RAM ACP Modules A and B Syllabus 01-10-24.pdf

Resident in Aerospace Medicine

Aviation Competency Program

10 January 2024

United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Contents Part I

Course Overview Chapter Page

1 — Course Description

2 — Course Administration

Section A — Syllabus Management

1. Syllabus Interpretation

2. Syllabus Waiver

3. Syllabus Deviation

4. Incomplete Training

Section B — USAFSAM RAM/PD Responsibilities

Section C — Grading Procedures

1. Maneuver Grading

2. Absolute Rating Scale

3. Relative Grading Scale

4. Maneuver Item File (MIF)

5. Solo Flight Grading Procedures

6. Incomplete Sorties

Section D — Unsatisfactory Performance

Section E — Training Review Process

Section F — Course Training Standards

Part II Module A – Stick and Rudder Chapter Page

1 — Module A Course Description

2 — Course Administration

Section A — Training Management

1. Training Requirements and Restrictions

2. Additional Training (AT) Sorties

3. Airsickness

4. Manifestation of Apprehension (MOA)

5. Flying Safety

6. Emergency Procedures (EP) Training

7. Student Standardization Program

8. Briefing Requirements

9. Maneuver Demonstrations

10. Solo Requirements and Restrictions

11. Cockpit / Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Section B – Module A Performance Standards

1. Tasks

3 — Module A Academic Training

Section A – Ground School Training…………

4 — Flying Training

Section A — Aircraft

Section B — Aircraft Maneuver Item File

Section C — Module A Course Prerequisites

Part III Module B – Advanced Flight Operations Chapter Page

1 — Module B Course Description

2 — Course Administration

Section A — Training Management

1. General Training Requirements and Restrictions

2. Training Policies and Procedures

3. Instructor Continuity

4. Flight / Ground Briefing Requirements

5. Conduct of Training Sorties

6. Cockpit / Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Section B — Unsatisfactory Performance……………

Section C — Additional Training (AT) Sorties

1. Authorization

2. Breaks in Training

3. Grading

4. Incomplete Sorties

Section D — Tasks & Performance Standards

1. Tasks

3 — Module B Academic Training

Section A – Ground Academic Training…………

Section B – Instrument Simulator Training………………

4 — Module B Flying Training

Section A – Aircraft

Part IV

General Instructions Chapter Page

1 — Bibliography

Section A – Training Manuals, Tech Orders, & Instructions

Section B — Syllabus

Section C — Instructor Guides

2 — Glossary

Section A — Abbreviations

Section B — Acronym Definitions

Section C — Grading Scale

Part I

Course Overview

Chapter 1: Course Description

1. Title — USAFSAM Aviation Competency Program (ACP)

2. Objective — Enhance, motivate, and prepare residents in aerospace medicine (RAMs) to make sound aeromedical decisions regarding aircrew member’s fitness to fly, to evaluate physiological threats in the flying environment, and to research, identify, and design performance enhancements for aerospace vehicles and personnel.

The ACP fulfills all the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Common Program Requirements that “Preventive medicine programs with a concentration in aerospace medicine should have a flight training program available, to develop aeronautical skills…” This training includes:

a. Flight training to teach the principles, techniques, and aeromedical fundamentals associated with (1). Basic fixed-wing flying operations.

(2). Advanced flight operations in adverse conditions.

b. Ground training to supplement and reinforce flight training and emphasize the aeromedical issues involved.

3 Location — The ACP will be conducted within 50 road-miles of the USAFSAM Schoolhouse at WPAFB.

4. Duration — The ACP will be integrated into the 24 month aerospace medicine practicum.

A. Academics – 49.0 hours of ground instruction B. Flight Simulator – 4.0 hours C. Flight time – 16.5 – 27.0 total flying hours

5. Entry Prerequisites — Enrolled in the USAF Residency in Aerospace Medicine, a USAF Flying Class II, IAW AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, a current AF IMT 1042 and altitude chamber, and an FAA student pilot certificate. This Syllabus is not intended for use by USAF rated Pilot/Physicians, as defined in AFI 11- 405, The Pilot/Physician Program, who are enrolled in the USAFSAM RAM program.

6. Status Upon Graduation —Graduation from this course is required to complete the USAFSAM RAM aerospace medicine practicum.

7. Flying Training — Training is divided between two modules as defined in this syllabus: Module A: Stick and Rudder and Module B: Advanced Flight Operations. The times specified are actual mission times and do not include time for briefing or debriefing. Amount of flight time will vary in Module A based on the individual student’s prior civilian and military flight experience. Module A must be successfully completed before any Module B sorties may be flown. Modules are graded as defined in Section C – Grading Procedures. Modules are a required part of the RAM Program. Sortie requirements within each module are individualized by the RAM Program Director based upon on the RAM’s prior flight experience and individual aviation competency deficiencies.

Example of Individualized Flight Requirements

RAM without Civilian Flight Experience

RAM with an FAA Pilot Certificate

Module A Sortie Requirements

All Module A Sorties are Required

C101 C201, C204 C301 C401 C501 & C502

Module A Sorties/Hours 14/19.5 7/9.0

Module B Sortie Requirements

I101-04

ME101-04

All Module B Sorties are required

Module B Sorties/Hours 5/7.5 5/7.5 Total Syllabus Flight Hours 27.0 16.5

8. Course Summary

a. Academic Training Module A 27.0 hours Module B 22.0 hours

b. Simulator Training Module A 0.0 hours Module B 4.0 hours

c. Aircraft Flight Time Module A 9.0 to 19.5 hours Module B 7.5 hours Total Syllabus Flight Hours 16.5 to 27 hours

Chapter 2: Course Administration

Section A – Syllabus Management

1. Syllabus Interpretation — This syllabus is directive and must be followed as written. If no clear syllabus guidance exists resolve the situation using the appropriate chain of command. If the logical course of action appears to conflict with other directives, contact the OPR, USAFSAM RAM Program Director

2. Syllabus Waiver — An approved syllabus waiver is required for any planned exception to the syllabus caused by special or unusual circumstances. Permanent or blanket waivers are not authorized, but should be suggested as syllabus changes. Submit waiver requests electronically or in writing, on AFMC form 73, Waiver Request, to the following approval authorities:

a. Syllabus waivers: RAM Program Director or designate

b. Syllabus entry prerequisite waivers: RAM Program Director

Do not accomplish or omit any training requested in a waiver until notification of approval. Maintain a permanent record of all approved waivers in the students’ training folders.

3. Syllabus Deviation — A syllabus deviation is any unplanned variation from syllabus requirements such as prerequisite flow, turn times, or MIF requirements. Document all syllabus deviations in the student’s gradebook. All syllabus-directed training must be accomplished unless a waiver request is approved. If unforeseen circumstances result in an omission of required training, the RAM Program Director determines if the omitted training can be accomplished later in the syllabus flow without adversely affecting the quality of student training. Document RAM

Program Director -directed corrective actions, and the accomplishment of the omitted training in the student’s gradebook.

4. Incomplete Training — Refer individuals unable to complete this course for any reason to the RAM Program Director.

Section B — USAFSAM RAM Program Director Responsibilities

1. Monitor student training -- Coordinate with the contractor-appointed civilian flight director who is responsible for the day-to-day and overall training of each student under their supervision.

2. Assist students and flight instructors -- with the training review process and provide for discipline, physical and mental well being, and general welfare of students. The RAM Program Director accomplishes the following:

a. Perform student counseling when they are determined to be marginal performers. Conduct follow-up counseling as often thereafter as necessary.

b. Oversee the contractor’s maintenance of student training folders, which includes:

(1) Instructor assignment.

(2) Documentation of any substandard performance (lessons graded Fair or Unsatisfactory).

(3) Placement on or removal from RAM Program Director’s review.

(4) Record of formal counseling.

(5) Authorization of all additional training (AT) sorties.

(6) Record of performance on any progress check or AT sortie.

(7) Document any syllabus deviations or training waivers.

c. Assist in syllabus-directed functions.

Note — Maintain sensitive personal information in a secure location.

Section C — Grading Procedures

1. Maneuver Grading — There are two methods of grading student performance: an absolute grading scale for rating individual maneuver items and a relative grading scale for assessing overall sortie performance.

2. Absolute Rating Scale — Instructors judge the student’s performance of maneuvers against the course training standards (CTSs) in this syllabus. Grade maneuvers on the student’s characteristic performance. This grade does not consider the student’s type and amount of training.

Proficiency Maneuver Grades MIF Level Description

MIF

Level

Description

Not Attempted (N/A) 0 Enter N/A on the record of training when a maneuver specified in the syllabus is not demonstrated by the instructor pilot. Reason for failure to demonstrate must be annotated.

Demonstrated (D) 1 The maneuver is demonstrated by an instructor pilot on a dual sortie, but not practiced by the student. The student is unsafe or lacks sufficient knowledge, skill or ability to perform the operation, maneuver or task.

Attempted (A) 2 The student performs the operation, maneuver or task safely but has limited proficiency. Deviations occur which detract from performance.

Safe (S) 3 The student performs the operation, maneuver or task satisfactorily. Deviations occur which are recognized and corrected in a timely manner.

Proficient (P) 4 The student performs the operation, maneuver or task correctly, efficiently and skillfully. Minor deviations occur which do not detract from the overall performance.

An Alternate grading scale, consistent with FAA Civilian training may be considered. Approval authority rests with the USAFSAM Residency Director. However, if an alternate scale is utilized, all students and all instructors will utilize the same grading scale.

3. Relative Grading Scale

a. The instructor uses the relative grading criteria to assess overall sortie performance with grades of Proficient (P), Safe (S), Attempted (A) or Demonstrated (D). Students are expected to progress as they advance in training. Students may receive grades of A or D on individual maneuvers new to them, but still receive a grade of P for overall sortie performance. A student’s continued lack of progress should be reflected in an overall sortie performance grade of A or D, even if only a D is required for the maneuver proficiencies. The instructor grades the student with an overall grade of D if any maneuver is graded D when an A or S level of proficiency is required.

b. Regression Rules

(1) Regression is defined as the student failing to maintain a proficiency level previously required by the syllabus and achieved by the student. Regression from S to A is acceptable within the constraints below. Any maneuver grade of D once for S is required for that maneuver is not acceptable, and the overall grade is D.

(2) Regression may occur from S to D (where S was previously required) on a maximum of 3 maneuvers. If regression occurs on more than 3 maneuvers, the overall grade is D. If regression occurs on any specific maneuver on 2 consecutive sorties, the overall grade is D. Regression is not allowed on end-of-unit sorties.

4. Maneuver Item File (MIF) — Maneuvers followed by a plus (+) must be accomplished in the specified unit.

Students do not fly maneuvers without a number. An IP may accomplish a non-numbered maneuver if required (proficiency, unexpected weather, etc.) Maneuvers with a number but without a plus (+) may be accomplished, but students must meet MIF standards by the end of the unit. Do not accomplish maneuvers that do not show a number next to them on the MIF.

5. Solo Flight Grading Procedures — Grade solo sorties NG or U overall, with grades of NG or U on individual maneuvers flown. If a maneuver is graded U, the overall grade is U.

6. Incomplete Sorties — The contractor’s chief pilot or designated representative determine when a sortie is incomplete and grade it N/A. If a maneuver is graded D when an A or S level of proficiency is required, the sortie is complete and the overall grade is D. Document all incomplete lessons or maneuvers deferred to the next lesson in the student training folder.

Section D -- Unsatisfactory Performance

1. Unsatisfactory Sortie Restrictions — Following a sortie graded U overall, students progress to subsequent lessons in the same unit or repeat the last lesson of the unit. Following a solo sortie graded U, students progress to the next lesson.

2. Unsatisfactory Ground Evaluations — Post-solo students who demonstrate an unsatisfactory level of knowledge during standardization, emergency procedures briefings, or written exams may not perform syllabus required sorties until demonstrating satisfactory performance in the applicable areas. As a minimum, this restriction includes one flying period devoted to directed study and reevaluation unless an intervening nonflying day occurs.

The nonflying day may be used for directed study provided the students are notified. The chief instructor pilot (or designated representative) may waive the one period grounding requirement. Document grounding and reduction of grounding period, if applicable, in the student’s training folder.

3. Unsatisfactory Academic Examination — The minimum passing score on the academic test (A110) and presolo test (G111) is 85 percent. Students who fail the academic examination receive extra instruction, emphasizing the student’s weak area(s). Administer a written remake not earlier than one training day after the failed examination to allow the student the opportunity for additional self-study. Students who fail an academic examination may not continue further training until the failed examination is passed. Students who fail an academic examination a second time are entered in the RAM/PD’s review process.

4. Maximum Presolo Hours — The civilian chief instructor pilot should direct a progress check for pilot candidates who have not soloed after 20 hours of dual aircraft instruction, if the reason is poor performance/limited potential to complete ACP. If a student’s last sortie was C306, a progress check must meet all the requirements listed in C401. Successful completion of the progress check is clearance to resume normal syllabus flow.

5. Progress Check (PC) — Figure 1 shows a list of PC triggers. AT sorties are optional prior to a PC, but are not required. The chief instructor pilot may authorize each student up to two AT sorties before the PC. These sorties are not automatically given to every student, but are reserved for cases when the chief instructor pilot feels some training irregularity or anomaly occurred and the student has demonstrated the potential to complete ACP. When assigning an overall grade, the PC pilot should consider the student’s ability to complete the course within syllabus constraints as well as overall proficiency and situational awareness. The overall grade is NG or U. For progress checks successfully completed and flown as a result of the student not soloing in any unit, the PC pilot certifies the student is safe for solo and ensures the student is scheduled solo on the next syllabus sortie.

6. Elimination Check (EC) — Figure 1 shows a list of EC triggers. AT sorties are optional prior to an EC, but are not required. The chief instructor pilot may authorize each student up to two AT sorties before the EC. These sorties are not automatically given to every student, but are reserved for cases when the chief instructor pilot feels some training irregularity or anomaly has occurred and the student has demonstrated the potential to complete ACP. When assigning an overall grade, the EC pilot should consider the student’s ability to complete the course within syllabus constraints as well as overall proficiency and situational awareness. The overall grade is NG or U. For elimination checks successfully completed and flown as a result of the student not soloing in any unit, the EC pilot certifies the student safe for solo and ensures the student is scheduled solo on the next syllabus sortie. A student who fails an EC is entered in the RAM/PD’s review process.

7. Review, Final Check, Progress Check, and Elimination Check Procedures

a. The following table identifies check pilots and the types of checks they are authorized to administer.

Designated individuals designated complete a checkout program and are certified by the chief instructor pilot. Only highly qualified QAEs and CFIs may be certified as PC pilots.

b. The objective of the Review is to have the student fly with a highly qualified instructor other than the primary instructor. The Review instructor ascertains the student’s progress and readiness to solo.

c. The objective of the final check is to ascertain a student’s ability to adapt to military flying and complete the residency in aerospace medicine.

8. Passing a PC/EC — Passing a PC/EC fulfills the requirements of the sortie that caused it to be flown and may be used to complete a unit if appropriate. If the next sortie is the review or final check, and all sortie objectives are satisfied on the PC/EC, the PC/EC substitutes for the review or final check.

RAM/PD Review Triggers

• Officership or lack of adaptability

• Failed elimination check

• Failure of two academic examinations

RAM/PD

Review

RAM PD

Recommendation

Eliminate

Return to Training Re-

Instate

Fail

Elimination Check Triggers

• Previous progress or elimination Check

And one of the following:

• Three consecutive unsatisfactory events

• Failed review or final check

• Chief Pilot-directed for failure to progress or meet syllabus standards

Progress Check

Return to Training Pass

Fail

Progress Check Triggers

• Three Consecutive unsatisfactory events

• Failed review or final check

• Failure to solo in 20 hours

• Chief Pilot-directed for failure to progress or meet syllabus standards

Elimination Check

Return to Training Pass

Figure 1

Section E — Training Review Process

1. Purpose — The USAFSAM program conducts the RAM/PD’s review through a formal training review process.

The purpose of the training review process is to ensure a student’s training has been properly managed and determine if the student has been given a reasonable opportunity to succeed. All factors that may have (or had) an effect on the student’s training are considered. If necessary, a Training Review Board (TRB) may be convened to review these factors and make a recommendation to either reinstate or eliminate the student from training. After assessing other factors, the most important factor must always be the student’s characteristic performance and potential to complete training within syllabus constraints.

2. Training Review Requirements — The RAM Program Director initiates a formal training review when a student meets any of the criteria listed below.

a. Performance deficiencies (flying, academic, or procedural)

(1) When a student fails an FPC.

(2) When a student is optioned for a third (or more) progress check in the course.

Exception — A student may progress to a third progress check without a formal training review if, in the judgment of the RAM/PD, the student’s characteristic performance has not raised serious doubt about ability to complete the course within syllabus constraints.

(3) When a student is optioned for a progress check, but because of the unusual circumstances that triggered the check, the syllabus does not clearly specify whether an IPC or FPC is appropriate.

(4) When a student is projected to exceed 25 flying hours.

(5) When a student has failed a third (or more) academic examination during the course.

(6) When a student demonstrates a pattern of inconsistent performance, regression, slow progress, marginal airmanship, and/or requires multiple progress checks that raise serious doubt about the student’s ability to complete the course within syllabus constraints.

b. Lack of adaptability (LOA). This category includes airsickness, G-induced loss of consciousness (G- LOC), and manifestation of apprehension (MOA).

c. Self-initiated elimination (SIE)

d. Medical disqualification

e. Other reasons

Section F — Course Training Standards

1. Purpose — Course training standards outline the tasks and proficiency required of graduates of this syllabus. This program prepares USAFSAM residents in aerospace medicine (RAMs) to make sound aeromedical decisions and integrate fully into the mission of the USAF.

2. Duties and Responsibilities — The student accomplishes the following:

a. Plan the mission.

b. Ensure the aircraft is preflighted, inspected, loaded, and equipped to perform the assigned mission.

c. Operate the aircraft to perform the mission using sound judgment and situational awareness.

3. General Proficiency Standards

a. Accomplish training standards in conjunction with clearing visually outside the aircraft.

b. Aircraft control must be smooth and positive. Flight control and throttle inputs that are characteristically imprecise and erratic can warrant an unsatisfactory grade even if numerical standards are met. Slight deviations in establishing or maintaining the proper or desired aircraft attitude or position may occur during the maneuver being performed.

c. Momentary deviations beyond flight value tolerances are acceptable if corrections are timely and flight safety is not compromised. The effects of weather (turbulence, for example) are considered when determining grades.

d. Procedural knowledge and application must be in accordance with applicable directives and allow the mission to be accomplished efficiently. If individual tasks require pre-mission planning, the standards from Mission Planning / Briefing / Debriefing apply.

e. Standards equate directly to the grade scale of Good unless otherwise stated. For example, tasks trained to the grading level of Fair reflect the statement “safe level of proficiency” in the appropriate standard.

Special performance tasks requiring introduction or ground training are specified under the job task Performance description. Maneuvers containing Practice in the standard do not require proficiency for graduation.

f. Where no specific standard is stated, these general standards and those of Basic Control apply.

4. Employment

a. Conduct training in day VMC except where the syllabus specifically dictates night VMC or day IMC conditions.

b. The MIF regulates student progression to meet required standards prior to course completion. Evaluate performance using the Course Training Standards established for each Module.

Part II ACP Module A: Stick and Rudder

Chapter 1: ACP Module A Course Description

1. Title – Stick and Rudder

2. Objective — Enhance, motivate, and prepare residents in aerospace medicine (RAMs) to make sound aeromedical decisions regarding aircrew member’s fitness to fly, to evaluate physiological threats in the flying environment, and to research, identify, and design performance enhancements for aerospace vehicles and personnel.

The RAM Aviation Competency Program (ACP) fulfills all the requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Common Program Requirements that “Preventive medicine programs with a concentration in aerospace medicine should have a flight training program available, to develop aeronautical skills…” This training includes:

a. Flight training to teach the principles and techniques associated with basic fixed-wing flying operations.

b. Ground training to supplement and reinforce flight training.

c. The RAM is expected to solo an aircraft at completion of the ACP Module A.

3. Location — The RAM ACP will be conducted from an airfield within 50 road-miles of the USAFSAM Schoolhouse at WPAFB.

4. Duration — The USAFSAM ACP Module A will be performed from 1 July to 30 September. Academic training for Module A will occur during several pre-flight days in early July.

5. Entry Prerequisites — Enrolled in the USAF Residency in Aerospace Medicine in the first Practicum Year, a USAF Flying Class II, IAW AFI 48-123, Medical Examinations and Standards, a current AF IMT 1042 and altitude chamber, and an FAA student pilot certificate. The RAM-ACP is not intended for use by USAF rated Pilot/Physicians, as defined in AFI 11-405, The Pilot/Physician Program, who are enrolled in the USAFSAM RAM program.

6. Status Upon Graduation — Participation in the RAM-ACP is required to complete the USAFSAM Aerospace Medicine Practicum. US military rated Pilot/Physicians are exempt from this requirement.

7. Flying Training – The times specified are actual mission times and do not include time for briefing or debriefing.

Amount of dual versus solo flight time will vary based on the individual student’s prior civilian and military flight experience. Sortie requirements are individualized by the RAM Program Director and the vendor’s Chief Instructor Pilot based upon the student’s prior flight experience and individual aviation competency deficiencies.

Example of Individualized Flight Requirements

RAM without Civilian Flight Experience

RAM with an FAA Pilot Certificate

Sortie Requirements All Sorties are Required

C101 C203, C204 C309 C401 C501

C502 Total Sorties/Hours 14/19.5 7/9.0

8. Course Summary Hours

a. Academic Ground Training 27.0

b. Aircraft Flight Time 9.0 to 19.5 hours Total Course Hours 36.0 to 46.5 hours

Chapter 2: Module A Course Administration

Section A – Training Management

1. Training Requirements and Restrictions

a. Training Practices — The civilian Chief Flight Instructor and the student’s assigned instructor ensure overall maneuver continuity and currency throughout each unit. No more than three different instructors fly with a student prior to C401.

b. Average Hours/Events — Students complete the course objectives with an average of 20.0 flying hours.

Some students may require additional time due to break-in-training sorties, review sorties, unsatisfactory sorties at the end of a unit progress / elimination checks. Above average students (or students with prior flying experience) may require less flying time per unit or fewer sorties to prepare for the review or the final check. Individual sorties may be shortened if unit objectives are met, and the student may be proficiency advanced if performance dictates. As a minimum, students accomplish at least one sortie (meeting MIF requirements) in each training unit. The decision to proficiency advance a student at any point in training rests with the RAM/PD (or designated representative,) in consultation with the contractor’s chief pilot, and must be documented in the student’s training folder.

c. Maneuver Continuity — As a guide, each optioned MIF item should be accomplished every third sortie.

Give priority to “+” items followed by optioned but not “+”items. The RAM/PD help the contractor to develop policies, practices, and review procedures to ensure students have proper maneuver currency and recency of experience and specifically evaluate these areas before authorizing solo missions. This does not apply to maneuvers specifically cited in unit training objectives to be accomplished once.

d. Maximum Daily Student Flying Activities — Students do not normally exceed one sortie per day through C203 except to complete an incomplete sortie. Beginning with C301, students do not exceed two sorties per day (consider C501 and C502 as one activity). The contractor’s chief pilot (or designated representative) may approve a student to exceed one sortie per day prior to C203 based on the student’s prior flying experience and ability. Document any deviations in the student’s training folder.

e. Minimum Total Hours — No student may complete this program with less than 9.0 flying hours.

f. Minimum Solo Hours — The desired minimum total solo time is 0.5 hours. If a student successfully completes C502 (solo) and flies solo less than 0.5 hours, an additional solo sortie is not required. Document the shortage in the student’s training folder

g. Sortie Lengths — Sorties and approximate flying hours are listed for every event in each module. Adhere to the approximate time per lesson as closely as possible for the average student.

2. Additional Training (AT) Sorties — AT sorties provide extra training to students in specific circumstances. Fly

AT sorties in the current unit or the most recently completed unit and code for that unit. These sorties do not satisfy any maneuver requirements in any unit, but may be used to update or void landing currency. AT sorties are normally graded No Grade (NG), but may be graded Unsatisfactory (U) for safety of flight, flight discipline, or airsickness reasons. (Note — Following an AT sortie graded UNSAT, the student returns to the normal syllabus flow.) An AT sortie graded U does not count toward triggering a progress check (PC) or elimination check (EC), nor does an AT sortie graded NG break a string of unsatisfactory syllabus sorties. Do not document AT sorties as incomplete except when objectives are not met because of unusual circumstances.

a. Break-in-Training Events — The contractor’s chief pilot (or designated representative) may authorize these sorties for extended delays in training. As a guide for aircraft, if a student has not flown for a minimum of 5 calendar days, the chief pilot (or designated representative) may authorize one X86 sortie for this type break in training. The chief pilot (or designated representative) may use this authority only when remaining syllabus sorties are insufficient to compensate for the student’s break-in-training. Document as X86 sorties in the student’s training folder. Additional AT sorties for the same break in training require RAM/PD approval and are annotated on AF Form 4293.

b. Total Syllabus Time — AT sorties flown to meet minimum syllabus time are normally full mission profiles. Sorties flown to meet total time are dual. The contractor’s chief pilot (or designated representative) may authorize these sorties when it becomes apparent they are needed. Students must meet end of unit MIF requirements for the most recently completed unit in which the AT was given.

3. Airsickness

a. Instructors ensure the civilian chief pilot and RAM/PD are aware of any students having airsickness problems. Refer students who experience airsickness to a flight surgeon for examination, counseling, and appropriate treatment. Instructors document airsickness episodes in the student’s training folder. Students hand-carry an AF Form 4293 to the flight surgeon.

b. Students who become airsick during any of the last four sorties (includes C501) preceding the initial solo must receive Chief Flight Instructor approval before flying the initial solo.

c. Post solo airsickness results in an overall grade of Unsatisfactory.

4. Manifestation of Apprehension (MOA) — Although some slight anxiety or nervousness is common among students learning to fly, real fear of flying can interfere with judgment, decision making, and physical ability to control the aircraft. MOA may include passive or active airsickness, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety and tension related to the flying environment. When a student exhibits or admits to MOA symptoms that impair performance, document the situation in the student’s training folder and refer the student to the flight surgeon for evaluation.

5. Flying Safety — Emphasize aircraft mishap prevention training by recognizing, controlling, and correcting deficiencies in the student’s judgment and skill. Stress flying safety throughout the course. Present safety briefings once per week (minimum) to promote group discussions of the briefing topics and improve student attitudes associated with aircraft mishap prevention.

6. Emergency Procedures (EP) Training

a. Conduct EP training on all dual aircraft sorties to build the student’s confidence in the aircraft. Conduct EP training during the mission briefing or debriefing for all flights, emphasizing proper application of procedures and realistic use of available publications. Attempt to correct procedural deficiencies by providing additional instruction and study assignments based on individual student needs.

b. Thoroughly brief simulated aircraft emergencies prior to flight.

c. Administer EP/aircraft operations limits exams weekly (minimum.) Civilian chief flight instructor may modify this requirement as necessary to meet training needs.

7. Student Standardization Program — Discuss standardization topics once per week (minimum) for each flying period as part of the mass briefing. Emphasize situational emergency procedures. Include overhead questioning and group discussion of topics appropriate to the student’s stage of training.

8. Briefing Requirements — Briefings set the tone of the mission. Thoroughly brief all mission aspects, clearly establishing mission objectives. Accomplish a post-mission briefing to measure the success of meeting the mission objectives.

9. Maneuver Demonstrations — Instructors demonstrate maneuvers prior to the student practicing them. Only maneuvers optioned by the MIF may be demonstrated or practiced.

10. Solo Requirements and Restrictions

a. Prior to flying C501 each student must pass the presolo written test (A120) demonstrating adequate knowledge of

(1) Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 61 and 91.)

(2) Airspace rules and procedures for the airport where the solo flight is flown.

(3) Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of aircraft to be flown.

b. At the conclusion of the test, all incorrect answers are reviewed before conducting the flight.

c. Accomplish both sorties of C5XX on the same day. Where possible, use the same aircraft for the solo flight (C502) as was used on the dual sortie (C501).

d. Failure to accomplish three solo landings on C502 due to circumstances beyond the student’s control does not require the sortie to be incomplete.

e. Students may not fly solo unless they have had a dual flight in the preceding 7 calendar days during which they accomplished a landing to at least a safe (Fair) level of proficiency.

f. (reserved)

g. An instructor briefs the student prior to all solo flights. IPs having continuity with the student should accomplish and document the briefing in the training folder. Each briefing must cover all mission objectives to be accomplished and any other items appropriate to the mission.

11. Cockpit / Crew Resource Management (CRM) — Integrate CRM skills into flight briefings and debriefings, using the provisions of AFI 11-290, Cockpit / Crew Resource Management Training Programs and the AFMC Supplement as guidelines. Gradesheets contain the following CRM items IAW AFMC Sup 1 to AFI 11-290:

a. Mission Planning / Briefing / Debriefing

b. Communication

c. Risk Management /Decision Making

d. Situational Awareness

e. Task Management

Section B — Module A Tasks and Performance Standards

The following tables specify the standards of performance required of each course graduate.

Module A Performance Standards Performance Conditions Standards

1. Mission Planning / Briefing / Debriefing

a. Perform appropriate mission planning to include computing takeoff and landing data: plan mission profile and alternate course of action where appropriate.

a. Appropriate forms and aeronautical charts.

b. Access (in person, internet, or telephone link) to FAA or military weather briefing facility.

c. FAR, AIM, NOTAMs, local instructions, syllabus, flight manual, and checklist.

a. Plan mission in a timely manner to meet maneuver requirements, correctly complete all applicable forms, and comply with all directives.

2. Ground Operations

a. Perform preflight inspection of aircraft including maintenance documentation and perform Starting Engine, Before Taxiing, and Taxiing checklists.

b. Taxi to takeoff position and, after landing, to parking area. Complete appropriate checklists.

c. Check engine condition and aircraft configuration prior to takeoff. Complete Before Takeoff checklist.

d. Perform the Engine Shutdown checklist

e. Perform postflight duties

a. Checklist and inflight guide.

b. Aircraft ready for inspection.

c. Fire extinguisher available.

d. Aircraft engine limitations memorized.

e. Appropriate aircraft forms

a. Designated taxi route.

b. Checklist and inflight guide.

a. Checklist and inflight guide.

a. Checklist and inflight guide.

a. Checklist, inflight guide, and aircraft forms.

a. Correctly complete all checks in accordance with flight manual.

b. Determine aircraft status and accept or reject the aircraft.

a. Follow prescribed taxi routes while maintaining safe speeds

b. Visually clear for traffic and avoid obstacles during taxi

c. Maintain proper control deflection for wind conditions

d. Correctly complete all checks in accordance with the flight manual

a. Make a proper decision to accept or reject airplane after engine checks.

b. Properly configure the airplane for takeoff.

c. Correctly complete all checks in accordance with the flight manual.

a. Correctly complete all checks in accordance with the flight manual.

a. Correctly complete all checks in accordance with the flight manual.

3. Takeoff and Climb

a. Perform a takeoff to include:

(1) Complete Before Takeoff checklist

(2) Check aircraft performance

(3) Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout takeoff and climb

(4) Rotate and takeoff at recommended speeds.

(5) Accelerate to designated climb speed

a. Runway with a centerline stripe and current wind information.

a. Maintain runway alignment ±10 feet during takeoff roll.

b. Establish and maintain proper takeoff attitude and become airborne at appropriate airspeed for existing conditions.

c. Hold correct pitch attitude to attain and maintain climb speed +10 to

–5 KIAS.

Performance Conditions Standards

4. Departure

a. Turn aircraft to clear traffic pattern at prescribed altitude.

a. Published pattern procedures or ATC directions.

a. Initiate turn out of traffic and fly initial heading or groundtrack consistent with procedural directives.

b. Turn to proceed to navigation points at the prescribed altitude and airspeed or IAW instructions from ATC.

c. Overfly designated corridor entry point (if designated).

d. Navigate and fly the aircraft to the area.

e. Level off at assigned altitude.

a. Published departure instructions or

a. Local area map.

a. Ground references on the departure route.

a. Prescribed or ATC-directed altitude.

a. Follow local departure procedures.

a. Recognize and track to within ½ NM of corridor entry point with limited assistance from the instructor pilot.

a. Use map, inflight guide, ground references, and VOR/GPS to navigate to the area with limited assistance from the instructor pilot.

a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

5. Basic Aircraft Control /Inflight Planning / Clearing / Cross-Check

a. Maintain basic aircraft control.

b. Use trim to relieve control pressures and improve aircraft control

c. Perform inflight planning to include changing profile or adding or deleting maneuvers.

d. Visually clear outside the aircraft.

See and avoid inflight hazards.

a. At all times.

a. Aircraft with changing pitch and airspeed

a. Preplanned mission profile.

a. Day, VMC.

a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

b. ±10 KIAS of desired airspeed.

c. ±10 degrees of desired heading.

d. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

e. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions

a. Trim the aircraft to establish a stable pitch attitude. (Aircraft pitch does not change appreciably if controls are released.)

a. Able to adjust mission profile to comply with time and/or fuel limitations, weather, and area limits.

a. Recognize actual or potential conflicts and adjust aircraft performance to safely avoid those conflicts.

(1) Effectively utilize accepted visual clearing techniques to avoid conflicts.

(2) Effectively employ radio to aid in clearing tasks.

6. Trim Use

a. Trim aircraft about all 3 axes. a. During mission profile a. Trim use promotes sound aircraft control

b. Does not inadvertently actuate the trim

7. Local Area Procedures

a. Maintain area orientation and remain within assigned area limits.

a. Working area commensurate with type of mission, within specified boundaries defined by VOR radials and DME, and or ground references, and upper and lower altitude boundaries.

a. Remain within area boundaries using ground references and VOR/GPS.

b. Use assigned airspace in an efficient manner with minimum delay between maneuvers.

8. Straight-and-Level Flight

a. Maintain altitude, airspeed, and heading or ground track.

a. Discernible horizon. a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

b. ±10 KIAS of desired airspeed.

c. ±10 degrees of desired heading.

d. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

e. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions

9. Climbs and Descents

a. Maintain climb and descent schedules.

b. Maintain heading or bank angle and coordinated flight.

c. Maintain required power.

d. Level off at assigned altitude.

a. Appropriate climb and descent schedules.

a. Prescribed heading and course.

a. Desired altitude and climb or descent schedule.

a. Desired altitude.

a. Maintain airspeed ±10 KIAS of desired airspeed.

a. ±10 degrees of desired heading or bank angle.

b. No more than ½ ball off-center.

a. Use appropriate power for climbs and descents.

a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

b. ±10 degrees of desired heading.

c. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

d. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions.

10. Turns

a. Roll into and maintain designated bank angle.

b. Maintain altitude.

c. Return to wings-level after a designated turn.

d. Maintain coordinated flight.

a. Aircraft in level flight

b. Designated bank angle.

a. Designated altitude.

a. Designated rollout heading.

a. Functional turn and slip indicator.

a. ±10 degrees of desired bank angle.

a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

a. Obtain rollout heading ±10º.

a. No more than ½ ball off-center.

11. Slow Flight Maneuvering

a. Control altitude, airspeed, bank angle, and yaw

a. Minimum altitude: 1,500 feet AGL

b. Proper configuration

a. +10 KIAS, –0 KIAS airspeed

b. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

c. ±10 degrees of desired heading.

d. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

e. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions

f. +0/–10 degrees of desired bank angle (not to exceed 30º)

12. Steep Turns

a. Maintain altitude and airspeed. Roll into a 45º bank angle.

b. Roll out on entry heading after turning 360º.

a. Aircraft in level flight at a designated airspeed and altitude.

a. Designated roll-in and roll-out reference.

a. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

b. ±10 KIAS of desired airspeed.

c. Maintain bank angle ±10º.

d. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

e. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions

a. Roll out on designated heading within ±20º.

13. Power-Off and Power-On Stalls

a. Perform power-off and power-on stalls in full-flap and no-flap configurations.

b. Control bank and yaw during entry.

c. Recover from stalls.

a. Minimum altitude 1,500 feet AGL

b. Proper configuration

a. Specified entry parameters.

a. Stall warning indication

b. Minimum altitude 1,500 feet AGL

a. Recognize and announce first indications of the impending stall.

b. Initiate recovery IAW flight manual procedures, upon encountering significant aerodynamic buffeting or after control effectiveness is lost.

a. Maintain heading ±10º in straight flight. Maintain ±10º of entry bank angle (20º max.)

b. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

a. Recover to level flight with minimum loss of altitude and without entering a secondary stall. (Recovery confirmed by altimeter and VSI.)

b. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

c. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions.

14. Ground Reference Maneuvers

a. Perform S-turns, rectangular courses, and turns around a point.

a. Minimum altitude 500 feet AGL

b. Prescribed airspeed

a. Exhibit knowledge of the elements related to S-turns, rectangular courses, and turns around a point.

b. Determine wind direction/speed.

c. Enter maneuver between 600 to 1,000 feet AGL, on the appropriate heading to begin the maneuver.

d. Apply drift corrections.

e. Maintain altitude ±100 feet.

f. Maintain airspeed ±10 KIAS.

g. Exit the maneuver as prescribed.

15. Basic Instrument Maneuvers

a. Perform straight and level flight by reference to instruments.

a. Aircraft outside of the traffic pattern.

b. Vision restriction device.

a. Maintain straight and level flight solely by reference to instruments.

b. Maintain altitude ±200 feet,

c. Maintain heading ±10º.

d. Maintain airspeed ±10 KIAS.

16. Navigation Procedures VOR/GPS

a. Operate and interpret VOR/GPS navigation equipment.

a. Aircraft equipped for instrument flight.

b. In-range, VOR navigational facility(s) or GPS.

a. Properly tune, identify and monitor navigational aids.

b. Locate aircraft position using navigational equipment.

c. Navigate using navigational equipment.

17. Simulated Forced Landing

a. Perform simulated forced landing. a. Aircraft with a simulated engine failure.

b. Runway or field suitable for a forced landing.

c. Minimum altitude 500 feet AGL, except over a runway.

a. Establish and maintain recommended best-glide attitude, configuration, and airspeed ±10 KIAS.

b. Select suitable emergency landing area within gliding distance.

c. Plan and follow a flight pattern to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.

d. Follow the appropriate emergency checklist.

e. Maintain positive control of the airplane at all times.

18. Arrival

a. Overfly designated training area exit point (if designated).

b. Turn to proceed to navigation points at the prescribed altitude and airspeed or IAW instructions from ATC.

c. Perform letdown and traffic entry to the home field or auxiliary field.

a. Local area map.

a. Published arrival instructions or

a. Published recovery procedures or radar vectors.

a. Recognize and track to within ½ NM of corridor entry point with limited assistance from the instructor pilot.

a. Follow local arrival procedures.

a. Maintain altitudes and groundtrack depicted in recovery procedure.

b. ±100 feet of desired altitude.

c. ±10 KIAS of desired airspeed.

d. ±10 degrees of desired heading.

e. Maintain coordinated flight, no more than ½ ball off-center

f. Maintain smooth and positive control consistent with flight conditions.

19. Traffic Patterns

a. Perform arrival.

b. Perform traffic pattern.

a. Published arrival procedures or ATC directions.

b. Inflight guide and local area map.

a. Published pattern altitude, airspeeds, groundtrack, and final approach.

a. Use map, inflight guide, and ground references to navigate to the traffic pattern entry point.

a. Establish and maintain appropriate groundtrack.

b. Maintain proper spacing from other aircraft (no closer than 3,000 ft horizontally.)

c. Maintain airspeed ±10 KIAS.

d. Maintain altitude ±100 feet.

e. Configure the aircraft as appropriate for pattern.

20. Normal, No-Flap, and Forward Slip Approaches and Landings

a. Perform approaches and landings (transition from glidepath to runway).

b. Slow aircraft from touchdown speed to taxi speed and depart the runway.

a. Aircraft established on proper visual glidepath.

b. Aircraft properly configured.

c. Various wind conditions.

a. Aircraft on the runway centerline.

b. Aircraft properly configured

a. Select suitable touchdown point.

b. Establish recommended approach and landing configuration.

c. Maintain stabilized approach and recommended approach speed +10, –0

KIAS.

d. Maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout approach and landing.

e. Make smooth, timely, and correct control applications during the roundout and touchdown. Touchdown smoothly within the first 1,000 feet of the runway (1,500 feet, no-flap), with no side drift, and with airplane’s longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline ±15 feet.

a. Make smooth, timely, and correct flight control and brake inputs

b. Maintain crosswind correction and directional control throughout rollout and exit from runway.

21. Go-Around

a. Perform a go-around from approach or landing.

a. Aircraft configured for approach or landing.

b. Aircraft in the approach or landing phase.

a. Make a timely decision to discontinue the approach or landing.

b. Apply takeoff power and establish the proper climb attitude.

c. Retract flaps IAW the flight manual.

d. Maintain takeoff power to a safe maneuvering altitude, then set power to maintain appropriate pattern speeds.

e. Maintain directional control and proper wind-drift correction throughout the climb.

22. Breakout

a. Perform breakout procedures. a. Aircraft in the traffic pattern with insufficient spacing from other aircraft.

b. Published breakout procedures

c. Inflight guide and local area map.

a. Make a timely decision to breakout.

b. Establish and maintain appropriate groundtrack.

c. Maintain proper spacing from other aircraft.

d. Maintain airspeed ±10 KIAS.

e. Maintain altitude ±100 feet.

23. Clearing / Collision Avoidance Precautions

a. Perform cockpit and mission tasks while visually and aurally (with radios and on-board equipment) avoiding other aircraft and ground obstacle conflicts.

a. Aircraft in flight or on the ground.

b. Operable radio

c. If installed, traffic warning equipment.

a. Recognize actual or potential conflicts and adjust aircraft movement to safely avoid conflicts. Effectively use accepted visual clearing techniques to avoid conflicts. Effectively employ the radio and on-board equipment to aid in clearing.

24. Checklist Use

a. Complete inflight checks. a. Checklist and inflight guide. a.