9.33. Wing Work Exercise (WW Ex).

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9.33.1. Objectives.

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9.33.1.1. Number 1. Develop judgment and skill necessary to lead a formation through varying flight regimes. Use a combination of smooth changes in pitch, bank, and wing loading (Gs) to provide a stable platform with consistent, predictable roll rates, and no sudden changes in back pressure. Clear visually while planning for the formation (navigation, next maneuver, etc.) and monitor number 2.

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9.33.1.2. Number 2. Maintain or constantly correct back to fingertip. Make proper power and flight control inputs using small, smooth, and deliberate inputs. Trim should be used to allow ease in maintaining position. Avoid tendency to focus or stare at any single reference. Practice visually scanning all of number 1’s aircraft for position references and visually clear through number 1.

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9.33.2. Description. The WW Ex is typically flown as series of maneuvers in a targeted airspeed range. Eventually maneuver up to 2 to 3 Gs and approximately 90 degrees AOB as proficiency improves. Initially, proficiency may limit both number 1 and number 2 to lower levels of the WW Ex or even level turns at various angles of bank. The lower levels of the WW Ex give number 2 a reduced pitch, bank, and G environment to learn to recognize deviations and develop the ability to correct. This allows number 2 to build the skills necessary to effectively and efficiently correct and maintain fingertip. See Table 9.1.

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9.33.3. Procedure. Levels provide a measure of difficulty of the exercise. They provide a building-block approach to develop fingertip flying skills and proficiency. Levels also provide a way to set training objectives.

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9.33.4. Number 1.

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9.33.4.1. Power Control and/or Energy. Target energy level is the middle of the area altitude block between approximately 180 to 200 KIAS. Normally, number 1 sets power to maintain desired energy level. As a guide, 50-60 percent torque is generally sufficient to maintain energy and give number 2 enough of a power advantage to maintain position. When in a high area, consider using a higher power setting due to decreased aircraft performance. Once set, number 1 should avoid changing power to maintain a more stable platform. Weather or other environmental conditions may affect the energy level in the area. Avoid extremely low or high power settings during the WW Ex as it limits number 2’s ability to adjust for deviations.

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9.33.4.2. Maneuvering. During initial training, use smaller bank angles and conservative climbs and/or descents (Level I WW Ex) to stay within number 2’s capabilities. As number 2’s proficiency allows, increase to Level II or Level III. Avoid advancing to higher levels too quickly; develop and master proficiency at lower levels first. For Levels II and III, initially blend pitch with roll to the desired bank angle. Hold the bank angle as the nose of the aircraft drops through the horizon. As the nose approaches the desired nose-low pitch attitude, begin the rollout and reverse direction while maintaining positive G. Attempt to pull through the horizon in a near wings-level attitude or slight bank in the next turn direction. Use bank angle to aid pitch control.

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9.33.4.2.1. Do not “stair-step” or ratchet roll rates into or out of turns. Initiate changes in bank smoothly then continue using moderate, positive movements. Remain predictable. Do not begin a rollout and suddenly roll back into the bank. If a turn must be continued for area orientation, stop the roll, pause momentarily to allow number 2 to adjust, then begin the roll smoothly back into the turn.

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9.33.4.2.2. Visually clear the flight path before commencing the turn. The WW Ex may be started with either a blend of pull and roll into a climb or descent, depending on energy level. If starting from a low kinetic or high potential energy level, smoothly increase bank angle, and allow the nose of the aircraft to slice to the desired nose-low attitude while maintaining positive G, and then begin the WW Ex with a vertical pull- up as stated above.

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9.33.4.2.3. Consider environmental conditions, such as sun angle and cloud layers, and plan formation maneuvering to avoid them as able.

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9.33.4.2.4. Do not stare at number 2, but continually monitor number 2’s position and status. Use the mirrors if necessary and communicate with the other crewmember when required to assist monitoring number 2. Be ready to take evasive action and/or direct a breakout, if required.

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9.33.5. Number 2.

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9.33.5.1. Power Control and/or Energy. The ability to fly well in close formation is the result of recognizing, anticipating, and applying small corrections. Anticipate how number 1's aircraft will speed up and slow down due to gravity, as well as how bank angle will affect turn circle differentials. Make continuous, small, and controlled corrections to stay in position. Always keep the aircraft trimmed and coordinated. Make small, precise power changes instead of using large power bursts.

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9.33.5.2. Maneuvering. To remain in proper position, changes in bank (roll), back stick pressure (pull), and power must be blended as necessary into one simultaneous action.

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9.33.5.2.1. Turns Away. When number 1 turns away, number 2’s aircraft is on the outside of number 1’s turn circle. If corrections are not made, AA decreases (number 2’s aircraft moves aft of the fingertip line) and range increases (lateral spacing increases). Number 2 must match number 1’s roll rate, increase back pressure and climb to maintain vertical position. This requires an increase in power to maintain airspeed and position. After the turn apex and number 1 begins to roll out, number 2 should anticipate a need to reduce power.

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9.33.5.2.2. Turns Into. When number 1 turns into, number 2’s aircraft is on the inside of number 1’s turn circle. Add slight forward pressure to maintain vertical position and reduce power. After the turn apex and number 1 begins to roll out, number 2 should anticipate a need to increase power. Be aware of collision potential at all times. The collision potential increases in turbulence or while flying maximum performance maneuvers or maneuvers that are not frequently flown.

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Table 9.1. T-6 WW Ex Training Levels and Parameters. Bank Level Angle Pitch G Loading Airspeed I ~ 0º – 30º ~ +/- 10º ~ 1 – 2 G 120 KIAS minimum II ~0º – 60º ~ +/- 25º ~ 1 – 2 G 120 KIAS minimum III ~ 0º – 90º ~ +/- 35º ~ 1 – 3 G 120 KIAS minimum

Table 9.1 (PDF p. 209)