Assigning departure radials normally depends on the following:
Mission of the aircraft
Number of carriers in the formation
Topographical features in the area
Those radials reserved for emergencies, letdowns, or helicopter holding
Departure Fan and Departure Reference Radial
The departure fan displays the radials assigned to each squadron as published in the
carrier or air wing doctrine. The fan is based on a TACAN radial assigned by CATCC to
which all squadron departure radials are based--the DRR. A departure fan is shown in
Figure 11-1.
Figure 11-1 -- Departure fan and reference radials.
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