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CHAPTER 2

TERMS AND POLICIES

The ATP has added many terms to the aviation vocabulary. Users of this publication must be familiar with these terms. For that reason, the terms are explained in this chapter rather than in the glossary. Policy is included for further clarification.

2-1. AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAM

The ATP consists of qualification, refresher, mission, and continuation training. The goal of the program is to develop mission-ready aviation units.

2-2. AIRCREW TRAINING PROGRAM TRAINING YEAR

 Number

Title

TC 1-209

Observation Helicopter, OH-58D, Aviator/Aeroscout Observer

TC 1-211

Utility Helicopter, UH-1

TC 1-212

Utility Helicopter, UH-60

TC 1-213

Attack Helicopter, AH-1

TC 1-214

Attack Helicopter, AH-64

TC 1-215

Observation Helicopter, OH-58A/C

TC 1-216

Cargo Helicopter, CH-47

FC 1-217

Surveillance Airplane, OV-1

TC 1-218

Utility/Light Cargo Airplane

TC 1-219

Guardrail/Common Sensor Airplane, RC-12K/N/P

Figure 2-1. Aircrew training manuals

2-3. FLIGHT ACTIVITY CATEGORIES

All operational aviation positions and other designated flying positions in the ATP are classified as one of three flight activity categories. Unit commanders designate each position FAC 1, FAC 2, or FAC 3. They base these designations on the proficiency required by the TOE or TDA position. Commanders will not change a FAC level merely to reduce individual or unit flying-hour requirements.

NOTE: Flight activity categories do not apply to DACs.

2-4. COMMANDER'S EVALUATION

The purpose of the commander's evaluation is to determine the initial RL of newly assigned crew members. This evaluation consists of a records review and possibly a proficiency flight evaluation. The commander or his designated representative will complete the evaluation within 45 calendar days after the crew member signs in to the unit or after the effective date of his flying status orders, whichever occurs last. The Reserve Component commander or his designated representative must complete the evaluation within 45 days after the effective date of the crew member's operational flying status orders or the effective date of transfer (conditional release). ARNG personnel should refer to NGR (AR) 95-210.

2-5. READINESS LEVELS

Readiness levels identify the training phase in which crew members are participating and measure crew member readiness. They also provide a logical progression of individual and aircrew training based on task and mission proficiency. In some cases, crew members may have more than one readiness level. For example, crew members who are RL  l in their primary aircraft may be RL 3 or RL 2 in their alternate or additional aircraft while undergoing qualification or mission training in that aircraft. Another example is a crew member who is RL 1 and RL 3 in the same aircraft: RL 1 for aircraft continuation training, and RL 3 for NVG refresher training.

NOTE: Readiness levels do not apply to DACs.

NOTE: If an MP performs test pilot tasks only, an ME will conduct the advancement evaluation.

NOTE: All maintenance test flight tasks listed in the appropriate ATM are mandatory mission tasks for aviators assigned to maintenance officer and maintenance technician positions or designated as MPs or MEs.

NOTE: Aviators designated as MPs or MEs in alternate or additional aircraft must meet the annual maintenance test flight task iteration and evaluation requirements per the appropriate ATM for all alternate and additional aircraft in which they perform duties.

2-6. MULTIPLE-AIRCRAFT DESIGNATION

The commander designates a primary aircraft for each crew member. When a crew member must perform duties in more than one aircraft, the commander designates an alternate/additional aircraft. (Chapter 3 provides more information on alternate/additional aircraft.)

2-7. HELICOPTER GUNNERY TRAINING PROGRAM

The helicopter gunnery training program begins with individual qualification and progresses through crew qualification to unit collective training. FM 1-140 establishes training guidelines and defines the standard for helicopter gunnery qualification. Commanders will use FM 1-140 to develop a progressive and continuous helicopter gunnery program.