Flight Basics - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)
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Group

Flight Basics
This group is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.



FM/G122 - Flight Basics
Skill
FM/BS-632 - Takeoff from a runway
Skill

Takeoff from a runway using the following method:

  1. Line up along the centre line of the runway
  2. Lower the flaps to the halfway position; if the aircraft has capability.
  3. Smoothly throttle up to 100%
  4. After reaching the aircraft specific rotation speed, smoothly pull the nose up to achieve 10 degrees of climb.
  5. Retract the landing gear after achieving a positive rate of climb.
  6. Retract the flaps.
Skill
FM/BS-1534 - Hold an altitude
Skill
  • Maintain assigned holding altitude within ±50 meters.
  • Apply smooth, minimal control inputs to prevent oscillation or overcorrection.
  • Anticipate aircraft pitch and power changes to stabilize climb/descent trends early.
  • Utilize onboard Altitude Hold systems when available to maintain consistent altitude.
  • Continuously cross-check altitude instruments while in holding patterns.
Skill
FM/BS-1535 - Hold a heading
Skill
  • Maintain assigned heading within ±2 degrees during CAS runs, cargo drops, and paradrop operations.
  • Establish heading prior to run-in and minimize lateral corrections once stabilized.
  • Use available heading references (DUI, MFD, or compass display) to confirm alignment.
  • Apply smooth roll inputs to prevent overcorrection and heading oscillation.
  • Utilize onboard Heading Hold systems when available to maintain directional stability.
Skill
FM/BS-1536 - Hold an orbit
Skill
  • Climb or descend to assigned orbit altitude prior to entering orbit pattern.
  • Navigate to the assigned focal point and establish the required orbit radius.
  • Maintain assigned orbit direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) without reversing unless directed.
  • Apply small, smooth control inputs to preserve stable turn rate and altitude.
  • Continuously monitor altitude, radius distance, and ground reference point during orbit.
  • Anticipate aircraft drift and correct early rather than applying large corrections.
Skill
FM/BS-633 - Land on a runway
Skill

Land on a runway using the following method:

  1. Visually align with the runway centerline when possible.
  2. Reduce throttle and use air brakes to reach approach speed while remaining above stall speed.
  3. Lower flaps fully and extend landing gear prior to final approach.
  4. When crossing the runway threshold, reduce throttle to 0% and slightly raise the nose to reduce descent rate.
  5. Slowly lower the nose to allow the nose wheel to make contact with the runway.
  6. Apply wheel brakes and air brakes to slow the aircraft (if available).
  7. Maintain runway alignment while decelerating to taxi speed.
  8. Follow Air Traffic Control instructions and exit the runway using the directed taxiway.
Skill
FM/BS-1539 - Load and unload aircraft cargo
Skill
  • Position cargo close to the aircraft loading point, typically the rear cargo access area.
  • Load cargo using one of the available interaction methods:
  • Use the cargo interaction menu to select Load and then select the aircraft as the target.
    • Use the interaction scroll menu on the aircraft, select cargo, then select Load/Unload as required.
  • For unloading cargo:
    • Interact with the aircraft, select the cargo inventory, then select Deploy/Unload.
Skill
FM/BS-634 - Paradrop troops and cargo
Skill

Paradrop troops/cargo using the following method:

  1. Identify and confirm the designated LZ prior to approach.
  2. Calculate drop alignment point above the LZ, accounting for wind strength and direction. Flying into the wind is preferred to improve drop accuracy.
  3. Establish level flight at low, stable airspeed during approach to the drop point.
  4. Perform the drop
    1. For cargo drops: initiate drop sequence approximately 7 seconds before reaching the drop point using the cargo interaction menu
    2. For troop drops: announce drop status over comms:
      1. Communicate “RED LIGHT” to the Jump Master 20 seconds before reaching the LZ.
      2. Communicate  “GREEN LIGHT” to the Jump Master 10 seconds before reaching the LZ.
  5. Maintain steady flight path through drop execution.
  6. After release, immediately egress from the drop zone and resume mission flight profile.
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