Takeoff Procedures

Home >> Standard Operating Procedures >> Airport Procedures >> Takeoff Procedures

The following takeoff procedures are our standard ways of departing in a 4-ship (i.e division). As a flight lead, you may deviate from these ways and perform any kind of non-standard takeoff, if there's a good reason for it (for instance mixed flights, uneven/unusual loadouts, extreme winds, special exercises). However, in order to establish common standards, the recommendation is to use these whenever possible.

All the different procedures can also be applied to (and are recommended for) 2-ship flights (i.e sections) simply by ignoring the #3 and #4 instructions.

Standard speed after takeoff is 300 kts. For slow aircraft, like A-10C, 200 kts is recommended.

VFR

A. Rocket Ripple Takeoff

#1 go, 10 sec wait
#2 go, 10 sec wait
#3 go, 10 sec wait
#4 go

Rejoin visually in Fingertip Left

B. VFR Section Takeoff

#1 and #2 go, 10+ sec wait
#3 and #4 go

Rejoin visually in Fingertip Left

IFR

C. Double Sensor Trail Takeoff

#1 go, 10 sec wait
#2 go, 30+ sec wait
#3 go, 10 sec wait
#4 go

Use sensor to maintain 1 nm between Lead and Wingman
Use sensor to maintain 1+ nm between sections, slightly offset
Rejoin visually in Fingertip Left when on top of the weather

D. IFR Section Takeoff

#1 and #2 go, 30+ sec wait
#3 and #4 go

Use sensor to maintain 1+ nm between sections, slightly offset
Rejoin visually in Fingertip Left when on top of the weather

In IFR, for aircraft not equipped with radar, split the flight into two 2-ship sections for the departure, with separate ATC clearances. Perform two completely separate Section Takeoffs. Rejoin when on top of the weather.