Takeoff Procedures

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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. However, in order to establish common standards, the recommendation is to use these whenever possible.

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

Rejoin visually in Fingertip Left

IFR

C. Double Sensor Trail Takeoff

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

D. IFR Section Takeoff

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

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