrew Flight Operations Manual

RESPONSIBLE OFFICE:

Flight Crew Branch

Aircrew Flight Operations Manual AFOP-7900.3-006, Revision C-6 Expires May 1, 2021

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AFOP-7900.3-006, Aircrew Flight Operations Manual Concurrence Signatures

By signing this concurrence, I accept the requirements that apply to my organization.

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT

1.2 SCOPE, APPLICABILITY, & WAIVER

1.2.1 Scope

1.2.2 Applicability

1.2.3 Waiver

1.3 OBJECTIVES & METRICS

1.4 RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

1.4.1 Authority Documents

1.4.2 Referenced Documents

1.4.3 Informational Documents

1.4.4 Forms

1.5 MANAGEMENT RECORDS & RECORDS RETENTION

CHAPTER 2 – FLIGHT & AIRCREW AUTHORIZATION

2.1 AIRCREW DEFINITIONS

2.1.1 Primary Aircrew

2.1.2 Secondary Aircrew

2.1.3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Aircrew

2.1.4 Non-Essential Aircrew

2.1.5 Passengers

2.1.6 Associate Aircrew

2.2 APPROVAL TO FLY IN CENTER AIRCRAFT

2.3 NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN WHICH PILOTS ARE QUALIFIED

2.4 APPROVAL OF FLIGHTS

2.5 AIRCREW DUTY DESIGNATIONS & DUTIES

2.5.1 Instructor Pilot (IP)

2.5.2 Pilot (FP)

2.5.3 Copilot (CP)

2.5.4 Second Pilot (SP)

2.5.5 Flight Test Engineer (FTE)

2.5.6 Flight Engineer (FE) & Instructor Flight Engineer (IFE)

2.5.7 Navigator (N) & Instructor Navigator (IN)

2.5.8 Flight Safety Technician (FST)

2.5.9 Other Secondary Aircrew

2.5.10 Non-Essential Aircrew

2.6 AIRCRAFT MONITORS (AM)

2.7 LEAD PROJECT PILOTS

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CHAPTER 3 – AIRCREW QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

3.2 RESEARCH TEST PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

3.3 SENSOR PLATFORM AIRCRAFT RESEARCH PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

3.4 ER-2 RESEARCH PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

3.5 MINIMUM PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

3.6 FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER (FTE) QUALIFICATIONS

3.7 FLIGHT ENGINEER (FE) QUALIFICATIONS

3.8 NAVIGATOR QUALIFICATIONS

3.9 INSTRUCTOR AIRCREW QUALIFICATIONS

3.10 MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR AIRCREW

3.11 EJECTION SEAT QUALIFIED AIRCREW WEIGHT & ANTHROPOMORPHIC

STANDARDS

3.12 PILOT AGE

CHAPTER 4 – AIRCREW TRAINING

4.1 PRIMARY AIRCREW TRAINING & CHECKOUT

4.2 PHOTO & SAFETY CHASE CHECKOUT

4.3 INSTRUCTOR AIRCREW CHECKOUT

4.4 SECONDARY & NON-ESSENTIAL AIRCREW TRAINING & CHECKOUT

4.5 PHYSIOLOGICAL TRAINING

4.6 EGRESS TRAINING

4.7 SURVIVAL TRAINING

4.8 ANNUAL CRM TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AIRCREW

4.9 RECURRENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR PILOTS

4.10 RECURRENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR FLIGHT ENGINEERS

4.11 RECURRENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR NAVIGATORS

4.12 AIRCREW TRAINING RECORDS

4.13 AIRCRAFT TRAINING FOLDERS

4.14 NEW AIRCREW CHECKLIST

CHAPTER 5 – AIRCREW CURRENCY & PROFICIENCY

5.1 AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH CURRENCY REQUIREMENTS

5.1.1 Logging Flight Time & Landings

5.2 GENERAL AIRCREW CURRENCY REQUIREMENTS

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5.3 PILOT FLIGHT PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

5.4 FLIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY AIRCREW

5.5 SPECIFIC FLIGHT PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

5.6 GROUNDING OF AIRCREW

5.7 FLIGHT STATUS REVIEW BOARD

5.8 DUAL ONLY STATUS

CHAPTER 6 – FLIGHT SCHEDULING & PLANNING

6.1 SCHEDULING OF FLIGHTS

6.2 PRIMARY AIRCREW & MISSION CRITICAL PERSONNEL DUTY TIME

6.3 USE OF ALCOHOL & MEDICATIONS

6.4 MINIMUM REQUIRED AIRCRAFT CREW COMPLEMENT

6.5 RESEARCH FLIGHT CREW REQUIREMENTS

6.6 FLIGHT PLANNING FACILITIES

6.7 FLIGHT CLEARANCES

6.8 FLIGHT PUBLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH AIRCRAFT

6.9 ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS

6.10 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE RECORDS

6.11 WEIGHT & BALANCE FORMS

6.12 CREW BRIEFINGS

6.13 FUNCTIONAL CHECK FLIGHTS (FCF)

CHAPTER 7 – FLIGHT EXECUTION & SUPERVISION

7.1 MINIMUM ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS FOR AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

7.2 FLIGHTS WITHIN EDWARDS AFB AIRSPACE

7.3 SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

7.4 MISSION FAMILIARIZATION FLIGHTS

7.5 FORMATION FLIGHTS

7.6 G-AWARENESS MANEUVERS AND BASIC FIGHTER MANEUVER (BFM)

FLIGHTS

7.7 AIRCRAFT FLIGHT ENVELOPES

7.7.1 T-34 Spin Training

7.7.2 F-18 Departure And Out-Of-Control Training

7.8 TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS

7.9 LAKEBED OPERATIONS

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7.10 PRACTICE BARRIER ENGAGEMENTS

7.11 LOCAL FLYING WIND LIMITATIONS

7.12 WEATHER REQUIREMENTS

7.12.1 Fuel Minimums

7.13 STABILIZED APPROACH CRITERIA

7.14 OXYGEN & PRESSURE SUIT REQUIREMENTS

7.15 PERSONAL EQUIPMENT INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

7.16 ABNORMAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

7.17 ABNORMAL UAS VEHICLE OPERATIONS

7.18 TRANSFER OF UAS PIC RESPONSIBILITY

7.19 SUPERVISION OF DAILY FLIGHT OPERATIONS

7.20 SUPERVISION OF DEPLOYED FLIGHT OPERATIONS

CHAPTER 8 – SECURITY FOR DEPLOYED OPERATIONS

8.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

8.2 AIRCRAFT PHYSICAL SECURITY PLAN (NONDOMESTIC DEPLOYMENTS) 84

8.3 GENERAL SECURITY INCIDENTS & REPORTING

8.4 AIRCRAFT SECURITY CHECKLIST

CHAPTER 9 – SMALL UAS OPERATIONS

9.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

9.2 AIRWORTHINESS AND FLIGHT SAFETY REVIEW PROCESS

9.3 sUAS FLIGHT CREW DEFINITIONS

9.4 sUAS FLIGHT CREW AUTHORIZATION

9.5 sUAS FLIGHT CREW QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, CURRENCY, AND

PROFICIENCY

9.5.1 sUAS Flight Crew Qualification Requirements

9.5.2 sUAS Flight Crew Training

9.5.3 sUAS Aircraft Qualification

9.5.4 sUAS Flight Crew Currency

9.5.5 sUAS Flight Crew Proficiency

9.6 sUAS FLIGHT SUPERVISION & EXECUTION

9.7 MISSION SUPPORT

9.8 EDWARDS sUAS RANGES

CHAPTER 10 – PASSENGER FLIGHTS

10.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

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10.2 AUTHORIZATION OF FLIGHTS & PASSENGERS

10.3 PASSENGER EMERGENCY PROCEDURE BRIEFING

10.4 MISSION MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS

CHAPTER 11 – JOINT FLIGHT PROGRAMS

11.1 INTERAGENCY INTERESTS

11.2 AGREEMENTS & PROGRAM APPROVAL

11.3 APPROVAL TO FLY IN NON-NASA CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT

11.4 INSPECTION PROCEDURES FOR EXTERNAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS ... 100

11.5 SAFETY CHECKLIST FOR INSPECTING EXTERNAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS

CHAPTER 12 – AVIATION SAFETY

12.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

12.2 ORGANIZATION

12.3 TRAINING FOR THE AVIATION SAFETY OFFICER

12.4 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

12.5 AVIATION SAFETY OFFICER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

12.6 AVIATION GROUND SAFETY OFFICER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

12.7 MISHAP & HAZARD REPORTING

12.7.1 Purpose of Incident Reports

12.7.2 General Submission Criteria

12.7.3 Reporting of Incidents

12.7.4 Dissemination of Safety Related Information

12.8 SAFETY TRAINING

12.8.1 Periodic Training

12.8.2 Quarterly Training

12.9 COCKPIT SAFETY REVIEW COMMITTEE

12.9.1 Flowchart

12.10 MISHAP EVIDENCE, INVESTIGATION, & TRAINING

APPENDIX A, Definitions

APPENDIX B, Acronyms

APPENDIX C, Approval Signature Requirements to Fly in Center Aircraft

APPENDIX D, Dangerous Goods Carried by Passengers & Aircrew on NASA Aircraft

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CHAPTER 1– INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT

This procedure provides guidelines, standard operating procedures, and instructions for the management of Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) (referred to as the Center) manned and unmanned aircraft, aircraft operations, aviation safety, and related matters in accordance with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Procedural Requirement (NPR) 7900.3, NASA Aircraft Operations Management.

1.2 SCOPE, APPLICABILITY, & WAIVER

1.2.1 Scope

This procedure applies to the operation of Center-assigned manned and unmanned aircraft.

1.2.2 Applicability

This procedure applies to all Center personnel that maintain and operate Center aircraft. Additionally, this procedure applies to NASA contractors and other NASA or government personnel operating Center assigned aircraft, as specified in contracts or agreements.

1.2.3 Waiver

The Director for Flight Operations or the Chief Pilot has waiver authority with respect to Center flight operations. Waivers may be submitted in writing, verbally, or by e-mail, and will be approved in writing and filed at the operations desk. Waivers are typically applicable for the duration of the operation for which submitted. Permanent waivers are retained until incorporated into this document. Waivers are retained in the Operations supervisor’s book at the operations desk and/or in the NASA Aircraft Management Information System (NAMIS). Long-term individual aircrew waivers may be retained in the aircrew training folder as required.

1.3 OBJECTIVES & METRICS

None.

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1.4 RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

AFRC documents may be found at https://odie.ndc.nasa.gov/SitePages/Home.aspx.

1.4.1 Authority Documents

NPR 7900.3 Aircraft Operations Management

NPD 8621.1 NASA Procedural Requirements for Mishap and Close Call Reporting, Investigating, and Recordkeeping

Aircraft Fact Sheet or Flight Manual Supplement

Aircraft Flight Manual / NATOPS

AFRC 8621.1-001 Mishap Preparedness and Contingency Plan (MPCP)

EDWARDSAFBI 13-

Flying and Airfield Operations

Flight Crew Information File (FCIF) N8900 (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Project Office Guidance Document

1.4.2 Referenced Documents

AFOP-7900.3-002 Aircraft Maintenance & Safety Manual (AM&SM)

AFOP-7900.3-026 Aircraft Documentation

AFOP-7900.3-023 Airworthiness and Flight Safety Review Process

AFOP-7900.3-008 Fact Sheet Preparation & Update

AFPL-7900.3-004 Aviation Safety Program

1.4.3 Informational Documents

Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) In-flight Guide

1.4.4 Forms

NASA forms may be found at https://nef.nasa.gov/nef/.

AFRC 70115 Request for Authorization to Travel on Government

Aircraft AFRC 70129 Flight Request

AFRC 70176 Authorization/Training to Fly in NASA Aircraft

AFRC 70176b Airborne Science Flight Participation

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AFRC 70394a sUAS Questionnaire

AFRC 70398 UAS Mission Log

AFRC 70814 Aircrew Qualification Record

AFRC 70821 AFRC Local VFR Flight Plan

AFRC 71672 Flight Log

AFRC 80127 Armstrong Hazard Report

410 Form 20 Flight Authorization

COA Certification of Authorization from the FAA

DD Form 175 Military Domestic Flight Plan

DD Form 1801 Military International Flight Plan

FAA 7233-1 FAA Domestic Flight Plan

FAA 8500-9 Medical Certification for Aircrew

NASA Aeromedical Clearance Certificate

NASA Form 1269 Flight Itinerary and Passenger Manifest

NASA Form 1653 Mission Management Flight Request

1.5 MANAGEMENT RECORDS & RECORDS RETENTION

A. Destruction of any records, regardless of format, without an approved schedule is a violation of Federal law.

B. See the Flight Operations Directorate record plan and inventory for storage location, retention requirements, and ultimate disposition for the following management records associated with this procedure

1) AFRC 10117, Waiver Request and Authorization, will be scanned and stored electronically on the Flight Crew Branch common network drive.

Flight Operations Directorate active waivers will be stored in the active waivers folder and waivers that have been incorporated in a procedure or are no longer applicable will be stored in the historical folder for 5 to 30 years beyond the life of the project per NRRS 1441.1.

2) AFRC 71672, Flight Log, kept by the pilots’ office until transfer of the aircraft per NRRS 1441.1.

C. The following records are kept for two years in the pilot’s office per NRRS 1441.1:

AFRC 70115 Request for Authorization to Travel on Government

Aircraft AFRC 70176 Authorization/Training to Fly in NASA Aircraft

AFRC 70176b Airborne Science Flight Participation

AFRC 70821 AFRC Local VFR Flight Plan

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410 Form 20 Flight Authorization

COA Certification of Authorization from the FAA

DD Form 175 Military Flight Plan

DD Form 1801 ICAO Flight Plan

FAA 7233-1 FAA Flight Plan

FAA 8500-9 Medical Certification for Aircrew

NF 1269 Flight Itinerary and Passenger/Crew Manifest

NF 1653 Mission Management Flight Request

D. The following record is destroyed upon separation or transfer of employee or when 5 years old, whichever is sooner, per NPR 1441.1: AFRC 70814, Aircrew Qualification Record

E. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will maintain a record of the individual's flight medical certification in the Flight Crew Branch Office.

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CHAPTER 2 – FLIGHT & AIRCREW AUTHORIZATION

2.1 AIRCREW DEFINITIONS

2.1.1 Primary Aircrew

A. Pilots (FP, CP), flight engineers (FE), and navigators (N) both civil service and contractor, that are authorized by position descriptions, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), Memorandums of Agreement (MOA), or contracts to perform flights in Center aircraft and are assigned to the Flight Crew Branch in the Flight Operations Directorate or to a Flight Operations Directorate staff position.

B. Center pilots not assigned to the Flight Operations Directorate who are authorized by position descriptions to perform flights in Center aircraft are considered primary aircrew while performing those duties.

C. Other NASA Center pilots, contractor pilots, U. S. military pilots, and other pilots covered by MOU, MOA, or other agreements are considered primary aircrew for purposes of approval and are required to complete any training directly related to their assigned research projects.

D. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and the Director for Flight Operations will approve a program of training and checkout for non-Center pilots that operate Center research or support aircraft.

E. Military rated flight surgeons (FS) on military flight orders are considered primary aircrew.

F. Any person who occupies a minimum required aircrew position aboard an aircraft according to the aircraft flight manual is considered primary aircrew while performing those aircrew duties.

2.1.2 Secondary Aircrew

A. Other flight crew positions needed to accomplish the Center mission that occupy a seat with flight controls, an ejection seat, and a seat with a parachute, or have emergency procedure or in-flight maintenance responsibilities aboard an aircraft, such as FTEs, photographers, nonmilitary flight surgeons, loadmasters, launch panel operators, flight mechanics, crew chiefs, mission controllers, technicians, and engineers.

B. Auxiliary crew members who are in training to support flight operations as secondary aircrew are considered secondary aircrew while in auxiliary crew status. Training records (form AFRC 70176) are kept in the Flight Crew Branch office.

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2.1.3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Aircrew

UAS aircrew consist of UAS pilot, engineers, and technicians, both civil service and contractor, that are required to operate a UAS and are authorized by position descriptions, letters of appointment, MOU, MOA, or contracts to perform UAS flight-associated duties at the Center. See NPR 7900.3 for other UAS specific aircrew definitions (mission commander, UAS operator, etc.).

2.1.4 Non-Essential Aircrew

A. Persons needed to accomplish the Center mission that do not occupy a position with flight controls and do not have emergency procedure responsibilities aboard an aircraft, such as experiment operators or other research scientists or engineers.

B. This description also applies to persons in an official observer only status that do not occupy a position with flight controls and do not have emergency procedure responsibilities aboard the aircraft.

C. Non-essential UAS aircrew are experimenters, engineers, scientists, mission UAS pilots, and other persons who staff data collection or vehicle monitoring stations, or who provide mission control for the purpose of providing flight crew direction in the operation of payloads and experiments carried by the UAS vehicle or during the conduct of other flight experiments or maneuvers.

2.1.5 Passengers

Persons aboard a mission management flight for the sole purpose of officially approved transportation.

2.1.6 Associate Aircrew

FP, FE, and N who support the Center mission on a part-time basis and are specifically designated as such. Associate pilots are not required to meet any minimum currency requirements (including flight hours) detailed in this document other than to be fully qualified for the crew position occupied during the time fulfilling those duties (to include required egress, physiological, and survival training). Normally, this is accomplished by ground and simulator training prior to assuming aircrew duties or by maintaining landing currency with other organizations. Associate pilots are required to complete a documented initial checkout in the aircraft that they fly, if not already qualified.

Associate pilots will fly dual controlled aircraft with a fully qualified and current Center pilot occupying the other seat. If the associate pilot is not current for landings, the Center pilot will be instructor-qualified in the aircraft flown.

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Associate pilots are considered primary aircrew while performing aircrew duties

2.2 APPROVAL TO FLY IN CENTER AIRCRAFT

A. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, makes Center primary aircrew aircraft assignments. They will meet the qualification, training, checkout, and currency requirements of this document.

B. Non-Center primary aircrew, Center and non-Center secondary aircrew, and all observers (typically one-time flights for orientation or familiarization) will be approved for flight by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch; Director for Flight Operations; or the Center Director in accordance with Appendix C. Approval is documented on form AFRC 70176, Authorization/Training to Fly in NASA Aircraft, and maintained in flight operations office. This approval will be granted for a specified period not to exceed one year.

C. Primary aircrew assignments and qualifications will be annotated on the Center Primary Aircrew/Aircraft Assignments letter, also known as the “Letter of X’s.” The Letter of X’s is approved by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, coordinated with the Director for Flight Operations and filed at the Flight Operations Desk.

D. Non-Center UAS aircrew are approved for flight by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and the Director for Flight Operations. Form AFRC 70176, Authorization/Training to fly in NASA Aircraft, is used.

E. Approval for Center primary aircrew to fly in other NASA Center controlled aircraft is obtained verbally from the Director for Flight Operations and documented using the AFRC 70176 or in accordance with established procedures for the host NASA Center.

F. Airborne Science non-essential aircrew scientists and experimenters are approved using the form AFRC 70176b, Airborne Science Flight Participation, signed by the Director for Flight Operations, in accordance with Appendix C.

G. When deployed, approval of the form AFRC 70176b, Airborne Science Flight Participation, for add-on personnel is delegated to the designated on-scene operations supervisor and the pilot-in-command (PIC) with the verbal or written approval from the Director for Flight Operations and the Center Director, in accordance with Appendix C.

H. Persons on passenger status aboard Center mission management aircraft certificated for passenger use by the FAA are approved for flight using the passenger manifest filed at the Flight Operations Desk, in accordance with Chapter 10.

I. Approval for Center employees to fly in non-NASA controlled aircraft in the performance of their duties is covered in Chapter 11, Joint Flight Programs.

J. Center assigned primary aircrew (aircrew listed on the Letter of Xs) may fly as observers on any Center aircraft with appropriate egress and concurrence of

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the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, or the Director of Flight Operations. A form AFRC 70176 is not required and permission will be annotated in the remarks section of the Flight Schedule.

2.3 NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN WHICH PILOTS ARE QUALIFIED

A. The Director for Flight Operations, in consultation with the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, determines the number of Center aircraft in which Center-assigned pilots are qualified based on overall pilot experience, demonstrated performance, and research or operational requirements.

B. Non-Center pilots participating in Center research projects and flying Center aircraft will typically only fly those aircraft directly assigned to the project. The Director for Flight Operations may allow non-Center pilots to fly additional aircraft if required to meet Center mission requirements.

2.4 APPROVAL OF FLIGHTS

A. Individual research flights (including UAS) will be requested formally through form AFRC 70129, Flight Request, approved by the director of the originating organization.

1) The form AFRC 70129 is presented for approval by a project manager and signed by appropriate directors at an AFSRB or Technical Brief, if required. In the case of non-project-related research flights involving support aircraft, form AFRC 70129 is initiated by the Chief Pilot and approved by the Director for Flight Operations.

2) Flight outside of the normal flight envelope (as defined by the aircraft flight manual), including prohibited maneuvers, spins, or departures from controlled flight, (except T-34 spins) will be treated as research flights and require a form AFRC 70129.

B. Local area research support, maintenance, and proficiency flights by Center aircrew will be approved by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, or the operations supervisor (see Chapter 7). The flight profile and flight approval will be documented with form AFRC 70821, AFRC Local VFR Flight Plan.

C. All flights of Center aircraft piloted by other than Center pilots require the approval of the Director for Flight Operations. Requests and approval will be documented with form AFRC 70176 (see Appendix C). This approval may be for more than one flight and cover a period of up to one year. Additionally, a form AFRC 70129 or AFRC 70821 is required for individual flight approval.

D. All flights that terminate at airfields other than Edwards AFB or Palmdale Plant 42 require the concurrence of the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and the Director for Flight Operations. Requests and approval will be documented with Flight Operations 410 Form 20, Flight Authorization.

E. All UAS flights that terminate intentionally at an airfield other than Edwards AFB require the approval of the FAA and the airfield manager. Prior

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coordination is required with all affected controlling agencies and organizations (FAA, airfield management, control tower, and emergency response teams). A UAS project team will be pre-positioned to receive the aircraft and coordinate local support requirements.

F. Mission management flights and missions conducted to, at or from deployment sites in support of research or airborne science activities and approved through the AFSRB or operational readiness review (ORR) process do not require a 410 Form 20 if the aircrew possess travel orders.

G. The Director for Flight Operations may make exceptions to the above documentation requirements on a case-by-case basis. However, all flights will be documented appropriately with the intent of meeting the above requirements.

2.5 AIRCREW DUTY DESIGNATIONS & DUTIES

Aircrew designations are made by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and will be documented for each crew member by specific aircraft type. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will ensure each crew member possesses an adequate level of training and experience to perform the duties of the designated position.

Designations for the positions below are made based on overall crew member flight experience, experience in similar types of aircraft, in the actual aircraft type, or in the specific crew position or duty designation, as well as other pertinent training, and demonstrated performance.

2.5.1 Instructor Pilot (IP)

The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will designate pilots with appropriate qualifications and experience as IP for each research, support, and UAS aircraft type. In addition to normal aircraft instruction, an IP will be required for any flight conducted in dual controlled aircraft when a pilot unqualified in that type occupies the front seat (tandem seat cockpit aircraft), the left seat of a side-by-side seat aircraft certified for single pilot operation, or either seat in an aircraft requiring two-pilot operation. IPs will fly chase for single seat aircraft when a pilot not checked out in that aircraft is flying the aircraft. IPs will evaluate initial qualification and annual proficiency check flights in research and support aircraft for which they are instructor qualified. IPs may perform functional check flights (FCF) on aircraft in which they are IP qualified.

2.5.2 Pilot (FP)

Aircraft Commander/Pilot-in-Command (FP/PIC). A NASA pilot who holds the appropriate category, class, and, if appropriate, type rating or military qualification for the aircraft and is qualified in its operation by appropriate Center or mission management directives. The PIC has final authority and

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responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight. The designation of pilot signifies full qualification in that aircraft, including acting as aircraft commander of multiple piloted aircraft. Pilots may perform FCFs if designated as FCF-qualified by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch. The designation of a UAS launch and recovery effort (LRE) pilot (launch and recovery element) indicates the full qualification level. Test pilots may log FP time in any aircraft.

2.5.3 Copilot (CP)

Copilot (CP)/Second in Command (CP/SIC). A NASA pilot who is qualified by NASA to be a SIC of an aircraft by appropriate Center or passenger transportation mission management directives. The designation of CP/SIC signifies qualified in a multipilot aircraft, but precludes acting as aircraft commander or PIC of that aircraft. The designation of UAS copilot signifies qualification to support UAS operations that require two UAS pilots, but not qualification to conduct UAS operations requiring only a single UAS pilot.

This position can also include the designation “mission control element” (MCE) pilot, which indicates the qualification level for “up-and-away” or cruise operations only.

2.5.4 Second Pilot (SP)

The designation of UAS second pilot signifies a duty position only performed by any of the above three and is mission specific. (RQ-4 Global Hawk is an example of mission specific.)

2.5.5 Flight Test Engineer (FTE)

Engineers are designated by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and approved by the Director for Flight Operations to perform FTE duties in flight on research test missions in specified aircraft.

2.5.6 Flight Engineer (FE) & Instructor Flight Engineer (IFE)

Aircrew designated to perform FE duties in aircraft requiring a flight engineer.

The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will designate those FEs with appropriate qualifications and experience as instructor flight engineer. In addition to normal aircraft instruction, an IFE will evaluate initial NASA FE qualification and annual proficiency check rides in the aircraft or simulator. A qualified IFE is required at the engineer console during all critical flight regimes (takeoff and landing) unless an IFE is present and giving instruction.

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2.5.7 Navigator (N) & Instructor Navigator (IN)

Aircrew are designated to perform navigation duties in aircraft. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will designate those navigators with appropriate qualifications and experience as instructor navigator (IN). An IN will conduct the initial training and qualification of all aircrew requiring the designation N.

2.5.8 Flight Safety Technician (FST)

A. Flight safety technicians (FST) are secondary aircrew who ensure cabin security before and during flight and ensure the safety of non-essential aircrew and passengers during Science and mission management flights.

Flight Safety technicians will:

1) Provide in-flight emergency assistance in the event of an incident (smoke, fire, first aid, evacuation, decompression, evacuation, hazardous material spill, cryogenic mishap, etc.) or at the direction of the flight crew to mitigate life-threatening situations

2) Maintain knowledge of all hazardous chemicals on board and their proper use and containment in order to effectively respond to an incident

3) Remain at their duty station during takeoff, climb, descent, and landing.

Any project-specific cabin duties are considered secondary in importance during these times.

4) Other than during takeoff, climb, descent, and landing, provide support to experimenters during ground and flight operations as required

5) Attend associated crew briefings

B. FSTs are approved by the Director for Flight Operations using form

AFRC 70176.

C. Flight examiners for safety technicians

1) The Maintenance Division Chief will appoint flight examiners for safety technicians in writing

2) The flight examiner for safety technicians will have the authority to certify individuals as qualified safety technicians

3) The flight examiner role will be filled by highly qualified and experienced safety technicians as determined by the Maintenance Division Chief.

D. Primary aircrew and mission directors may serve as safety technicians at the discretion of the Director for Flight Operations.

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2.5.9 Other Secondary Aircrew

Other secondary aircrew, such as aerial photographers (AP), flight surgeons (FS), mission controllers (MC), mission directors (MD), crew chiefs, mechanics, technicians, auxiliary aircrew (AX), or other unique positions aboard Center research aircraft, are approved by the Director for Flight Operations using form AFRC 70176.

2.5.10 Non-Essential Aircrew

Non-essential aircrew, such as experiment and sensor operators or other unique scientist or engineering positions aboard Center research aircraft, are approved by the Director for Flight Operations using AFRC 70176b.

2.6 AIRCRAFT MONITORS (AM)

A. A highly qualified IP, FE (if applicable), or N (if applicable), will be identified by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, as the aircraft monitor (AM) for each aircraft type and crew position (research, UAS, or support aircraft). AM will:

1) Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) with outside agencies for obtaining technical and operational information and ensure distribution of relevant information to all assigned aircrew.

2) Define, update, and administer the aircrew training syllabus for each aircraft.

3) Conduct systems and emergency procedure reviews during training sessions and safety meetings.

4) Work with assigned aircraft project pilots and operations engineers to ensure that all flight publications, including flight manuals, flight manual supplements, fact sheets, checklists, and other relevant documents are current for the intended flight operations.

2.7 LEAD PROJECT PILOTS

For each research flight project conducted by Center, a lead project pilot will be assigned. Military pilots assigned to Center programs are required to be fully qualified for the program, as determined by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and the Director for Flight Operations. Each aircraft deployment will have an assigned lead project pilot for each type aircraft to work flight operations issues relative to that deployment. The Chief, Flight Crew Branch, will make the assignments, which will be documented at the Flight Operations Desk.

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CHAPTER 3 – AIRCREW QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 GENERAL GUIDELINES

A. The Director for Flight Operations will ensure that all personnel assigned to aircrew duties are fully qualified for their assigned aircrew positions. The qualifications listed below provide guidance on the minimum qualifications required for being hired as an aircrew member to perform the assigned position tasks. Once hired as an aircrew member, assigned aircrew may be trained to perform duties associated with other aircrew positions as required to meet Center aircraft and mission requirements.

B. Pilot positions are unique in that pilots are personally responsible for the safe operation of NASA high value and unique research aircraft assets and the safety of research scientists and other crewmembers. All pilot positions at the Center will be filled through competitive hiring practices open to the widest possible population to ensure that selections for these positions meet the highest standards. The Center does not hire pilots noncompetitively from existing Center staff who may possess pilot licenses and meet the minimum OPM pilot experience requirements. Center personnel with pilot experience and qualifications are encouraged to apply for pilot positions when announced. All pilot candidates will be fully vetted through the hiring process that includes experience and qualification comparison with other available pilots through the normal competitive hiring system open to the widest population, interviews with the Chief Pilot and other Center research pilots, and a flight evaluation by the Chief Pilot or his designated evaluator.

3.2 RESEARCH TEST PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

A. Successful completion of a standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university.

B. Possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, mathematics, computer science, earth science, astronomy, atmospheric science, astrophysics, or similar aero-space technology (AST) qualifying degree.

C. Possess a current FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine, and single engine land ratings or a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.

D. A minimum of 1,750 hours of total time is required, of which 1,500 hours will be PIC flight time, including at least 500 hours in jet aircraft having at least 3000 pounds of thrust per engine.

E. Have completed a flight test course (a military test pilot school or equivalent or at least one year of test piloting experience) is required.

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F. Candidates specifically hired to test transport or bomber class aircraft will have a minimum of 500 hours of PIC time in aircraft weighing at least 150,000 pounds gross weight.

G. Meet the security requirements of the position.

H. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

I. Staff test pilots.

1) Staff test pilots may be checked out to conduct research test missions on any aircraft in the Center inventory with a documented training program.

2) Once checked out, they may be upgraded to aircraft commander on aircraft with gross weights over 150,000 pounds with 100 hours of experience in that weight category (less with approval of the Director for Flight Operations).

3.3 SENSOR PLATFORM AIRCRAFT RESEARCH PILOT

QUALIFICATIONS

A. Successful completion of a standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university and a bachelor’s degree or higher.

B. Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.

C. Have a minimum of 1,500 hours of PIC flight time that includes at least 500 hours as the PIC in a transport or bomber class aircraft with a gross weight appropriate to the weight category for which hired (greater than 150,000 pounds for DC-8 or B-747 aircraft).

D. Meet the security requirements of the position.

E. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

F. At the discretion of the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and Director for Flight Operations, Center research test pilots may checkout in sensor platform aircraft as CPs without prior experience in aircraft with gross weights of at least 150,000 pounds. They may be upgraded to PIC after 100 hours.

3.4 ER-2 RESEARCH PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

college or university and have been awarded a bachelor’s degree or higher.

B. Possess an FAA commercial pilot license with instrument, multiengine and single engine land ratings or possess a pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.

C. Have a minimum of 1,500 hours of PIC flight time.

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1) As a general policy, pilots should have at least 1000 hours in the U-2 and have been a current U-2 pilot within the past year to be qualified to begin duty as a NASA ER-2 pilot.

2) At the discretion of the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, and Director for Flight Operations, research test pilots may checkout in the ER-2 without prior U- 2 experience.

D. Meet the security requirements of the position.

E. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

F. ER-2 flight monitors (mobiles) should be either qualified or previously qualified ER-2/U-2 IPs.

G. Pilots without previous ER-2/U-2 experience may be qualified as ER-2 flight monitors (mobiles) using the approved training program contained in the ER-2 aircraft training folder.

3.5 MINIMUM PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

A. Center pilots not assigned to the Flight Operations Directorate and UAS pilots may be authorized to fly manned aircraft, including mission management sorties, with the approval of the Director for Flight Operations.

B. These pilots will meet the qualifications listed above for research aircraft or the following minimum qualifications for mission support aircraft:

1) All aircrew assignment requirements defined in NPR 7900.3.

2) Successful completion of a standard professional curriculum in an accredited college or university and have been awarded a bachelor’s degree or higher.

3) Be authorized to perform piloting duties in their position description.

4) Meet the security requirements of the position.

5) Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

3.6 FLIGHT TEST ENGINEER (FTE) QUALIFICATIONS

college or university and award of a bachelor’s degree or higher with major study in an appropriate field of engineering, physical science, life science, or mathematics.

B. Complete training program as specified in training folder.

C. Meet the security requirements of the position.

D. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

E. Center-assigned pilots may be designated as FTEs and receive required training for this position from project pilots. Research engineers, project

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managers, operations engineers, or other technically qualified persons may be designated as secondary aircrew FTEs and receive required training for this position from project pilots.

3.7 FLIGHT ENGINEER (FE) QUALIFICATIONS

A. Possess an FAA turbojet flight engineer certificate, or

B. Possess an equivalent rating from the armed services, or be a military rated pilot.

C. Have a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time, of which at least 500 hours are in a transport class aircraft with a gross weight of at least 150,000 pounds.

D. Meet the security requirements of the position.

E. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification.

F. Center-assigned primary aircrew, except flight surgeons, may check out to perform flight engineer duties, without prior flight engineer experience.

3.8 NAVIGATOR QUALIFICATIONS

A. Possess a navigator rating from the FAA or armed services or be a military rated pilot.

B. Have a minimum of 8 years flight experience and international flight planning experience.

C. Meet the security requirements of the position.

D. Pass a NASA Flight Medical Certification if duties will include flying on board aircraft.

NOTE

Center-assigned primary aircrew, except FS, may checkout to perform N duties, with proper training, without prior navigator experience.

3.9 INSTRUCTOR AIRCREW QUALIFICATIONS

A. Generally, an aircrew member will have a minimum of 500 hours of total flight instructor experience (pilots only) and 50 hours of flight experience in the particular type of aircraft and position (pilot, flight engineer, or navigator) for which an instructor designation is made prior to being designated as an instructor. The 50 hour in-type requirement may be reduced at the discretion of the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, for research test pilots flying prototype or one-of-a-kind experimental aircraft based on the pilot’s overall experience, experience in similar aircraft, and familiarization with the particular research aircraft.

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weigh between 103 pounds and 245 pounds nude body weight (United States Air Force (USAF) weight standards).

E. Military aircrew: This standard is not intended to impose stricter standards on military aircrew. Active duty military rated aircrew or aircrew in training on flight orders qualified by their parent service to fly in the specific type of ejection seat equipped military aircraft flown at the Center are exempt from this standard. DoD contractor aircrew who are qualified to fly in the specific type of ejection seat aircraft according to governing military regulations are exempt from this standard (for example, Boeing F-15 or F-18 aircrew).

3.12 PILOT AGE

A. High performance aircraft: Upon reaching the age of 62 years (62nd birthday), pilots will be reviewed annually to determine if they should continue flying in a fully mission capable status or dual only status. Status will be based on recommendations from the Director for Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, Employee Assistance Program Psychologist, and Center Flight Surgeon, and will be approved by the Center Director. Pilots on dual-only status, flying in the front seat, will have an IP in the rear seat. If flying in the rear seat, the front seat will be occupied by a fully qualified pilot.

B. Transport category aircraft: Upon reaching the age of 65 years (65th birthday), pilots flying transport category aircraft with non-essential aircrew on board (such as scientists or passengers), will be accompanied by a pilot under the age of 65 with access to the flight controls. For an augmented crew with two pilots over 65 years of age onboard, a pilot under 65 will occupy one of the pilot seats during takeoff and landing.

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CHAPTER 4 – AIRCREW TRAINING

4.1 PRIMARY AIRCREW TRAINING & CHECKOUT

A. Research test pilots normally fly several test aircraft and experimental aerospace vehicles as well as various support aircraft. A research test pilot assigned to a flight project will retain proficiency in the aircraft type or a vehicle of a similar nature. Research pilots who support sensor platform aircraft programs normally fly several mission support aircraft and may support test programs carried on these aircraft.

B. In the event the pilot is not qualified in an aircraft, that pilot will receive qualification training under direction of a current IP. Other NASA Center, military, or civilian instructor resources will be used in the event a current Center IP is not available.

C. Qualification training will vary with the aircraft involved and prior aircrew experience, but will normally include:

1) Ground training (including aircraft and cockpit checkout), handbook study, attendance at formal aircraft training programs, simulator emergency procedure training, and the performance of an aircraft written examination (open book)

2) Checkout flights, which may include dual flights with an IP or solo flights monitored by an IP either in a chase aircraft or via radio

3) For support aircraft, a check ride in a dual controlled aircraft (if available) prior to being cleared for solo flights

4) For research aircraft, a check ride, which may be dual or chased and may be accomplished during a research flight.

5) Solo flights, if applicable, in which a prescribed number of flights in a given time are performed to complete initial checkout or gain proficiency, followed by support flights and test flights of a limited nature.

6) Additional sorties, as required, to complete training items not completed during the checkout program due to a lack of required resources (such as air refueling).

D. Ground and flight training requirements and completion documentation for research pilot checkout, including initial, requalification, and instructor checkout, are maintained in training folders in the Flight Crew Branch.

E. Flight engineer and navigator training generally mirrors the training syllabus for pilots, but is tailored towards the specific duties of that crew position.

Ground and flight training requirements and completion documentation for flight engineer and navigator checkout, including initial, requalification, and instructor checkout, are maintained in training folders in the Flight Crew Branch.

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F. An initial aircrew checkout training program will be developed by the lead project pilot (research aircraft), the aircraft monitor (support and UAS aircraft), lead flight engineer, or the lead navigator. The training program will be documented in writing, approved by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch. The checkout training program will be tailored to consider previous experience in the general category of aircraft, currency in similar types of aircraft, previous training background, and availability of other resources to ensure an adequate level of training. The training program will include exposure to all aircraft handling qualities the aircrew might reasonably encounter during routine or emergency operations without violating flight manual restrictions or limitations. Checkout training should occur within a short enough period of time to ensure good continuity, and should not exceed three months as a guide.

1) Each flight accomplished during the checkout training program will be documented, noting training completion, maneuvers performed, and proficiency level achieved (dual or chased sorties), using the specific training forms for each aircraft type and form AFRC 70814, Aircrew Qualification Record. These training syllabi are maintained in each aircraft training folder in the Flight Crew Branch.

2) Pilots that have not completed all specified ground training for a particular aircraft, including attendance at formal schools and simulator training, may fly with a current and qualified IP for familiarization. These flights may not be counted as checkout flights for the purpose of obtaining qualification in the aircraft.

3) Local aircraft checkouts are allowed if deemed necessary by the Chief, Flight Crew Branch, due to scheduling constraints or other mission considerations. They will be documented in the checkout training program developed for the aircrew.

4) When available, military or civilian training…