AFLCMC_Det_3_11-100_Flight_Supervision_and_Ops_OI_23_Oct_2017.pdf

BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER AFLCMC DET 3

AFLCMC DETACHMENT 3 OPERATING INSTRUCTION 11-100

23 OCTOBER 2017

Flying Operations

FLIGHT SUPERVISION AND

OPERATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

ACCESSIBILITY: All publications are available on the Detachment 3 (Det 3) SharePoint website. The Det 3 Publication Manager will keep a hard copy on file.

RELEASABLILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication

OPR: AFLCMC Det 3 OL/CC Certified by: AFLCMC Det 3/CC (Maj Daniel E. Fredberg) (Lt Col Christopher D. Gentile)

Supersedes: AFLCMC Det 3 OI 11-115 Pages: 11 15 October 2014

Purpose: This operating instruction implements flight operations and supervision procedures for AFLCMC Detachment 3 missions. These instructions apply to all flight testing, production and training missions conducted under the direction of the Det 3. It expands on AFMCI 11-201, AFI 11-2FT Vol 1, Vol 2, and Vol 3, and appropriate AFMC supplements. All parent AFIs should be thoroughly reviewed by all individuals designated to supervise or perform other duties as outlined in this instruction. In the event of conflicting guidance, parent AFIs and DoD instructions will take precedence.

Summary of Changes: This instruction has been combined with the superseded AFLCMC Det 3 OI 11-115 Planning and Scheduling Procedures for Flight Test as well as the Ops Sup Roles and Responsibilities and should be reviewed in its entirety.

Ensure that all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with AFMAN 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule (RDS) located at https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af61a/afrims/afrims/. Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) using the AF IMT 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route AF IMT 847s from the field through the appropriate functional’s chain of command.

Det 3, OI 11-100 (23 Oct 2017) ii

Table of Contents

1 GENERAL

2 TERMS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3 FLIGHT OPERATIONS

4 OPERATIONS SUPERVISION

5 OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT (ORM)

6 FLIGHT BRIEFINGS

7 SIGN-OUT AND SIGN-IN PROCEDURES

8 STANDARDIZATION AND EVALUATION (CCV)

9 TRAINING (DOT)

10 SCHEDULING (DOS)

11 AIRCREW

1 GENERAL

1.1 Overall Objective. The overall objective of this Operating Instruction is to provide guidance and expectations to the shops and personnel of Det 3 in order to conduct effective and efficient flight operations.

1.2 Scope. This Operating Instruction defines supervision and operations procedures for all unit activities involving test, production, and training accomplished at the GA-ASI Flight Test Facilities (FTF), Gray Butte Field, and at China Lake NAWS. This includes scheduling, standardization and evaluation, and test execution processes.

2 TERMS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Detachment 3 Commander (Det 3/CC): The Det 3/CC is responsible for establishing and balancing priorities for the unit based on the guidance from the program office.

2.2 Detachment 3 Operating Location Commander (Det 3 OL/CC): The Det 3 OL/CC is the planning, scheduling, and execution authority for Gray Butte FTF and China Lake NAWS flight test, production, and training.

2.3 Director of Operations (Det 3 OL/DO): The Det 3 OL/DO is responsible for the conduct of Det 3 mission planning, scheduling, and day-to-day mission execution

2.4 Operations Supervisor (Ops Sup): The Ops Sup is responsible for day-to-day schedule execution. The Ops Sup will maintain the responsibilities of a Supervisor of Flying in accordance with AFMCI 11-201 and all other applicable Flying Operations instructions.

2.5 Operations Duty Officer (ODO): If required, the ODO will provide on-site supervision for day-to-day schedule execution. The ODO reports to Squadron Supervision as outlined in AFMCI 11-201. Squadron supervision is hereby referred to as Det 3 supervision.

2.6 Test Duty Officer (TDO): The TDO will be responsible to day-to-day coordination and information regarding ongoing ground/flight testing. Furthermore, the TDO will assist in resolving any coordination issues between test operations and GA-ASI Maintenance for day-of or day-later events.

3 FLIGHT OPERATIONS

3.1 The Det 3/CC and rated officers (or civilian equivalents) as identified on the Flight Authorization Approval Authority Memo are authorized to approve flight authorizations IAW AFI 11-401, AFMC Supplement 1. A current copy of this Memo is maintained in the SARM Continuity Book.

3.2 Each day’s flight authorization should be completed in COOL by 1630L the day prior.

4 OPERATIONS SUPERVISION

4.1 Operations Supervisor (Ops Sup)

4.1.1 The Det 3 OL/CC will select well qualified rated military aircrew or equivalent contractor personnel, and provide appropriate training.

4.1.2 Ops Sup training will be conducted IAW the approved Det 3 training plan maintained by the Det 3 OL/DO and annotated on the Squadron Ops Sup and ODO Assignments MFR.

4.1.3 The Ops Sup is the Det 3 OL/DO’s representative for flight supervision of all Det 3 missions.

4.1.4 The 12 hour maximum duty period does not apply to the Ops Sup.

4.1.5 Ops Sup Responsibilities include:

4.1.5.1 Coordinating and executing changes to the daily flying schedule IAW Det 3 mission requirements. Approval authority for changes to scheduled missions will be annotated in COOL by the SARM.

4.1.5.2 Conduct a step briefing with the aircrew for each mission. The Ops Sup will be aware of each flights general requirements for mission effectiveness.

4.1.5.3 Keep the SARM or Det 3 OL/DO informed of their location at all times. In general, the Ops Sup should perform duties at the duty desk. EXCEPTION:

When performing Ops Sup duties for flights occurring, and only occurring, at another operating location (i.e. China Lake NAWS). The Ops Sup must be accessible via mobile phone or the PA system if away from the duty desk. An ODO is required at the operating location duty desk if the Ops Sup is double-scheduled against another formal activity. If leaving the Det 3 OL building the Ops Sup will carry a mobile phone with a number that has been provided to all mission crews. The Ops Sup must remain within five minutes of the duty desk at all times when flights are on-going at the assigned operating location. The duty desk will be manned by the Ops Sup, an ODO, or a SARM assigned member at all times when flight operations are occurring.

4.2 Operations Duty Officer (ODO)

4.2.1 The Det 3 OL/CC will select qualified aircrew members or contractor site leads and managers to serve as an ODO.

4.2.2 ODO training will be conducted IAW the approved Det 3 training plan maintained by the Det 3 OL/DO and annotated on the Squadron Ops Sup and ODO Assignments MFR.

4.2.3 ODO responsibilities include:

4.2.3.1 Performing Ops Sup responsibilities in the absence of on-site Det 3 supervision or Ops Sup. The ODO must immediately contact the Ops Sup in the event of abnormal operations. The ODO may contact Det 3 supervision in the event that the Ops Sup cannot be contacted.

4.2.3.2 The ODO’s primary duty location is the operating location duty desk or step desk.

4.2.3.3 The ODO can approve the following changes to the flight authorization and schedule: aircraft tail numbers, call signs, operation numbers, flight times, and JON numbers.

4.3 Squadron Aviation Resource Management (SARM)

4.3.1 SARM responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

4.3.1.1 Ensure all aircrews stepping to fly have completed all items on the Pre-flight Checklist and their Go/No-Go items are complete, to include a check of aeronautical orders, currencies, medical fitness, physiological training, approved Form 5416 (if necessary), and other applicable items. The SARM will maintain copies of approved 5416s at the duty desk, if applicable, prior to step.

4.3.1.2 Coordinate with the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) Avionics and Maintenance Coordinator (AMC) for aircraft crew-ready status.

This function may be performed by the Ops Sup or ODO if no SARM personnel are present or available.

4.3.1.3 Assist the ODO and Ops Sup as necessary during in-flight emergencies and unusual occurrences.

4.3.1.4 Input approved changes to the schedule.

4.3.1.5 Ensure Unusual Occurrence and applicable safety forms are distributed to the appropriate offices.

4.3.1.6 The SARM will be manned from 1 hour 30 minutes prior to the first scheduled takeoff until the last crew lands for all unit missions or COB (whichever is later), unless relieved or dismissed by the Det 3 OL/DO or Ops Sup. SARM shall not be dismissed before the last crew has stepped to fly.

4.3.1.7 Coordinate and update flight/test schedule with 412 Test Wing Range Scheduling, to include unique test resources (PIRA, Hellfire Board, IR Target, etc).

4.3.1.8 Track/report scheduling metrics to include:

1. Sorties, sortie type (i.e. production, test, training) and hours flown.

2. Cancellation reason per Ops Sup.

4.4 Test Duty Officer (TDO)

4.4.1 The Chief of Test will select qualified Test Directors to serve as TDO.

4.4.2 TDO training will be provided by Chief of Test or his designated instructors.

4.4.3 TDO responsibilities include:

4.4.3.1 Providing a single point of contact and oversight for day-of and next-day ground/flight test operations.

4.4.3.2 Providing ground/flight test events, test planning meetings and range resource inputs/revisions to support daily Request for Support and weekly Schedule Sale.

4.4.3.3 Providing Configuration Sheet inputs and revisions for next-day ground/flight test to GA-ASI Maintenance by 1200L day prior. Changes after 1200L will be confirmed verbally received by the affected USAF and/or GA-ASI personnel.

4.4.3.4 Notification to ODO/Ops Sup, DOS, and SARM on events that affect flight operations. The TDO may contact Det 3 supervision in the event that the Ops Sup cannot be contacted.

4.4.3.5 Coordination of test operations issues with GA-ASI Maintenance and China Lake test operations.

4.4.3.6 Maintaining Test IPT Schedule/Planning Calendar schedules and communication to stakeholders, as well as enforcing test-related schedule gates and readiness requirements.

5 OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT (ORM)

5.1 Per AFMCI 90-902, ORM is a decision-making process used to systematically evaluate possible courses of action, identify risks and benefits, and determine the best course of action to take for any given situation. ORM enables unit leadership and individuals to maximize operational capabilities while minimizing all types of risk by applying a systematic process.

ORM shall be filled out and assessed post-mitigation.

5.2 The OL-Det 3/DO will ensure that the unit is:

5.2.1 Not accepting unnecessary risk;

5.2.2 Making risk decisions at the appropriate level;

5.2.2.1 Ops Sup’s and/or ODO’s will review the ORM for each unit mission during the step brief.

5.2.2.2 The overall rating and authority to proceed for ORM is:

ORM RATING STEP AUTHORITY

- Green (Low Risk) Pilot-in-Command

- Yellow (Medium Risk) Ops Sup

- Red (High Risk) Det 3 OL/CC or OL/DO

5.2.3 Integrating ORM into operations and planning at all levels.

6 FLIGHT BRIEFINGS

6.1 Brief times will be coordinated between the PIC and the Test Director, and published on the daily flight schedule.

6.1.1 Normal Briefing time is 2 hours prior to takeoff.

6.1.2 Extended Briefing time is 3 hours prior to takeoff (test sorties involving moderate ground test procedures

6.1.3 The PIC or Test Director may designate earlier briefing times as necessary. Additionally, split briefings and/or debriefings are authorized for flights exceeding 7 hours in duration, but should be pre-coordinated with the PIC and Test Director at or prior to the mission briefing.

7 SIGN-OUT AND SIGN-IN PROCEDURES

7.1 The PIC is responsible for ensuring Go/No-Go requirements are met for each aircrew member on their sortie, to include Test Project Safety Review (TPSR) requirements.

7.2 The PIC will provide a mission summary brief for step to the Ops Sup/ODO. This briefing will include mission objective(s), sortie flow, airspace usage, emergency mission plan, and any other information which is pertinent for mission effectiveness.

7.3 Aircrew should provide a ramp-side briefing to the GA-ASI AMC, Crew Chief, Avionics Technician, and documentation personnel 1 hour prior to the scheduled takeoff time.

7.3.1 PIC or Test Director shall coordinate with GA AMC’s prior to mission brief for ramp-side briefs other than +0/-15 minutes from this standard (i.e. late mission brief, extended ground test, ground testing prior to flight)

7.4 Missions cancelled after crew-ready or late for takeoff (more than 30 minutes after the planned takeoff time) will be noted via the COOL Data Collection Log with the appropriate deviation and reason. This information will also be provided to GA-ASI documentation at the flight de-brief.

7.5 The PIC will notify the Ops Sup and Det 3 OL/DO for any missions which are incomplete or not fully mission effective.

8 STANDARDIZATION AND EVALUATION (CCV)

8.1 Det 3 CCV responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

8.1.1 Maintaining aircrew Flight Evaluation Folders

8.1.2 Tracking and reporting all aircrew flight evaluation dates, progression and readiness

8.1.3 Maintaining the unit publications and EFBs

8.1.4 Performing TODO/TODA responsibilities IAW AFI 11-215

8.1.5 Updating and maintaining aircrew testing master question files and other aircrew testing question banks

8.1.6 Coordinating and tracking unit submitted AF Form 847s

8.1.7 Administer and report aircrew testing events at the Det 3 OL/DO’s discretion

8.1.8 Tracking, monitoring, and reporting on aircrew within their evaluation zone to help ensure that all required events are completed in compliance with the following timeline (waiverable only by the OL/CC or OL/DO):

8.1.8.1 Aircrew testing (Open book, Closed book and pilot Instrument Exam) will be completed prior to their fourth month of evaluation eligibility. Failure to meet this requirement will result in being hard-scheduled for requisite test completion.

Two separate days will be scheduled and will out-prioritize other ground and flight duties.

8.1.8.2 Strive to have aircrew complete their Emergency Procedures Evaluation (EPE) prior to the fourth month of eligibility. The EPE shall be completed prior to entering the fifth month of eligibility. Failure to complete the EPE within this time-frame will result in aircrew’s removal from flight operations until the evaluation has been accomplished.

8.1.8.3 Aircrew complete their flight evaluation prior to entering the sixth month of eligibility IAW 11-202V2 EAFB Supp. Ground Testing and EPE are prerequisites for the flight evaluation, waivable by the Det 3 OL/CC or OL/DO (not waiverable for initial qualifications). Upon entering their sixth month, the aircrew member’s first flight will be their flight evaluation IAW 11-202V2 EAFB Supp.

8.1.9 Tracking unit trends

8.2 Periodic, requisite, and Go/No-Go testing for aircrew. Aircrew that fail periodic or Go/No-Go boldface/CAPs testing will be grounded for one flying day or until they successfully complete the test, whichever is longer. These failures shall be reported to the Det 3 OL/DO. The Det 3

OL/CC or OL/DO may waive the one-day grounding period on a case-by-case basis. Two boldface failures within one calendar year without evidence of COOL error may lead to additional training requirements, official reporting of failures to aircrew’s supervisors and/or company.

8.3 CCV inputs will be provided to DOS NLT Wednesday COB prior to the week being scheduled.

9 TRAINING (DOT)

9.1 Det 3 DOT responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

9.1.1 Creating, maintaining, and reviewing aircrew training folders.

9.1.2 Tracking aircrew ground and flight training requirements, to include required ancillary training (CRM, OSC, etc.).

9.1.3 Maintaining the Det 3 Letter of X’s and the Letter of T’s.

9.1.4 Maintaining, reviewing, and updating the MQ-1, MQ-9 and YQ-11 training plans and academics.

9.1.5 Monitoring and reporting currency and proficiency status for all aircrew members.

9.1.5.1 DOT will report any aircrew member who goes non-current to the Det 3 OL/CC and OL/DO.

9.1.5.2 DOT will execute the 412 OG End-of-Half process when directed.

9.1.6 Provide DOT scheduling inputs to DOS NLT 1200L, Wednesday prior to the week being scheduled.

9.1.7 Ensuring only properly trained individuals power-up and power-down the PMATS.

9.1.8 Organizing and facilitating briefers and briefings for Det 3 OL training days with input and approval from Det 3 OL/DO and/or OL/CC (safety, Test, aircrew lessons learned, academic briefs, etc.).

10 SCHEDULING (DOS)

10.1 DOS responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

10.1.1 Monitoring currency status for all aircrew members.

10.1.2 Providing the daily and weekly Request for Support (RFS).

10.1.2.1 Daily RFS dissemination must be accomplished NLT 1100L daily to meet Edwards Range requirements IAW AFTCI 11-115.

10.1.2.2 Revisions to the RFS which impact the next day’s schedule must be approved by the Det 3 OL/CC or OL/DO as well the TDO and GA-ASI Operations Manager or otherwise designated person. Changes to next day’s schedule after 1000L will be confirmed verbally received by the affected personnel (aircrew, FTE’s, GA- ASI AMC leads, chase, etc.).

10.1.3 Monitoring the aircrew on the Availability Calendar. The intent of this calendar is to allow unit assigned personnel to provide DOS with information necessary to perceive personnel and resource availability. All administrative events shall be placed on this calendar NLT 1200L the Tuesday prior to the week being scheduled. Additions to the administration calendar after this date are not required to be honored unless approved by the Det 3 OL/DO. Administrative events include, but are not limited to:

10.1.3.1 All meetings (ex: Test Kickoff, TRB, SRB, TRR, and T-1 Meetings)

10.1.3.2 TDY

10.1.3.3 Leave

10.1.3.4 Appointments

10.1.3.5 Non-Flying Duties

10.1.4 Publishing the daily flight schedule, including ground and flight events, meetings, Ops Sup/ODO shifts, TDO duty, and other notes as required.

10.1.5 Coordinate with DOO for upcoming range operations (N/A for China Lake NAWS resources).

10.1.6 Review flight orders and the flight operations schedule

10.1.7 Order weather information for the next day’s flights

10.1.8 Track scheduling metrics to include:

10.1.8.1 Sorties and hours scheduled

10.1.8.2 Sorties and hours flown

10.1.8.3 Flight test hours by project/program

10.2 Schedule creation/deconfliction IAW Det 3 priorities

10.2.1 The next week’s flight schedule (Tuesday thru Monday) will be posted NLT COB the Thursday prior. However, the primary schedule for crew show times is the daily schedule, and aircrew are responsible for ensuring they receive the schedule the day prior.

10.2.2 DOS, DOT, CCV, and the TDO or their designee (to include delegated leads at other operating locations) will brief the next two week’s schedule to the Det 3 OL/DO and OL/ADOs at 1200L the Thursday prior to the week being scheduled. GA-ASI will be encouraged to have an AMC at this meeting unless information is provided beforehand.

10.2.3 The long range flight and ground operations schedules will be updated weekly IAW test, production and training priorities (to include PMATS).

10.2.1 Det 3 OL China Lake DOS will follow Naval Air Weapons Stating scheduling policies and procedures to satisfy the operational requirements of the installation and R-2505.

China Lake schedule will then be integrated into Det 3 ground and flight schedule.

10.2.2 Test schedule inputs will be provided to DOS NLT Wednesday COB prior and include the proposed test schedule for the following two weeks.

10.2.2.1 Test events posted on the Test Schedule shall complete Test Readiness Review (TRR) by Schedule Sale meeting week prior or T-3 days, whichever is shorter.

10.2.3 Production inputs should be provided by GA-ASI to DOS NLT Wednesday COB prior to the week being scheduled.

10.2.4 DOT and CCV inputs will be provided to DOS NLT Tuesday COB prior to the week being scheduled.

10.2.4.1 Training sortie requirements are as follows unless waived by the Det 3 OL/DO:

1. A minimum of one MQ-9 training sortie per week.

2. A minimum of two MQ-9 training sorties per week if any Phase 1 training is being accomplished in the unit.

3. A minimum of one MQ-1 training sortie bi-weekly.

4. A minimum of one MQ-1 training sorties per week if any Phase 1 training is being accomplished in the unit.

5. For planning purposes DOS should ensure the following at a minimum:

‐ For Phase I students, 1.5hrs per student, one dedicated instructor

‐ For checkride, 1.0hrs

‐ For currency/proficiency, 0.5hrs per aircrew (one pilot/one SO)

10.3 Changes in personnel on the daily flying schedule will be minimized after 1500L the day prior.

Aircrews are responsible for any scheduling changes taking place before 1500L. Aircrew will be notified by DOS of any schedule changes after 1500L with consideration to crew rest.

10.4 Aircrew considerations. An RPA aircrew consists of one pilot and one sensor operator. The nominal seat time for planning purposes is no more than three hours per crew member. A single crewmember will not be scheduled to perform flight duties for more than four continuous hours without a break by another qualified and current crewmember. Aircrew will not execute elevated risk test points after three hours of flight time or since executing their first test card without a break, whichever is earlier.

11 AIRCREW

11.1 Responsibilities to DOT

11.1.1 It is the overall responsibility of each individual aircrew member to maintain mission ready status, to include basic currency and proficiency requirements.

11.1.2 Monitor and report currency and proficiency status if unable to maintain currency.

11.2 Responsibilities to CCV

11.2.1 It is the responsibility of the individual aircrew member to ensure flight evaluations are completed within their eligibility window. Members should take into account any comp time, leave, TDYs, deployments and other factors which may cause significant delays.

11.2.1.1 Aircrew requisite testing (Open book, Closed book and pilot Instrument Exam) will be completed prior to their fourth month of evaluation eligibility IAW AFI 11-202V2 EAFB Sup. Failure to meet this requirement will result in being hard-scheduled for requisite test completion. Two separate days will be scheduled and will out-prioritize other ground and flight duties.

11.2.1.2 Aircrew will strive to complete their Emergency Procedures Evaluation (EPE) prior to the fourth month of eligibility. The EPE shall be completed prior to entering the fifth month of eligibility. Failure to complete the EPE within this time-frame will result removal from flight operations until the evaluation has been accomplished.

11.2.1.3 Aircrew will complete their flight evaluation prior to entering the sixth month of eligibility IAW 11-202V2 EAFB Supp. Ground Testing and EPE are prerequisites for the flight evaluation, waivable by the Det 3 OL/CC or OL/DO (not waiverable for initial qualifications). Upon entering their sixth month, the aircrew member’s first flight will be their flight evaluation IAW 11-202V2 EAFB Supp.

11.3 Responsibilities to DOS

11.3.1 All aircrew will notify DOS via the Availability calendar any time they are not available to fly as soon as possible but NLT Tuesday the week prior for absences that are less than 1 day. Absences greater than 1 day are due to DOS two Tuesday’s prior. Changes within this period must be approved by the Det 3 OL/DO or OL/ADO.

11.4 Project Aircrew Responsibilities

11.4.1 Participate in Test Plan Working Groups (TPWG).

11.4.2 Participate in Technical Review Board (TRB).

11.4.3 Participate in Safety Review Board (SRB).

11.4.4 Attend formal DT aircrew academics/fam event (if required).

11.4.5 Perform a T.O. review.

11.4.6 Review test cards for signature.

11.4.7 Work with other aircrew that will be flying the project to ensure they are meeting their personal responsibilities. (I.E. training day briefs, one on one/small side briefs, etc.).

11.5 Developmental Test Aircrew Responsibilities

11.5.1 Get back briefed by project aircrew on the test plan, flight manual procedures, test specific safety considerations, and test cards prior to the flight brief (IAW the test project safety review).

11.5.2 Receive aircrew academics from project aircrew (if required by the TPSR).

11.5.3 Individually review aspects of the test plan, flight manual procedures, test specific safety considerations, and test cards prior to stepping to fly.