EPE Study Guide
EPE Study Guide
Engine Start — Q&A Format
Q: Max time with the Main Power switch in BATT or MAIN POWER without engine running or external power?
A: 5 minutes.
Q: What WARNING/CAUTION/ELECTRICAL lights should you see with MAIN POWER switch to BATT?
A:
• ENGINE
• HYD/OIL
• TO/LDG CONFIG (maybe)
• CANOPY (maybe)
• SEC
• ELEC SYS
• MAIN GEN, STBY GEN, and FLCS RELAY (“2-1-nothing”)
Q: What lights should you see when you change FLCS PWR TEST switch to TEST?
A: FLCS PMG, MAIN GEN, STBY GEN, TO FLCS, and the 4 FLCS branch lights (“3-1-4”).
Q: Why do you test the FLCS relays?
A: To ensure the aircraft battery powers the FLCS.
Q: How can you latch the FLCS relays to the battery to power the brake channels with the engine off?
A:
1. MAIN PWR switch to MAIN POWER and engage FLCS PWR TEST switch to TEST
2. MAIN PWR switch to BATT and hold the FLCS PWR TEST switch to TEST
3. JFS switch to START1 or START2 (not recommended)
Q: Describe the Engine Start sequence for the GE100.
A:
1. JFS Run light comes on within 30 seconds.
2. Select IDLE at 20% (temp < 90°F) or max motoring (temp > 90°F).
3. Engine light off within ~10 seconds, indicated by airframe vibration, increasing RPM, and FTIT.
4. SEC Caution light off at 20% RPM.
5. JFS automatically shuts down at 55% RPM.
6. ~60% RPM — ENGINE Warning light off, STBY GEN comes online.
7. 5–10 seconds after STBY GEN online — MAIN GEN comes online.
Q: Engine Ops Limits at Idle?
A:
• Fuel Flow: 700–1700 pph
• Oil Pressure: ≥ 15 psi
• Nozzle Position: > 94%
• RPM: 62–80%
• FTIT: ≤ 650°F
• HYD PRESS A & B: 2850–3250 psi
Q: Why check for 3 gear-down lights and SEAT NOT ARMED light after STBY GEN is on but before MAIN GEN is online during start?
A: To ensure STBY GEN powers both Emergency DC buses.
Q: What does a flashing JFS light mean?
A:
• 1 or 2 flashes/sec and stops = non-critical failure; may attempt another start.
• 2 flashes/sec and continues = critical failure; JFS will not operate.
Q: What do you do if the JFS does not turn off at 55%?
A: Move JFS switch to OFF and write it up after landing.
Q: What RPM should you see during max motoring?
A: 25% (23% if temp > 100°F).
Q: During cold start, engine oil pressure may be as high as what, and for how long?
A: 100 psi for 2 minutes.
Q: Ensure the HYD/OIL Pressure Warning light does not extinguish before what RPM on engine start?
A: 15% RPM, assuming 30 seconds have elapsed since MAIN PWR switch out of OFF.
Q: If the HYD/OIL PRESS light is still on after start, what should you do?
A: Push throttle up 2–3%; if light stays on (or comes on again), notify maintenance.
Q: Describe the SEC check for the GE100.
A:
1. ECS to SEC — SEC Caution Light ON.
2. RPM stabilized (may drop ~10% from PRI initially, may be 5% lower than PRI).
3. Nozzle position ≤ 10%.
4. Throttle — snap to MIL, then snap to IDLE when RPM reaches 85%.
5. ECS to PRI — Nozzle position > 94%.
6. Check should be completed within 30 seconds.
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EPU Check, Ground Malfunctions, Takeoff, Landing, and Abort — Q&A Format
Q: Describe the EPU check for the GE100.
A:
1. Confirm EPU GEN and EPU PM lights are OFF.
2. EPU switch = OFF.
3. Remove ground safety pin.
4. OXYGEN = 100%.
5. EPU switch = NORM.
6. Increase engine RPM by 10% above idle.
7. EPU/GEN TEST switch = EPU/GEN and hold.
8. Check lights:
• EPU AIR light = ON
• EPU GEN and EPU PMG lights = OFF (may come on momentarily)
• FLCS PWR lights = ON
• EPU run light = ON for minimum of 5 seconds
9. If EPU run light does NOT come on within 10 seconds — advance throttle to idle RPM + 15% (not to exceed 90% RPM) and reattempt.
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Ground Malfunctions
Q: When should you anticipate a hot start, and what should you do?
A:
• Indication: 750°F FTIT before reaching 40% RPM.
• If FTIT exceeds 935°F: THROTTLE — OFF.
• If FTIT remains above 500°F: JFS — START2 and motor engine with JFS until FTIT < 200°F.
Q: What are the indications of a Hung Start or No Start?
A:
• No Start: No light-off within 10 seconds.
• Hung Start: FTIT stabilized below 935°F and RPM stopped increasing below idle.
Q: What should you do if MAIN GEN or STBY GEN does not come online during engine start?
A: Do not attempt a reset; abort the aircraft and notify maintenance.
Q: What should you do with brake failure?
A:
• HOOK — Down.
• BRAKES channel switch = CHAN 2.
• ANTI-SKID switch = OFF, NWS — Engage (if required).
• If no arresting cable or at low groundspeed — ANTI-SKID switch = intermittent PARKING BRAKE, then ANTI-SKID.
• If in congested area — use parking brake immediately to stop.
Q: What should you do if you will depart the prepared surface?
A:
• Above normal taxi speed — EJECT.
• Below normal taxi speed — Shut down the engine.
Takeoff
Q: If desiring a run-up check, how high should you advance the throttle and when should brakes be released?
A: 90% RPM.
Q: How much must oil pressure rise from idle to MIL on takeoff?
A: 10 psi.
Q: What nozzle position indicates normal engine operation during MIL or AB takeoff?
A:
• MIL: ≤ 15% after 5 seconds at MIL.
• AB: Nozzle preopening up to 10% more than MIL when AB first selected; AB light-off should occur within 5 seconds (> 40°F) or 10 seconds (< 40°F).
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Landing
Q: How do you calculate Final Approach Airspeed?
A:
• C-model: 130 + 3 kts per 1000 lbs fuel/stores.
• D-model: 132 + 3 kts per 1000 lbs fuel/stores.
• Add 11 kts for 11° AOA approach.
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Abort Procedures
Q: Describe the procedure for aborting above 100 KCAS after rotation.
A:
1. Retard throttle to IDLE.
2. Maintain 2-point attitude.
3. Apply maximum wheel braking (max pedal pressure).
4. When brakes become effective, nose will automatically lower.
5. After nosewheel is on runway, use maximum effort braking — full aft stick, full open speedbrakes, max wheel braking.
Q: Describe the procedure for aborting above 100 KCAS before rotation.
A:
1. Retard throttle to IDLE.
2. Maintain 3-point attitude.
3. Apply maximum effort braking if stopping distance is critical — full aft stick, full open speedbrakes, max wheel braking.
Q: During an abort, at what speed must you lower the hook, and when declare hot brakes?
A:
• Lower hook when aborting > 100 KCAS.
• Declare hot brakes when aborting > 120 KCAS.
Q: What are the max cable engagement speeds?
A:
• Normal: 150 kts.
• Emergency: 160 kts.
Q: How far before a departure end cable should you lower the hook, and why?
A: 1500 feet — to allow adequate time for hook to stabilize and develop full hold-down force.
Q: How close to centerline should you be when engaging the cable?
A: Within 35 feet.
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Barrier Engagement
Q: When engaging a net barrier, is it more important to engage in the middle or perpendicular?
A: Perpendicular over the middle, but only for net barriers; cables should always be engaged in the middle.
Q: What should you do with the flight controls just before engaging the barrier? How do you control rollback?
A: Neutralize flight controls and release brakes; control rollback with power.
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Flight Emergencies
Q: What is defined as “low altitude” for engine malfunctions?
A: Below 10,000’ AGL.
Q: During a low-altitude flameout, what airspeed determines whether you should zoom climb or level decelerate?
A:
• Above 310 KCAS: More time is available with zoom climb — use a 3G pull-up to 30° climb angle until approaching desired airspeed (use 50-knot lead), then initiate a zero-G pushover.
• Below 310 KCAS: More time is available by maintaining constant altitude and decelerating to desired airspeed.
Q: What should you do if required during a low-altitude flameout?
A: Climb to achieve recommended ejection altitude.
Q: If zooming during a low-altitude flameout results in altitude below what, there may be insufficient time to achieve an airstart?
A: 4000’ AGL.
Q: What is the minimum airspeed for non-JFS assisted airstarts in PRI or SEC?
A: 250 KCAS. Once the JFS run light is on, you may slow to max range or max endurance:
• C-model: 200 or 170 KCAS.
• D-model: 205 or 175 KCAS.
• Add 5 kts per 1000 lbs fuel/stores.
Q: What situations concerning the engine oil system require landing as soon as possible?
A:
• ENG LUBE LOW PFL occurrence.
• HYD/OIL PRESS warning light with oil pressure fluctuating out of limits or indicating below minimum.
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Flameout Pattern (FO) Information
Q: Where are High Key, Low Key, and Base Key for an overhead SFO?
A:
• High Key: 7000–7500 ft AGL + 500 ft/1000 lbs fuel/stores; aimpoint = 1/3 down runway.
• Low Key: 3000–3250 ft AGL + 250 ft/1000 lbs fuel/stores; abeam rollout point on final.
• Base Key: 2000 ft AGL minimum; midpoint of turn from downwind to final.
Q: What are optimum gear-up, gear-down, and minimum airspeeds during an SFO?
A:
• Gear Up: C-model 200 kts / D-model 205 kts.
• Gear Down: C-model 190 kts / D-model 195 kts.
• Minimum: C-model 180 kts / D-model 185 kts.
• Add 5 kts per 1000 lbs fuel/stores.
Q: Max range (gear up) airspeed equates to what AOA and glide ratio?
A: 7° AOA and glide ratio of 7 NM per 5000 ft AGL.
Q: Optimum bank angle for least altitude lost per degree of turn?
A:
• Gear Up: 50°.
• Gear Down: 55°.
Q: Minimum EPU fuel requirements during an SFO?
A:
• Overhead SFO: 25% (20% with JFS running) at High Key.
• Straight-in SFO: 45% (40% with JFS running) at 8 NM; 25% (20% with JFS running) at 4 NM.
Q: When should you lower landing gear during a straight-in SFO?
A: When initial aim point is 11–17° nose low; lower gear and establish optimum gear-down airspeed.
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Systems
Q: Where is the OVERHEAT and FIRE detect loop routed?
A:
• OVERHEAT: Main gear well, EPU, ECS, engine compartment.
• FIRE: Engine compartment.
Q: When does the ENGINE Warning Light illuminate?
A:
• When RPM and/or FTIT indicate engine over-temp or flameout.
• When decreasing RPM and increasing FTIT occur together.
• RPM < 60%.
• ~2 seconds after FTIT exceeds 950°F.
Q: What operates off Hydraulic System A? Hydraulic System B?
A:
• System A: Flight controls, FF proportioner pump, speed brake.
• System B: Wheel brakes, flight controls, AR door, NWS, gear extension/retraction, gun (BANGG).
Q: When does the EPU activate?
A: When both MAIN and STBY generators fail or when both hydraulic systems are < 1000 psi.
Q: When does the HYD/OIL light come on?
A: When either hydraulic system drops below 1000 psi or oil pressure is < 10 psi (+/- 2) for > 30 sec.
Q: When does the HYD/OIL light turn off?
A: When both hydraulic systems are above 1000 psi and oil pressure is > 20 psi.
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Systems & Indicators
Q: When does the ENG LUBE LOW light come on?
A:
• In flight: When engine oil level decreases below 40% for more than 30 seconds (~60% leaked out).
• Before takeoff: Activation occurs below ~65% of normal capacity.
• After landing: Activation occurs below ~72% of normal capacity.
Q: When does the FWD FUEL LOW light illuminate? The AFT FUEL LOW light?
A:
• C Model: < 400 lbs forward reservoir, < 250 lbs aft reservoir.
• D Model: Opposite of C Model.
• Memory aids: “FFF” = Forward Fuel Four Hundred; “AFT” = Aft Fuel Two Fifty (C Model).
Q: When does the OXY LOW Caution light illuminate (Non-OBOGS)?
A: System pressure < 42 psi or oxygen quantity < 5 liters.
Q: When does the CABIN PRESS light illuminate?
A: Cockpit pressure altitude > 22,500’; turns off when descending through cockpit pressure altitude < 19,000’.
Q: How long does it take the JFS accumulators to automatically recharge?
A: 40 seconds (hot ambient), 60 seconds (cold ambient).
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Takeoff Parameters
Q: How many knots below computed takeoff speed should you initiate rotation, and what pitch attitude?
A:
• MIL Power: 10 knots below computed takeoff speed.
• A/B Power: 15 knots below computed takeoff speed.
• Pitch attitude: 8–12° nose high.
Q: For directional control on takeoff, when should you transition from NWS to rudder?
A: Use NWS until approximately ___ knots when rudder becomes effective (value not provided in text).
Q: What are the operating airspeeds below 10,000’ MSL for departure, formation rejoins on departure, and G-Ex?
A:
• Departure: 300–350 kts.
• Formation rejoins on departure: 350–400 kts.
• G-Ex: 400–450 kts.
Q: When does the TO/LDG CONFIG light illuminate?
A: Altitude < 10,000 ft, airspeed < 190 kts, VVI > 250 fpm and either TEF not fully down or LG/MLG not down and locked (accompanied by LG warning horn).
Q: What is the recommended holding airspeed in the Viper?
A: Max endurance = 170 kts + 5 kts/1000 lbs fuel/stores above baseline (C: 1000 lbs / D: 0 lbs).
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Italy and Aviano Specific
Q: Where are the uncongested areas at Aviano?
A: Runway 05/23 and parallel taxiways A and B. All other areas are congested.
Q: What are the taxi speeds in congested and uncongested areas?
A: 10 kts in congested areas, 25 kts in uncongested areas.
Q: What is the transition altitude at Aviano?
A: 7000’ MSL (varies at other aerodromes in Italy).
Q: Describe Aviano AB IFR local climbout (Runway 05 only).
A: Runway heading to 2 DME, then right turn to heading 180, climb and maintain 3000’.
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AFMAN 11-2F-16V3 Parameters
Q: What are the normal, minimum, and emergency fuel recovery numbers (Blk 40)?
A:
• Normal: 1200 lbs.
• Minimum: 1000 lbs.
• Emergency: 800 lbs.
Q: What is the minimum takeoff interval for MIL power, A/B power, radar-assisted trail departure, and live ammunition?
A:
• MIL: 10 seconds.
• A/B: 15 seconds.
• Radar Assisted Trail: 20 seconds.
• Live A/G ordnance (excluding BDU-33, rockets, 20mm): 20 seconds.
Q: Where is the desired touchdown point?
A: 500 ft from the aim point.
Q: Where is the aim point for a VFR approach? For a precision approach? With an approach-end cable?
A:
• VFR: Threshold.
• Precision: Glide path interception point.
• With approach-end cable: Past cable or 500 ft prior — circumstances (runway length, wind, RCR, gross weight, brake malfunctions) may dictate landing before the cable.
Q: What is the minimum altitude on a low approach?
A:
• IP/FE Chase: 50’ AGL.
• Formation approach: 100’ AGL.
• Emergency chase: 300’ AGL (unless safety or circumstances dictate otherwise).
Q: When must NVGs be stowed or raised during takeoff and landing?
A:
• Takeoff: Until at or above 2000’ AGL in climbing or level flight in VMC.
• Landing: NLT 5 minutes prior to landing unless handling an EP or mission requirement dictates otherwise.
Q: What is the F-16 certified for in enroute navigation? Can it fly Terminal Area RNAV Approaches?
A: Certified for RNAV 2 and BRNAV (RNAV 5). Cannot fly Terminal Area RNAV Approaches.
Q: What approach category is the F-16? Can it fly other category approaches?
A: Category E.
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Approach Categories
Q: Can you fly Category D approaches in the F-16?
A: Yes, provided:
1. A straight-in approach is flown.
2. Final approach is flown at 165 KCAS or less.
3. Missed approach segment is flown at 260 KTAS or less.
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AFMAN 11-202V3 — IFR Weather & Alternates
Q: What weather is required to depart IFR?
A: Lowest compatible approach minimums or PWC minimums, whichever is higher.
Q: When is an alternate required due to weather at the destination?
A:
• When destination’s worst weather (TEMPO or prevailing) at ETA ± 1 hr is < 2,000 ft ceiling and 3 SM visibility.
• Forecast crosswinds are outside aircraft limitations.
Q: What weather is required at the alternate (single alternate requirements)?
A:
• Ceiling: 1,000 ft or 500 ft above lowest compatible approach mins (whichever is higher).
• Visibility: 2 SM (3 KM) or 1 SM (2 KM) above lowest compatible approach mins (whichever is higher).
• Must have a compatible instrument approach.
Special for Italy on OAT flight plans:
• Worst weather (including TEMPO) at ETA ± 1 hr must permit a descent from MEA, approach, and landing under basic VFR (no compatible instrument approach).
Q: Do NOT select an airport as an alternate if what conditions exist?
A:
• All compatible approaches require an unmonitored NAVAID.
• Airfield does not report weather observations.
• Alternate not authorized (A NA) on all compatible approaches.
• Any disqualifying note in “IFR Alternate Minimums” section for the airfield or approaches.
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IFR Departures
Q: List the methods available to depart IFR.
A: Diverse Departure, (ICAO) Omnidirectional Departure, Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP), Diverse Vector Area (DVA), Specific ATC Instructions, Standard Instrument Departure (SID), MAJCOM-Certified Procedure.
Q: List the Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) that may be used alone or in combination.
A: Non-Standard Takeoff Minimums, Specific Routing, Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA), Reduced Takeoff Runway Length Procedure (RTRL).
Q: What is the minimum altitude to turn after an IFR takeoff?
A: 400 ft above DER elevation unless required earlier by a published procedure or ATC.
Q: What is the minimum climb gradient on an IFR departure and where does it begin?
A: 3.3% (200 ft/NM) or higher if published; begins at DER.
Q: What are the IFR DER crossing restrictions?
A: TERPS — 0 ft; ICAO/NATO — 16 ft above DER.
Q: How do you know procedures exist to assist obstacle avoidance during IFR departure?
A: “Trouble T” symbol on published instrument procedures for that airfield.
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Foreign Terminal Instrument Procedures (FTIP)
Q: When can you fly a Foreign Terminal Instrument Procedure?
A:
• If same procedure is in DOD FLIP.
• If Host Nation is on DOD Accepted Host Nation list and procedure is published in English.
• If procedure has a current FTIP review.
• Aircrew has received MAJCOM training (Theater Indoc Academics).
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Navigation — Established on Track
Q: When are you considered established on track?
A:
• ICAO: Half full-scale deflection (one-dot).
• US NAS: Half full-scale deflection, unless Localizer — within full-scale deflection.
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Approach & Descent Rules
Q: When can you descend below MDA, DA, or DH?
A: When sufficient visual reference with runway environment is obtained and in a safe position to land.
Runway environment elements: Approach lighting system, REIL, runway lights, VASI, threshold markings/lights, touchdown zone markings/lights, runway or runway markings.
Q: What visual reference is required to descend below 100 ft above TDZE using approach lights?
A: Red terminating bars or red side row bars must be distinctly visible and identifiable.
Q: On an ILS, do not descend below minimums if more than how far below or above glideslope?
A: Half-scale below or full-scale above localizer; if GS is recaptured, may continue to DA.
Q: How do you calculate decision height based on pilot weather category?
A: Add category’s base height (e.g., CAT B = 300 ft) to TDZE, THRE, or field elevation (in priority order) to compute PWC DA.
Q: Describe the following line of minima: S-ILS 3 1088/24 200 (200-1/2).
A: Straight-in ILS to Runway 03.
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Instrument Approach Minima
Q: What is the Decision Altitude (DA) for this approach?
A: 1088’ MSL.
Q: What is the required Runway Visual Range (RVR)?
A: 2400 feet.
Q: What is the Height Above Touchdown (HAT)?
A: 200 feet.
Q: What is the required ceiling and prevailing visibility?
A: Ceiling: 200 ft; Visibility: 1/2 SM.
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Cold Weather Altimeter Correction
Q: When do you apply a cold weather altimeter correction on an IAP?
A: If the temperature is at or below 32°F (0°C) or at/below the “Snowflake Temperature.”
Q: Should you temperature correct ATC vectors?
A: No — do not temp correct ATC vectors.
• ATC vectors may or may not be temp corrected; if obstacle clearance is in doubt, query ATC.
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Holding Patterns
Q: Describe a standard holding pattern in the US NAS.
A: Right-hand turns, timing on inbound leg:
• ≤ 14,000’ MSL = 1 min
• 14,000’ MSL = 1.5 min
• Turn rate: 3°/sec or 30° AOB, whichever is less.
Q: Describe a standard holding pattern in ICAO.
A: Right-hand turns, timing on outbound leg:
• ≤ 14,000’ MSL = 1 min
• 14,000’ MSL = 1.5 min
• Turn rate: 3°/sec or 25° AOB, whichever is less.
Q: Is holding pattern sector entry mandatory?
A:
• US NAS: No, recommended only.
• ICAO (outside US NAS): Yes, mandatory.
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Missed Approaches
Q: When should you start executing turns during a missed approach?
A: Only after reaching the Missed Approach Point (MAP).
Q: If you initiate missed approach prior to MAP, can you ignore altitude restrictions on final approach?
A: No — unless otherwise cleared by ATC, comply with procedure to the MAP at/above MDA, DA, or DH.
Q: What is the required climb gradient on a missed approach (non-HPMA)?
A: 200 ft/NM or higher if specified on the IAP.
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Transition Altitudes & Pressure Settings
Q: What is Transition Altitude (TA)?
A: Altitude at or below which vertical position is referenced to QNH or QFE.
Q: What is Transition Level (TLv)?
A: Lowest available FL for use above TA.
Q: What is Transition Layer?
A: Airspace between TA and TLv.
Q: What are TA/TLv values in the US NAS?
A: TA = 18,000 ft; TLv = FL180 unless QNH < 29.92.
Q: What about outside the US NAS?
A: TA is published on charts; TLv may be published or on ATIS.
Q: What is the difference between QNH, QNE, and QFE?
A:
• QNH: Local altimeter setting, altitude in MSL.
• QNE: Standard altimeter setting (29.92”), altitude above standard datum plane.
• QFE: Local altimeter setting, altitude in AGL (reads zero on ground).
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High Performance Military Aircraft (HPMA) Operations
Q: Can HPMA Departures and Approaches be flown without training?
A: No — requires MAJCOM training.
Q: What is the max bank angle for HPMA?
A: 30°.
Q: What is the minimum climb performance?
A: 5° nose high / 532 ft/NM.
Q: What is the minimum initial descent gradient?
A: 10° nose low or 1,000 ft/NM.
Q: What is the minimum missed approach climb gradient?
A: 3.43° nose high or 365 ft/NM.
Q: What is the circling radius for an HPMA circling approach?
A: 3.55 NM (3.65 NM if airport elevation > 1,000 MSL).
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Maximum Airspeeds (HPMA)
Q: What are the maximum airspeeds for various HPMA phases?
A:
• Holding: 250 KIAS
• High Altitude Initial Approach: 300 KIAS
• Circling: 220 KIAS
• Final Approach: 185 KIAS
• Missed Approach: 300 KIAS
• Departure: 300 KIAS