8.3. Mission Analysis

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8.3.1. Choosing a Destination. Basic considerations to determine if an airfield is acceptable for use include runway length, servicing capability, command restrictions, operating hours, and instrument approach availability. Strange fields are those with which the pilot is unfamiliar and requires additional planning effort. There are several other significant considerations for training missions. Excessive distance (time and/or fuel required) can preclude completion of required approach training. Weather conditions may not allow completion of major training objectives (e.g., VFR low level) or use of an otherwise excellent airfield (weather below minimums). When significant weather is a factor (e.g., winter weather to the north), it is good technique to develop multiple plans, such as a west option and an east option, for individual navigation missions or cross countries.

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8.3.2. NOTAM. See FLIP, General Planning, for detailed information on the NOTAM system. An initial scan of the NOTAMs can identify issues that eliminate potential destinations from planning consideration and prevent wasted effort. Performing a flight path search on the NOTAMs homepage will identify possible emergency airfields that may not be used due to runway closure.

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8.3.3. Airfield Suitability and Restrictions Report (ASRR). See AFMAN 11-202V3, for detailed information about use of the ASRR. Though originally designed for larger aircraft, the ASRR contains information about potential restrictions for T-6 operations and information that will enhance general SA.

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8.3.4. Weather. Actual and forecast weather conditions are a huge part in the planning of a navigational sortie or cross country. Study long-range forecasts several days in advance to determine the suitability of potential destinations and impact of weather on the probability of meeting training objectives. AFMAN 11-202V3, lists authorized weather sources and describes weather minimums. Check weather and winds for emergency airfields along the route as well.

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8.3.5. Flight Plan. There are several ways to input a flight plan into the ATC system (a flight plan indicates aircraft type, aircrew, routing, airspeed, special handling requirements, etc., for a planned mission). At military bases, the DD Form 1801, DoD International Flight Plan, may be completed and filed at base ops. This can be done in person, using a facsimile machine or through a website. Flight plans may also be filed via telephone with a local flight service station (e.g., 1-800-WX-BRIEF) or via ForeFlight. This is a convenient option for stopovers at civil airfields. Consult FLIP, General Planning, Chapter 4, for guidelines on completion of the DD Form 1801.

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8.3.6. TOLD. Compute TOLD with the abbreviated checklist when off station.

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8.3.7. Navigation Checklists. Most units have excellent navigation planning checklists and (or) briefing guides that contain detailed information about the mission analysis process. A common memory aid to ensure completion of major planning steps is WANTS.

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8.3.7.1. W - Weather, winds, temperatures, bird status (departure, enroute, destination).

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8.3.7.2. A - Activate flight plan (complete and file).

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8.3.7.3. N - NOTAMs (check for destination and drop-in airfields).

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8.3.7.4. T - TOLD (compute).

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8.3.7.5. S - SID (review departure procedure); S – STAR (plan for destination).

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