Operational Manuals Three types of manuals are discussed here. One is the NATOPS flight manual. The other two are checklists, the Pilot’s Pocket Checklist/Flight Crew Checklist and the Functional Check Flight Checklist. Natops Flight Manual. The Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) flight manual contains the complete operating instructions for a specific aircraft and its operational equipment. It is identified by the number 1 in part III of the publication number and is generally called a dash 1 (-1) manual. It contains emergency as well as normal operating instructions. NATOPS manuals enhance operational safety through standardization of ground and flight procedures. The manuals are issued by the direction of NAVAIR under a Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) letter of promulgation. This letter stipulates that the procedures are mandatory. NATOPS flight manuals are issued primarily for the use of the pilots and aircrew. Maintenance personnel should become familiar with the contents of the flight manual for their specific aircraft. NATOPS flight manuals are kept up-to-date by two types of changes: routine changes and interim changes. Routine changes are generally issued every 90 days. Interim changes cover vital operating instructions, and are issued when immediate action is necessary. Interim changes are issued either in printed or message form and are later incorporated as routine changes. Pilot’s Pocket Checklists/Flight Crew Checklists. These items are an abbreviated extension to the NATOPS data released in a special “knee pad” checklist format. They contain performance and reference data and emergency procedures, as well as normal and special procedures. They are step-by-step abbreviations of the amplified NATOPS procedures prepared for direct cockpit application. Functional Check Flight Checklist. These checklists are used during a functional check flight. They are used to determine whether the airframe, power plant, accessories, and other items of equipment are functioning in accordance with predetermined standards while subjected to the intended operating environment. These flights are conducted when it is not possible to determine proper operation by ground checks. The data is provided in an abbreviated checklist format. The checklist is applied by the pilot or crew members for recording the results of the flight test. Tactical Manuals The tactical manual supplements the flight manual; it provides information to the pilot and crew on how to “fight” the aircraft. It provides information on tactics, weaponry, and air combat maneuvering, with procedures and techniques based on tactical situations and mission assignments. These manuals are being made part of the Naval Warfare Publications program. Refer to Tactical Warfare Publications Guide, NWP-0. Airborne Weapons/Stores Loading Manuals (Conventional and Nuclear) These publications provide information required to convert aircraft armament systems to respond to various mission assignments, perform functional checkout of aircraft weapons control and release systems, and describe the loading or unloading of airborne weapons or stores. The conventional portion of the manual explains standard loading criteria and procedures predicted on tactical doctrine. The nuclear portion standardizes loading procedures and includes in-flight weapons procedures. These publications are also released by letter from CNO, specifying that the procedures stipulated are mandatory. Weapons Loading Checklists. These checklists are abbreviated step-by-step procedures taken from the amplified procedures displayed in the weapons or stores loading manuals. These are normally used for training as well as for direct loading support. Stores Reliability Cards (SRCs). SRCs contain abbreviated procedures for use in high-tempo operational areas. They may be used by trained and certified personnel instead of conventional weapons loading checklists. SRC’s are pocket-size, laminated cards that contain information to ensure the aircraft is ready to receive the weapon, the weapon is ready to be loaded. the weapon was properly loaded. and to show the final steps to prepare the weapon for flight and intended use. Nuclear Weapons Cargo Loading Manuals. These manuals provide information for transporting nuclear weapons. The instructions cover loading, securing, transporting, and unloading in cargo or transport aircraft and helicopters. 2-24