MHAFT Statement of Objectives.pdf

Statement of Objectives For

Mountain/High Altitude Flight Training (M/HAFT) 23 July 2020

1. The 36th Rescue Squadron (RQS) employs UH-1N helicopters to conduct flight operations in support of Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training, including alternate insertion and extraction (AIE) operations, paradrop, low-level flight, unprepared landing site operations, day water, and MEDEVAC operations. The unit also conducts search and rescue (SAR) operations in mountainous terrain throughout the Pacific Northwest in accordance with the National SAR Plan. The operating environment varies from open ocean to steep mountain ranges with peaks over 12,000 feet above sea level, including glaciated terrain and snowfields. Operations are conducted in all weather, often with strong winds and arctic conditions.

2. 36 RQS aircrew execute the Mountain/High Altitude Flight Training (M/HAFT) syllabus, which includes tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) covering marginal power operations, energy management, aircraft handling, and mountain flying best practices. This training increases aircrew expertise and expands the aircraft’s operational envelope to deliver teams or rescue personnel in rugged terrain while mitigating risk.

3. In order to refine and sustain a heightened level of expertise and experience among instructors of the M/HAFT course, select aircrew complete a civilian mountain flying course prior to becoming M/HAFT Cadre.

Training must be robust and ensure a well-rounded crewmember, while allowing flexibility of instruction to increase focus on key areas of interest or weaknesses highlighted by prospective M/HAFT Cadre.

4. Ground Training Requirements (minimums):

a. 2 days (15 hours) of dedicated classroom instruction specific to mountain operations utilizing purpose-built training aids and mountain flying manuals.

b. Must ensure students have an in-depth understanding of mountain geography, weather, winds, human factors, aircraft performance, HLZ reconnaissance, wind and power analysis techniques, and terminal area operations in mountainous terrain.

c. Review of common aircrew errors and methods of instruction in mountainous terrain.

5. Flying Hour Requirements (minimums):

a. Pilots: 15 hours hands-on mountain flying training (excludes en-route transit time to the training area)

b. Flight Engineers: 10 hours mountain flying training. This time allows the flight engineer to participate as a crewmember and observe mountain flying techniques from the cabin.

6. Training Area Requirements:

a. Landing zones (LZs) should cover a variety of elevations, must include LZs above 8,000 feet MSL. LZs above 10,000 feet MSL are desired.

b. Varied mountainous terrain, to include:

i. Ridgelines & Shoulders

ii. Saddles or Cols

iii. Ledges

iv. Cirques

v. Pinnacles

vi. Alpine Meadows & Confined Areas

vii. Riverbeds

viii. Canyons & Narrow Valleys

ix. Dead End Valleys, Chutes, Couloirs

x. Glaciers & Snowfields

7. Flying Training Requirements:

a. Techniques demonstrated and practiced by students for reconnaissance, landings, hovers, and operations in vicinity of terrain features noted in 6.b.

b. Common student errors and instructional techniques for pilots with little or no mountain experience.

c. Operations to include:

i. Deep snow and ice

ii. Degraded visibility (whiteout/brownout)

iii. Landings, and hover in windward, leeward, and null areas of mountain features

iv. Techniques for reconnaissance and landings in various wind states. This includes light and variable as well as strong winds in excess of 40 kts.

v. Partial skid landings – C.G. point and STEP (Single-skid and Toe-in Entry/exit Procedures)

vi. Demonstration of mountain illusions, such as flat light

vii. Power estimation and marginal power mitigation techniques

viii. Team infil/exfil and rescue best practices in rugged terrain

8. Contractors will provide a summary of their course’s plan of instruction to ensure it meets these requirements. A summary or sampling of day-to-day instructor intent or tasks along with generalized course flow will meet this requirement. If any portion of course requirements cannot be met, contractor will note missing area for 36 RQS review and decision.

9. Aircraft Requirements:

a. The helicopter used for training must be turbine powered, and should be similar in flight characteristics to the UH-1N, e.g. Bell 212, Bell 205, Bell 206, or similar.

b. 75% of training must occur in a counter-clockwise rotating rotor with left power pedal tail rotor to ensure proper habit transfer to Bell type helicopters.

10. Contract Instructor Requirements:

a. Instructors teaching flight maneuvers and classes must have 3,000 hours of mountain flying experience and 400 hours instructing in mountains. To waive this requirement, provide resumes for scheduled instructors to 36 RQS for review and decision.

b. International schools are welcome, but instruction must occur in English.

c. Contractor should have experience conducting training for military helicopter units or government agencies.

11. Safety:

a. Operations must include flight following. An excellent safety record with Helicopter Association International recognition is highly desired. Aircraft survival equipment must meet FAA, or equivalent, standards.

12. Training Timeline:

a. Training season will occur as suggested by the contractor to preclude delays due to marginal weather conditions in training areas.

13. Quantity of training:

a. Minimum of two pilots and one flight engineer.

b. 36 RQS reserves the right to send additional crewmembers at the agreed-upon rate per individual pilot or individual flight engineer.