HT-18

Navy/Marine/Coast Guard/NATO TH-57B, TH-57C
Advanced Helo Gouge

Advanced Red MCG Curriculum class 0244
HT-18 / CTW-5, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL
TW-5

GOUGE HOME | OCS | API | PRIMARY & INT. | ADVANCED HELO | SH-60B FRS / RAG | HSL-51 | Defense Language Institute | PEP Germany | Pacific Partnership 2012 - COMDESRON 7  [ Homepage ]

If you need leave, and/or want Househunting leave, here is a digital version of the Navy Special Request Chit:
Adobe PDF Special Request Chit, 05-96 with digital input for printout / Adobe PDF Special Request Chit, 09-75 (the version currenly in use)

 

So you got HELOs, and you're going to TAW-5 (Milton) for Advanced. If you're already here for Primary & Intermediate training, then never mind. Otherwise, if you cam from Corpus, Vance AFB, Moody AFB, or something else?, then first...

  1. Check in, and stay at the Bachelor Officer's Quarters. It's much nicer than in Corpus.
  2. You'll want to find a place to live - Try the Thrift Nickel, the Gosport, or the PNJ. Base housing is also pretty nice here.
  3. Check into the Wing, get your books early and start studying.
  4. Check out this guy's website: http://www.mswest.net/flightschool/ alongside this gouge.
CAUTION: Use at your own risk. ALWAYS check Gouge with your pubs and local SOP's, and NEVER rely on Gouge as your sole study material. Use the gouge for review ONLY after it has been updated with the latest changes, or risk Ready-Room down.

Note: Calls and other specifics are unique to HT-18, I'll build an HT-8 version sometime in the future.

Thanks to all the guys who have passed down the Gouge CDs, and especially to those who originally wrote most of the Gouge: MAJ Terasse, John Richerson, Trent Bottin, Deidra Simpson, Chris Hill, Brian Hedin, John Towle, Connor and Tyree.

Note: If you got the "Gouge CD", it is exactly the same as what is on NavyGouge.com and contains everything here, PLUS the KLN-900 manual and an old FAR-AIM for WIN 95. Basically this Gouge has been taken from the CD and updated for the NEW RED curriculum. I don't keep the KLN-900 manual and FAR-AIM for WIN 95 here for reasons of file size.

March 2003:

April 2003:

  1. CPT 1 - Introduction to the cockpit of the TH-57B Bell Jet Ranger. Be forewarned a lot of the radio calls are wong on the gouge checklists, so I made an updated Prestart Checklist.
  2. CPT 2 - More EP's, LIMITES & RANGES, blindfold cockpit check.
  3. CPT 3 - Chip lights, Fire, Fuel Control malfunctions, CAUTION PANEL.
  4. CPT 4 - Vibrations, Mast bumping, Ditching, Engine Failure, Over/Underspeeding, Compressor Stalls, and more.
  5. CPT 5 - Sprag Clutch, Aerodynamics, and a review of everything so far.

    Familiarization...

    This has to be complete by FAM-1...
    » CRM-1 -     Class on Crew Resourse management - be sure to SNIV
    » HEEDS -     same as in API, but with the HEEDS bottle - be sure to SNIV
    » SAF - Class on safety - be sure to SNIV
    » CRFP -     Class on local course rules. Useless if you don't already know the book - be sure to SNIV
    » PRF-1     (FAM-0) Class on how to Preflight the Bravo and do Weight & Balance. - be sure to SNIV

     » SYS-X     - SYSTEMS EXAM - You really need to know the systems before the test. The gouge helps, but is not all-inclusive. There are three versions of the test, the gouge covers half on one of the versions. You need to know systems anyway by FAM 1. Be advised the systems ICW courseware takes 6-10 hours to complete and is required before attending the 2 class, which are 4 hours each. There's a trick to the courseware, just ask your buddy about how to do it in half the time - be sure to SNIV
    MS Word XP Systems Gouge
    MS Word XP Skinner Gouge

    » AERO-X - AERO EXAM - Same point here, you really need to understand the concepts, however the gouge is more helpful. I'd recommend studying the workbook (especially the questions at the back of each chapter) - be sure to SNIV
    MS Word XP Aero enabling objectives
    MS Word XP Aero Test Bank

    » CR-X Course Rules Exam - Get the gouge, it's essential, BUT ONLY for Version 1 of the test. If you get version 2 or 3, life will be miserable for you the next couple days. Be SURE to ask your buddy about the proper time to take the test - be sure to SNIV
    .
    From here on I am just detailing the flights. You probably already have gouge from NavyGouge.com or on a gouge CD from a Winger on check-in. (They are the SAME thing) It doesn't make sense to re-write it when it's so well-put together.

    TH-57B Preflight / Systems Photographs

    Click on the photo to go to the digital album
    » More photos in the Albums: (digital photo album) or (buy prints at my Ofoto album) (large version of above).


    Thanks for all the requests to help offset the cost of running the website. It costs about $180/year to host it and averages over 34,000 downloads per month with over 2.3 Terabytes downloaded from December 2001 to December 2008. As per your suggestions, here is a Donation button for use with Paypal for your convenience. . Thanks


    I would add these to your Pocket Checklist so you always have them. Print them on 8.5" x 11" paper & cut them out and laminate / tape back-to-back...they should fit perfectly if you use an existing PCL sheet as a template. If you choose to use blue-brains that is fine, they will fit there as well:
    MS Word XP Bird Strike Checklist
    MS Word XP Carbon Lock checklist
    MS Word XP Frequencies (a MUST have)
    MS Word XP Mid-air collision report
    MS Word XP (NEW SYLLABUS) ORM Briefing guide (new)
    MS Word XP (OLD SYLLABUS) ORM Briefing guide
    MS Word XP On-Scene Commander Checklist
    MS Word XP SAR assets
    MS Word XP Suspected Hard Landing / Tail Strike checklist

    Before each flight you will do a Weight & Balance. As in the PRF-1 (preflight) you should have learned ho to do these. For FAMs, you will fly with the same instructor / student combination every time (ideally), so you can use all the same data. Here's my Weight & Balance I created with more space to write the Question of the Day items...
    MS Word XP Weight & Balance Form

    .
  6. FAM 01 - So you passed Systems, Aero and Course Rules, you've attended all the courses you are able to, and you're ready for the first flight. First, you'll spend many hours of the first day with your FAM partner and onwing doing the FAM-0 equivalent (FAM 1 brief). You'll most likely fly the next day, followed by your own NATOPS brief. Preparation: first off, you need to get the preflight down, which means good systems knowledge. Biggest hurdles on FAM 1 besides the preflight are maneuvers, local course rules, SOP / RWOP, and the NATOPS brief. See the MS Word XPConnor Gouge (FAM 1), your MCG, NATOPS and FTI for details.
  7. FAM 02 - Here's another reason not to use Gouge as your sole study material: Our onwing asked us, each day, where the information is written, for each brief item. In flight he will ask "So, If I wanted to find out whether FAM-14 students are allowed to taxi through the fuel pits, where would I find that?". On this flight you'll fly to Santa Rosa, your fam buddy and you should decide how to alternate who goes first / who goes second, and who does the NATOPS brief for the flight each day. Hint: the first guy that fly's could leave the Pensacola Area training chart, VFR sectional and VOL 15 in the cockpit so the second guy doesn't have to move all that stuff.
  8. FAM 03 - Back to Santa Rosa...
  9. FAM 04 - Back to Santa Rosa...
  10. FAM 05 - Off to Pace. Pace is nice because you can relax/study and ride along in the back, it makes for longer days but the flight are better. Make sure you study up on Course Rules to/from and at Pace. Remember you can't pass FOG without ATC radar contact. If you don't have it, enter holding @ 80kts, left turns, 1 mile legs (about 30 second legs).

May 2003:

  1. FAM 06 - More at Pace... hey this stuff is starting to get a lot easier...

    This has to be complete by FAM-10...
    » Jacket Review
  2. FAM 07 - More at Pace...
  3. FAM 08 - Went off-wing today, a lot different. Learned some tips on making perfect approaches. Make sure to study this evening for tomorrow's flight - tail rotor malfunctions.
  4. FAM 09 - Tail rotor malfunctions. What else can I say, this tuff will haunt you again on FAM 15.
  5. FAM 10 - Think about the blade element digram in Vortex Ring state, it will help discuss it.
  6. FAM 11 - Pretty much a checkride with your onwing. You may also discuss some solo items.
  7. FAM 12X - Short flight to Pace, 0500 brief so you can Solo the same day. Fly the checkride like you were solo.
  8. FAM 13 - I flew like crap on my solo, didn't bust any parameters, but just felt tired and worn out. Don't worry, it happens to everybody. One thing to note - make sure you have all your frequencies from the RWOP with you. My VHF radio failed on solo, and I had to tune up UHF backup to talk to Approach. There was a delay in thier response, but everything went fine. Get a buddy from one of the local VT's to help you with the computer stuff.

    Upper-stage Familiarization...
  9. FAM 14 - Flew to Santa Rosa, one at a time. RAD ALT - 2 ways it can be inaccurate - 1. Slant range (high AOB), 2. Trees. Low Level Lookout doctrine: Flying pilot is all outside, Non flying pilot backs him up with instruments. This is easily the most fun so far in the 57. Low and fast.

    This has to be complete by FAM-15...
    » Jacket Review
    » PFPS - Class on how to use computer planning - be sure to SNIV
    » TFP-1s - Tacical Flight Procedures - Courseware for more Course Rules, EXT loads and Confined Area Landings

    This has to be complete by FAM-18X...
    » NATOPS OBX - Open Book Exam
    » NATOPS CBX - Closed Book Exam taken same day that the OBX is turned in. The gouge provided at Check-in is awesome. You don't really even need the gouge that is floating around, but I guess if you're lazy... - be sure to SNIV

    This has to be complete by EP-1 SIM...
    » TFP-2s - More Tactical Flight Procedures Courseware. Strange, you won't use this stuff for 2 months - be sure to SNIV
    » TFP-2/3/4 Review - Class that reviews the Courseware - be sure to SNIV
    » EPFP-s - EP courseware, pretty easy
    » MITAC - Class on how to draw routes on your charts - be sure to SNIV
    » PRF-2 - Short class on how to do the Charlie COMM-NAV checklist and preflight - be sure to SNIV
  10. FAM 15 - Tail rotor malfunctions. 360° Overhead approaches - one of those things you just can't do in an airplane.

    By now, you may go to some OLFs you haven't been to before, like SITE 8. Here are course rules cards you can add to the back of your PCL. Just like above, cut it out and tape the spined edge before hole-punch:
    Adobe PDF Site 8 Course Rules
  11. FAM 16 - CALs, Aircrewman. I thought CALs were great, lots of fun, (be prepared). Aircrewman brief - he will usually ask SNAs for course rules just to probe knowledge and get confidence that the SNA knows what he's doing. After all, he'll be your passenger. With SNAs as your passengers, hey, we all trust each other, right? Don't forget the call, "On final, right seat, for CAL zone #1".
  12. FAM 17 - External Ops, Pinnacle landings. Externals are the toughest new maneuver, studying is the easy part for those. Pinnacles are just a ground effect drill. Don't forget the call, "On final, right seat, for drop-off".

June 2003:

  1. FAM 18X - Same as FAM 12X, BUT, study course rules back to Pace NOLF.
  2. FAM 19 SOLO - Same as FAM 13 SOLO, plus steep approaches, and your last opportunity to practice Autorotations solo.


    Introduction to TH-57C...
  3. EP-1S - (Sim). Kind of an intro to the Charlie (50%) and an intro to the Simulator (50%). Just look over the entire start and shutdown sequence (including hotseat/Hot refuel and COMM-NAV) a couple of times in the dead bird with somebody in BI's and you'll be set for this one. Also remember, fluctuating Nr with no secondaries is a Land ASAPractical. Duh! Kinda sucks if you don't get any cold starts for awhile in the Charlie in Trans-Fams or HTACs, so pay attention because this may be the last time you see the start and COMM-NAV checklist until BI sims.

    Here's my Weight & Balance I created with more space to write the Question of the Day items and just the Charlie stuff in it...
    MS Word XP Weight & Balance Form
  4. TF-1 - Basically a FAM hop with an intro to (C) system failures.
  5. TF-2 - Same as TF-1 but with the Boost-OFF and STAB-OFF approaches.

    Helicopter Tactics...

    Preparation for HTACs:
    Good practice on map study is to do the following in order...
    1. Get all the charts for all the routes at one time from Pubs, preferably at night when nobody is around.
    2. Copy checkpoints from pre-existing charts on the wall, don't forget CHUMs on the corkboard. You can do this with a pencil or the small arrow stickies you may have used for RI's in Primary.
    3. Take it all home (or go to the ready room on a weekend) and lay them out on a table. You will need the following materials:
      1. Black and red sharpie or other permamnent marker.
      2. Yellow and other various chisel tip highlighters.
      3. A half-dollar coin or drafting circle stencil. (The ones in pubs are bent and jagged)
      4. Good, clean ruler, preferably see-through.
      5. Several colored pencils. I used blue, orange, yellow and red to write over stuff highlighters couldn't.
    4. Mark up the chart.
      1. Highlight obstacles in red with black triangles (black zig-zags over powerlines).
      2. Highlight funnels, barriers and limiting features yellow.
      3. Mark map changeover points in blue labeled "MCP"
      4. Mark other items in orange.
      5. Bingo Fuel point should be easy to see, preferably with details in a box off the route. Don't write over anything you think you might need.
    5. Fold the chart as you would want to have it in the flight. Accordion-style small enough to fit your kneeboard is best.
    6. On your next trip back to the squadron, use CFPS and Falconview to print all the route cards. I like to do this after I make the charts because the checkpoint have been validated, and I don't have to depend on someone else's guesses of how to use the software.
    7. Copy the route card information onto the charts using Doghouses. At least use a template. You can make one from a 3x5" index card. Some guys use AVERY labels to print out the doghouses - the best size is the 5660. Just create a textbox using Microsoft Word that will fit the labels you have (obviously get clear ones). Make sure the doghouses don't go over the folds, and make sure to get one doghouse visible on each leg of each fold.

    I like to do the brief in this order. Each instructor will have a preference on how you should organize your brief. Remember any time you do the 6T's, talk about it. "Sir, at Point Fish we will turn 110°, transition (descend) to 500', switch button 10 and talk to anyone at Harold if necessary.":

    1. Intro to who will be flying and who is navigating, and how the brief is organized: "First I will talk about enroute, followed by.."
    2. Enroute portion (how to get to checkpoint one)
    3. In-flight portion. Don't give headings, talk about yellow and red marks only. It should also include..
      1. Inflight emergencies
      2. Bingo fuel
      3. Lost comm's
      4. Hazards
      5. Inadvertent IMC flight
      6. OLF ops (TLA's, etc.)
    4. Return portion (from the last checkpoint).

    This has to be complete by HTAC-5...
    » Jacket Review

    This has to be complete by HTAC-6X...
    » BIFP - Basic Instruments ICW Courseware
  6. HTAC-1 and..
  7. HTAC 2 - These are flown as one flight on one tank of gas. As per the grade sheet, it's the Orange Route forward followed by Orange Reversed. Plan for 80 gal, and get your charts done for the week's worth of HTACs before the week starts. (see above). Remember Button 14, squawking 4677. Monitor Harold (button 10) while you transition by it. This is also kind of an intro to the Brief. Hint- you don't have to enter Clacc C if you are Lost COMM. Think Harold.
  8. HTAC-3 and..
  9. HTAC 4 - Now at 200' instead of 500'. These are flown on separate days, Purple forward, then Purple Reversed. Remember button 15, squawking 4677. Monitor Harold (button 10) while you transition by it.
  10. HTAC-5 - Red Route (the toughest of all the routes). Remember button 12 then 13, squawking 4777. Monitor Pace (button 11) while you transition by it.
  11. HTAC-6 - Green Route (the longest route). Remember button 12 then 13, squawking 4777. Monitor Pace (button 11) while you transition by it.

    Basic Instruments...

    This has to be complete by BI-11...
    » Jacket Review

    This has to be complete by EP-2S...
    » BOOKS! - Go to book issue before you start these. Tell them you are in the "BI/RI stage" and need your INAV books. They will be due back the day of your INAV test. You'll get a card to take with you for proof they were turned in before taking the test.
    » CRM-2 - 3 hour class in the Academic building, taught by squadron instructor.
    » VFRNAV-s - VFRNAV courseware
       — VFRNAV -  Review class after the courseware is completed
    » RIFP-s - Radio Instruments courseware (about 2-3 hours worth)
       — RIFP - Radio Instruments review after the courseware is completed
    » RIR-s - Radio Instruments courseware
    » GPS-s - Helpful courseware on how to use the GPS
    » INAV - Instrument Navigation class, a refresher on how to do jetlogs and DD-175's
    » INAV MET - Refresher course on weather for flight planning

    This has to be complete by RI-10...
    » INAV EXAM - Don't wait until the end to do the questions. Each question is 2-3 hours and graded individually, which works out to at least 5 business days of separate work on the project. Remember the academic instructors go home at 1600.
  12. Buy the new AIM/FAR at Amazon.com for a lot lessBI-1S - Pick up a copy of the AIM/FAR Manual from Amazon.com (not the cheaper FAR/AIM at the Nex, instructors like you to have the same version they hve so they can make references to page numbers that match). The AIM/FAR will have your discuss items in it. This hop is basically a re-intro to the SIM. Remember to use the pedals, you must depress BOTH pedals, and apply more pressure on the pedal you want to move. Otherwise the YAW servo/AFCS won't respond in the way it was designed.
  13. BI-2S - More of the same, plus some new maneuvers. Constant rate climbs and descents are not in the FTI, for all practical purposes what you want is 500fpm (~70% torque) for the climb, and 500fpm (~40% torque) for the descent. Beware sim #4. Don't get discouraged if you can't trim it like all the other ones. It needs a major overhaul.

July 2003:

  1. BI-3S through BI-5S- New manuevers, all easy, just different ways to do trim drills. Read about the AFCS system in the systems book, and back to the NATOPS, then back again. If you understand how it works, it will help you maintain tight airwork. You're doing good if the trim button is up and there is no pressure on the controls for more than 15 seconds.

    Re-intro to the aircraft...

  2. TF-1 - Basically a re-intro to the aircraft. It is an adjustment coming from the sims. First thing you will notice is control feedback. Today you will do Boost-off and AFCS-off approaches. They are buried on the grade sheet, so some people forget. Read over your tail rotor malfunctions. This brief is more detailed than the FAMs.
  3. BI-6 - First off, prepare by looking over the Monty and Baldy departures, the VOR/DME A on page 15 of the student approach plates, and the VOR 32. Have the hood ready. Only fold it vertically, otherwise you'll hose you field of view. The top two squares go under the clear (upper) lens and over the lower (dark) lens. You will discuss the Ministab system in great detail - be prepared. Notice when you get back into the bird you can taxi without pedals - try using the AFCS more often. For the ITO, the AIM/FAR 2003 states you must be at 400' over the departure end of the runway to turn (IFR). Keep in mind that the habit of turning at 200' is ONLY if VFR. Here is a helpful updated version of the BI kneeboard card floating around:
    MS Word XP BI-6 Kneeboard
  4. BI-7 - This flight has the intro to Partial Panel and the Approach. There is also more attention to the COMM-NAV checklist, remember that the Co-pilot's CDI only works directly of the RMI if the Pilot is set NAV2 and the co-pilot has NAV1, otherwise, it is a repeater of the HSI. Also get in the habit of flying the tail of the needle. My HSI was off 4° on this flight (the max allowable by the '03 FAR). Weather mins for BI are 2,500' (500' below based on 5-1-2-3, 1,000' for the auto/oscar and 1,000' base recovery for the auto). Max cloud tops operating VFR on-top are 3,000' (5,000' is max, so in order to recover from an auto with 1,000' below you would have to start right at 5,000').
    MS Word XP BI-13X Kneeboard
  5. BI-8 - This is where you really have to start digging for your discuss items. If you haven't already bought a copy of the AIM/FAR, you will need one now. Pick up a copy of the AIM/FAR Manual from Amazon.com (not the cheaper FAR/AIM at the Nex, instructors like you to have the same version they hve so they can make references to page numbers that match). Also, look in the OPNAV 3710.7S and your RWOP under chapter 5 for more info.
  6. BI-9 - Here is where your study time will greatly exceed the daily 2-4 hours:
    » Required Equipment for IMC flight acronyms: MOM'S FC BRAIN (NATOPS), A PATCH MA VAN (OPNAV).
    » NOTAMS in the AIM/FAR manual.
    » Lost Comm VFR-on-top: in the RWOP.
  7. BI-10 - Icing: See NATOPS systems, EP's, Limits and Flight Characteristics.
    » WW/CAWW/Convective SIGMET/SIGMET/AIRMET    : See OPNAV, AIM/FAR and your T-34C Meterology & Instrument FTI's.
    » Sources of weather information acronymn: TTHAD FFEVA PAWD, where each means TIBS, TWEB and TeleTWEB, HIWAS, ATIS, DUATS, FISDL, FSS, EFAS, VOLMET, ASOS/AWOS, PMSV, ATC, WxBriefer, Doppler.

August 2003:

  1. BI-11..
  2. BI-12..
  3. BI-13X - These flights are all similar, sort of a checkride before the checkride. Try to get these flights done quickly, all in the same week if possible. It's better to put yourself on the board even if you're not scheduled to, to try to keep those BI skills from deteriorating. Be prepared to spell out every EP and limit both inflight and in the brief for the 13X. Also be prepared to fly the approach BOOST-OFF and fly all manuevers with nothing but an engine, turn needle, ball and wet compass. Print out some more of my MS Word XP BI-13X Kneeboard cards if you need to.

    Thanks for all the requests to help offset the cost of running the website. It costs about $180/year to host it and averages over 34,000 downloads per month with over 2.3 Terabytes downloaded from December 2001 to December 2008. As per your suggestions, here is a Donation button for use with Paypal for your convenience. . Thanks


    Radio Instruments...

    RIOT Trainer tutorial
    * Set the shortcut to run at "640x480" for the MAG compass to work. » See the TUTORIAL

    Setup RIOT 4.4C (Radio Instruments Orientation Trainer) - This is the newest, most updated RIOT trainer. I found it hidden on a dutch civilian training website in early 2002. Just follow the user agreement on installation. This one is error-free and Windows XP Home/Pro compatible*.

    This has to be complete by RI-10...
    » INAV EXAM - You can't take the exam until after RI-9S, and you must take it before RI-10. The only way to do this is to SNIV for the exam in the morning on the day(s) you expect to do your TF-4 and/or RI-10. Remember the academic instructors go home at 1600, and the exam can't be done on Fridays because the instructors are with the Primary guys.
    You'll need a lot of these: (Blank Jet Logs): MS Word XP Blank TH-57 Jet Log with Integrated form-fillable DD-175

    Remember this from VT's?
    Remember this from VT's?

    This has to be completed SOON (optional)...
    » ONAV-03 & AIRNAV-06 Cross-Country SOLOs. (see below... about half a page. Or, click here.)
  4. Buy the new AIM/FAR at Amazon.com for a lot lessEP-2S - The "Rollercoaster" - Basically you should be prepared for every EP after getting ready for that BI-13X. You can actually land the Sim in an AUTO, but don't expect to on the first try. Remember that although NATOPS doesn't say that directional control is maintained with Twist Grip & Collective on the complete loss of tailrotor thrust, it is true. With a complete loss of tail rotor thrust, you can fly the sim to the deck in an auto.
  5. RI-01S - Updated RI sim kneeboard: MS Word XP RI-01S Kneeboard
    If you don't have an AIM/FAR and you expect to make it through RI's, I suggest picking one up. Don't get it from a local store, it's too expensive - I got mine at Amazon.com.
  6. RI-02S...RI-09XS - More of the same old RI sims. There is really NOTHING NEW on this sim- it should be very benign.
    MS Word XP RI-17X Kneeboard

You will be happy to know that now that you're in HELOs, the most RI's you'll ever fly under positive control are in HT-18 (or HT-8). Once you get out to sea, it's just you and the boat TACAN. Oh, and RADAR if you're in HSL! Hah! Got any questions about HSL? Let me know.

  1. TF-04 (Transition Flight 4) - Yay, back to the REAL aircraft. Fams all over again.

    (The following flights, #59-72, could be done at any time in MOD-400, usually interspersed around RI-12 though RI-16.)

    ONAV-03 & AIRNAV-06, The SOLOs.
    These are awesome Solo flights. Even better if you can get 2 SOLO students. Think of the range- twice as far with 4 x's, and no instructor to cancel the trip! Kevin Brown (now at HMLA-367 Scarface) ..tried to go on the SOLO, but our paperwork was too late. Our plan was to roundtrip over a three-day weekend to New Orleans. Didn't happen. But that doesn't mean you can't go. You will need all the same papers for a regular cross-country, PLUS:
    * A complete SOLO request form (Ops/Skeds)
    * Current TH-57C / Bell-206 Jet Ranger Plane Captain Qual (takes an hour and a couple phone calls).
  2. ON-01X, ON-02 & ON-03* (Operational Navigation Flight) - VFR Cross-country Flights. Designed to really be flown low, to avoid talking to people. This is a tactical introduction to what fleet flying is like. Should be a lot of fun, even better if you're in an unknown area. There are some great brief items here, though. If you do these flight local, BE ADVISED, this is testable information you need to know for the RI-16/17X.
  1. AN-01S, AN-02 through AN-6* (Airways Navigation Flight) - AN-01S was really like an EP-03S for me. AN-02+: IFR Cross-Country Flights. Designed to really be flown IFR on an airway (not just a bunch of vectors and GPS NAV) to be under positive control for extended range. This is good intro to long-range ferrying, transport flying. In other words, boring. Isn't it great you selected HELOs? You'll never do this kind of flying in a fleet HELO. Like the ON's, there are some great brief items here, though. If you do these flight local, BE ADVISED, this is testable information you need to know for the RI-16/17X.
  1. NFAM 02 through NFAM-05- (Night Familiarization Flight) - VFR Night Flights.
    I know what you're thinking, these are benign night flights, basically pretty easy, just look at the ground and you're good to go. These flights are really good practice, especially flying without NVG's. When you get to the fleet, unless you are flying VERTREP all the time for the Navy, you will do lots, if not ALL of your flying at night. If you get HSL you will always fly at night. It's just more tactical, and it's cooler outside. Take the opprotunity to soak up as much experience as you can. Really use those charts, and try to figure out who's flying around you.
  1. RI-10 through RI-16 - Here's my spiel on RI's in Advanced. There are really two ways to do RI's in the HT's.

    The hard way to do RI's in Advanced: Go one event at a time. Use the old gouge out there with bogus page references, obselete information, and weak explanations on brief items. Show up to the briefs knowing just what you need for that event- not the one prior or later.

    The easy way to do RI's in Advanced: Study for RI-17X from the first flight event forward. Why the first flight, and not the first SIM? Because it's with the IP's that you will pick up the most information. Remember that although your instrument checkride will be mainly based on your ability to perform the FAA requirements & Naval Air Force (NAF as it's now called) requirements, the kicker is the knowledge. They had to know it, and the instructors that tought them had to know it, so therefore it's simply a rite of passage. Heck, you're getting paid to accept wings with 4 ratings (and soon to be many more).

    So how do I prepare for RI's?
    1. Buy the new AIM/FAR at Amazon.com for a lot lessStart with a small notebook, perhaps the same one you used for your Instrument Ground School, INAV class, HITS class, whatever it's called the month you're in there.
    2. For each briefing item, put some serious thought into it. You know your pubs, so look into each pub that a briefing item COULD exist. Write that information (not everything, just what you need) into that notebook. Make sure to add the page number [Page xx] AND the section number [AIM 22-05-8.22] or picture reference.
    3. Use Page Tabs on your Pubs. Get the big ones you can write on. Write what's in that tab on the tab itself. When an instructor asks you in a brief about a subject that you know MORE than he does, you can go right to it.
    4. Print out your own personal OPNAV (if you're REALLY motivated) * KEEP YOUR OLD PUBS. Page numbers change in new versions. Here is where to get NATOPS pubs for any aircraft* (You will need to authenticate into NATEC.)
      NATEC / NAVAIR: https://www.natec.navy.mil/
    5. Know where to get the MOST current information:
      (See my links section for more..)
      FAA AIM: http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/AIM/
      DOD NOTAM system: https://www.notams.jcs.mil/
      FAA NOTAM system: https://pilotweb.nas.faa.gov/distribution/atcscc.html
      iPILOT: http://www.ipilot.com/index.aspx
      FAA Air Traffic Pubs: http://www.faa.gov/atpubs/
      Weather by ADDS: http://adds.aviationweather.gov/
      National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (previously NIMA): http://www.nga.mil/
      DAFIF (By the NGA): https://164.214.2.62/products/digitalaero/
    6. Look over your old API Books - especially the FR&R and Weather Books - you'll get a lot of brief items from the API weather book. Need some gouge on that API Info? See my API section, or get these:
      Navigation: Adobe PDFAPI Navigation, "The Only one you need"
      Blank Jet Logs: MS Word XP Blank TH-57 Jet Log with Integrated form-fillable DD-175 (recommended)
      DD-175's: Adobe PDF PDF Version MS Word XP MS Word Version
      F.R.&R Flight Rules & Regulations: MS Word XP API FR&R Gouge
    7. I could say get one event ahead, but nobody does. If you do, you could knock out some great grades. Your choice. If you do go ahead, leave a space after the previous brief items, and leave lots of space around the brief items to write notes.
    8. After your brief for each flight, write the notes from your brief into that notebook.
    9. Review this information each time you prep for another RI flight.
    10. BE THAT GUY that knows all the RI brief items. People will come to you to ask questions. They will challenge you on information, and you may learn things from other instructors, (or from HT-8) that nobody knows. It's a knowledge game. The mission here is good grades, right?
    11. Ask the toughest instructor about RI-17X, try to make an appointment to have a pre-RI-16 review. Have him ask you every question that he would ask a student on an RI-16/17X. This will do several things:
      1. You'll know ALL the gouge, be way prepared for the event, by bringing those unknown holes to light.
      2. You may not be able to do the event with that instructor because you know all his tricks.
      3. Ask if he uses the instructor gouge. (Here it is in PDF version: Adobe PDF RI-17X MEGA-GOUGE)
      4. If you ARE scheduled to do the flight with him, you'll be ahead
      5. You'll have the confidence to smoke the RI-16 and RI-17X, a very valuable flight as far as grades.
  2. TF-05X (Transition Flight Five CHECKRIDE) - This is the flight that kicks a lot of guys off the horse. I've personally seen the brightest guys get downed on the performance evaluation (flight) portion of this event. This is a review. It's easier said than done, but don't get so deep into the RI's that you forget EP's and systems. I had to brief three different systems on three different briefs on my TF-05. I was canx-ed for Wx each time. Let me tell you it was a good thing...
  3. Buy the new AIM/FAR at Amazon.com for a lot lessRI-17X - The last REAL flight of the syllabus. In fact, this USED to be the last flight on the old curriculum but it was too difficult for placement officers to work the numbers in such short notice. That said, it is still the last flight that counts towards your fleet selection. You should have no problem on knowledge if you passed the RI-16. Now for the flight portion, if you could remember one thing, remember this: "WHAT IS MY BACKUP IF THIS FAILS?" Backups meaning everything from a VOR while on an ILS to divert fields for uncommanded fuel loss. I flew into Mobile with 3 systems gauges inop, no gyro and on my backup NAV while simulating lost comms. (It was my onwing so he made the flight extra special, payback for all those crappy Autos)

    * Now make sure to leave at least 2 hours for all the paperwork. Be sure to get it right, it is one of the few papers that are looked at down the road in the FRS/RAG.

    MOD-500: Forms, Low-Level Nav, Carrier Quals/DLQs/Ship Quals and an intro to SAR.
  4. HTAC-07 through HTAC-11 - Formation Flights / Low-level Nav
    pdf Formation Eastern Operating Area Chart MINI-GOUGE - A great chart of the area, kneeboard size.
    These flights are a lot of fun if you like forms. Otherwise, they're pretty much a nightmare. Hopefully if you don't like them, you're not a Marine. Navy guys don't fly forms very often, and when they do, it's rare they're in parade or stacked form. I enjoyed the form flights because you combine Low level navigation, dual-tasking of Pilot and Copilot, quick manuevering and precise aircraft control at high-speed, low altitude. It's really a finesse evaluation that builds on your VT experience - it's like a combo of VT forms + VT TACforms in one hop. HTAC-10/11 are more challenging on the Navigation portion. Bes sure to SNIV with the best instructors early.
    1. THE FORM BRIEF: MS Word XP Updated HT-18 Form Brief
    2. Smart Cards : MS Word XP HTAC-07/08 Smart Card , MS Word XP HTAC 10/11 Smart Card
    3. Route Brief:   MS Word XP HTAC 10/11 Route Brief

      * If you redo these cards, or the FORM brief, let me know, I'll post them here..
  5. HTAC-12S & HTAC-13S - Intro to Ship Quals. This will be your bread and butter when you get to the fleet. Keep all those approach plates they give you. You'll practice lots of ELVAs at the FRS/RAG.
  1. HTAC-14 - This should really be called DLQ-00. You fly over the water, practicing SAR and shipboard approaches, but you won't land on a boat.
  2. SQ-01 & SQ-01 - The Ship Qual flights. These are a good experince. It's so much easier to land the little Bell 206 Helicopter on a deck almost the same that size you'll later land a fleet aircraft (SH-60B,F,H, etc) on later. It's fun, too, if you went to OCS. You'll fly right by all the OCS guys marching around Building 633, and maybe even see the SH-3 doing API SAR Operations in the Bay. First you'll do FDLPs (boat landing practice on the pads at OLF Santa Rosa), then blast out west to the bay for the Helicopter Landing Trainer (HLT) IX-514 (Trivia.. It was originally designed as a military version of a commercial landing craft and employed by the U.S. Army as a harbor utility craft. The HLT was towed to NAS Pensacola in 1986 and converted into a Helicopter Landing Trainer.)

Bring some change for the Junk food. Look over all the pubs a little, also. You'll know the pubs much better later, but for now make sure and get enough sleep- after all, it's your last flight at the HT-'s!

That's me at the controls on my last HT-18 flight
That's me at the controls on my last HT-18 flight . Now on to the SH-60B FRS/RAG for the SH-60B...

Will you be driving out west for the FRS/RAG? See the top of gouge page for San Diego, and..

On the drive out: DRIVE SLOWLY through; or AVOID the city of JUNCTION, TEXAS!
http://www.speedtrap.org/speedtraps/ste.asp?state=TX&city=Junction
Do not stop there or buy gas there! It a crooked place where speeding tickets fund the local economy!
Don't support it! Tell your friends!

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this page is to be used only to assist Student Naval, Marine, Coast Guard Aviators and U.S. Air Force Student Pilots. It is by no means meant to replace or supercede the knowledge presented in NATOPS, OPNAV 3710.7T, Flight Training Instructions, FLIPS, or any other official Navy, Marine, Coast Guard or U.S. Air Force publication. Knowledge of these documents is considered paramount to flight safety. Any unauthorized use of the information on this page in an actual flight (without reference to the official publication) is strictly prohibited. Viewing web pages listed above constitutes acceptance of all responsibility for flight safety by you, the user. The author of this page assumes no responsibility for the completeness of these documents or their use in Aviation training.

If you find discrepencies in the information here, please contact me. This is NOT an official Navy web site. All opinions and statements are exclusively those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense, The United States Navy, The United States Marine Corps, The United States Coast Guard or the The United States Air Force.

Last updated: 9 July, 2008 0:37 by Bryan Weatherup