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CHAPTER 8
EVALUATION
This chapter describes evaluation principles and grading considerations. It also contains guidelines for conducting the hands-on performance test component of the APART and proficiency, NVD standardization, postmishap, medical, no-notice, and commander's evaluations. The flight evaluation is a primary means of assessing flight standardization and crew member proficiency. It is, therefore, a key part of Army aviation standardization.
Section I. Evaluation Principles and Grading Considerations
8-1. EVALUATION PRINCIPLES
a. The evaluation must include the examinee's ability to perform essential hands-on tasks to the standards prescribed in Chapter 6 or Chapter 7. It also must include the examinee's ability to manage aircraft resources to successfully complete the assigned mission.
b. The guidelines for evaluating crew coordination are not based on objective criteria; for example, distances or degrees. Rather, they are based on a subjective analysis of how effectively a crew performs together to accomplish a series of tasks. The subjective analysis is as important as the objective evaluation of the more definitive measurable tasks. The evaluator measures crew coordination skills on the basis of subjective judgment, which is more difficult than objectively measuring the skill to accomplish a specific task.
c. Evaluation requires an analysis of how each crew member performs the crew coordination actions included in each ATM task. The evaluator must determine how effectively the examinee communicates and how effectively he sequences and times critical actions to successfully complete a task.
d. Evaluation of a crew member's communication skills should include an analysis of how well he understands current and planned actions. Does he communicate current and proposed tasks effectively? Does he announce information before initiating a task so that the evaluator or other crew members are cued to perform their portion of the task?
e. In evaluating cockpit communication, the evaluator must determine how effectively the crew member uses standard aviation terminology. Use of this terminology is essential to ensure a clear, concise flow of information in the cockpit. The evaluator should correct any disuse or misuse of these terms on the spot to reinforce their proper usage.
f. The sequencing and timing of actions between crew members is critical. The evaluator should expect the P* to forewarn him of planned maneuvers. As the P, the evaluator should announce his intentions to the P*. These announcements permit proper sequencing of required follow-on actions.
g. In all phases of instruction and evaluation, the evaluator is expected to perform as a crew member in good faith. At some point during the evaluation, circumstances may prevent the evaluator from performing as a crew member. In such cases, a realistic, meaningful, and planned method should be developed to effectively pass this task back to the examinee. In all other situations, the evaluator must perform as outlined in the task description or as directed by the examinee. The examinee must know that he is being supported by a fully functioning crew member.
h. The value of any evaluation depends on strict adherence to fundamental evaluation principles. Anything less than strict adherence renders the evaluation meaningless. These fundamental principles are described below.
(1) The evaluators must be selected not only for their technical qualifications but also for their demonstrated performance, objectivity, and ability to observe and provide constructive comments.
(2) The method used to conduct the evaluation must be based on uniform, standard objectives. Also, the method used must be consistent with the unit's mission and must strictly adhere to the appropriate SOPs and regulations.
(3) All those concerned must completely understand the purpose of the evaluation. Moreover, the conduct of the evaluation must be purpose-oriented.
(4) Cooperation by all participants is necessary to guarantee accomplishment of the evaluation objectives. The emphasis is on all participants, not just on the examinee.
(5) The evaluation must produce specific findings to identify training needs. Everyone affected by the evaluation wants and needs to know what is being done wrong, what might be done better, and how improvements can be made. General comments do not always provide the direction and guidance essential for improvement. To serve its purpose, the evaluation must pinpoint both strengths and weaknesses.
8-2. GRADING CONSIDERATIONS
a. Oral Examination. The examinee must demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the subject areas presented. The evaluator will assess the examinee's knowledge during the oral examination.
b. Flight Evaluation. Performance standards are based on an ideal situation. Grading is based on meeting the minimum standards. If other than ideal conditions exist during the evaluation, the evaluator must make appropriate adjustments to the standards.
NOTE: During an evaluation, a task iteration performed in a more demanding mode of flight may suffice for an iteration performed in a less demanding mode of flight. The commander determines which mode of flight is more demanding.
Section II. Evaluation Guidelines
8-3. CREW MEMBER AND CREW FLIGHT EVALUATION
The flight evaluation determines the crew member's ability to perform appropriate tasks. It is administered for the initial designation to the assigned duty position, when required, and at periodic intervals per AR 95-1. The evaluation sequence consists of four phases. Phases 2 and 3 contain specific guidelines for conducting various aviation missions. The evaluator is the final authority on the amount of time devoted to each phase. If the evaluation is for an evaluator or a unit trainer, the recommended procedure is for the evaluator to reverse roles with the examinee during Phases 1, 2, and 3. When the evaluator uses this technique, he must ensure that the examinee understands how the role reversal will be conducted and when it will be in effect. Initial validation of an evaluator's orders at a new duty station will be conducted in the aircraft.
a. Phase 1--Introduction. In this phase, the evaluator--
(1) Introduces himself to the examinee.
(2) Reviews the examinee's records to verify that the examinee meets all prerequisites for the rating.
(3) Ensures that the examinee has all of the required equipment for the flight.
(4) Confirms the purpose of the flight evaluation, explains the evaluation procedure, and discusses the evaluation standards and criteria.
NOTE 1: If the evaluation is for an IP, SP, IE, or ME, the evaluator must explain that he will evaluate the examinee's ability to apply the learning and teaching process outlined in the Instructor's Handbook.
NOTE 2: For UTs, the evaluation will include special emphasis on the examinee's performance in those areas in which UT duties are performed. The evaluation should ensure that the examinee can safely and effectively perform UT duties.
b. Phase 2--Oral Examination. The examinee must have a working knowledge and understanding of all applicable topics in the respective subject areas below. He must respond correctly to questions from topics selected by the evaluator. As a minimum, the evaluator will select two topics from each appropriate subject area. An IP, SP, IE, or ME will also demonstrate an ability to instruct and evaluate any topic. Aerodynamics, tactical and mission tasks, and night tasks are not required for instrument evaluations. Tactical and mission operations and night mission operations and employment do not apply to MP evaluations. Also, for MP evaluations, questions on aeromedical factors and aerodynamics will be at the discretion of the evaluator. MPs must respond correctly to questions from two topics in each appropriate subject area. Those topics marked with an asterisk are for MPs only.
(1) Regulations and publications (ARs 40-8, 95-1, 95-2, and 95-3; DA Pamphlet 738-751; DOD FLIPs; FM 1-240; TCs 1-140 and 1-210; and local SOPs and regulations). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) ATP requirements.
(b) SOP requirements.
(c) DOD FLIPs and maps.
(d) VFR minimums and procedures.
(e) IFR minimums and procedures.
(f) Aviation life support equipment.
(g) Weight and balance requirements.
(h) Flight plan preparation and filing.
(i) Flight restrictions due to exogenous factors.
(j) Range operations and safety.
(k) Inadvertent IMC procedures and vertical helicopter instrument recovery procedures.
(l) *Test flight weather requirements.
(m) *Local airspace usage (test flight).
(n) *Publications required in the aircraft.
(o) *Maintenance operational check requirements.
(p) *Maintenance test flight requirements.
(q) *Maintenance test flight forms and records.
(2) Operating limitations and restrictions (TC 1-140 and TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Wind limitations.
(b) Rotor limitations.
(c) Power limitations.
(d) Engine limitations.
(e) Weather limitations.
(f) Pressure limitations.
(g) Airspeed limitations.
(h) Temperature limitations.
(i) Flight envelope limitations.
(j) Performance chart interpretation.
(k) Weight and balance requirements.
(l) Aircraft system limitations.
(m) Weapon system limitations.
(n) Laser limitations.
(o) FLIR and NVD limitations.
(3) Aircraft emergency procedures and malfunctions (TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Emergency terms and their definitions.
(b) Emergency exits and equipment.
(c) Engine malfunction and restart procedures.
(d) Rotor, transmission, and drive systems.
(e) Tail rotor malfunctions.
(f) Chip detectors.
(g) Fires and hot starts.
(h) Smoke and fume elimination.
(i) Hydraulic system malfunction.
(j) Fuel system malfunction.
(k) Electrical system malfunctions.
(l) Caution and warning light emergency procedures.
(m) Landing and ditching procedures.
(n) Auxiliary system malfunctions.
(o) Flight control or main rotor malfunctions.
(p) Fault detection and location system procedures.
(q) Mission avionics malfunctions.
(r) Weapon system malfunctions.
(s) Night vision system malfunctions.
(t) IHADSS malfunctions.
(4) Aeromedical factors (FM 1-301 and TC 1-204). Topics in this subject area include the effects of--
(a) Hypoxia.
(b) Carbon monoxide.
(c) Self-imposed stresses.
(d) Middle ear discomfort.
(e) Spatial disorientation.
(5) Aerodynamics (FM 1-203 and TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Relative wind.
(b) Total aerodynamic force.
(c) Airflow during hover.
(d) Translating tendency.
(e) Transverse flow.
(f) Dissymmetry of lift.
(g) Retreating blade stall.
(h) Compressibility.
(i) Dynamic rollover.
(j) Settling with power.
*(6) Attack helicopter tactical and mission operations (FMs 1-112, 1-114, 1-116, 1-400, and 1-402; TCs 1-140, 1-201, and 1-204; TM 55-1520-238-10; and unit SOP). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Fighting the battle (AH-64).
(b) Battlefield environment.
(c) Mission statement and employment methods.
(d) Combined-arms operations.
(e) Attack planning and terrain analysis.
(f) Tactical formations and fire control.
(g) Target coordination and laser designation.
(h) Fire support and joint air attack team operations.
(i) Tactical reports.
(j) Evasive maneuvers.
(k) Terrain flight planning and safety.
(l) Battle and firing position selection.
(m) Downed aircraft procedures.
(n) Navigational chart, map, and tactical overlay interpretation.
(o) Major US or allied equipment and major threat equipment identification.
*(p) Aerial observation.
*(q) Area, route, and zone reconnaissance.
*(r) Call for an adjustment of indirect fire.
(7) AH-64 mission avionics operation and deployment (FM 1-112, TC 1-140, and TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Doppler and HARS operation.
(b) IHADSS operation and boresight.
(c) TADS operation and boresight.
(d) Target storing and way point updates (FCC).
(e) TADS target tracking: IAT, manual, and LMC.
(f) TADS slaving and cueing operations.
(g) Target acquisition: LST, TADS, and IHADSS.
(h) HAD and AND operations and messages.
(i) Data entry keyboard operations.
(j) Weapons symbology.
(k) Aircraft survivability equipment.
(l) Degraded system operations.
(8) AH-64 weapon system operation and deployment (FM 1-112, TC 1-140, and TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Point target weapon system: LOBL.
(b) Point target weapon system: LOAL.
(c) Area weapon system.
(d) Aerial rocket control system.
(e) Combined weapons engagement characteristics.
(f) Weapons initialization, arming, and safety.
(g) Hellfire missile characteristics.
(h) 30-millimeter ammunition characteristics.
(i) Hydra 70 rocket characteristics.
(j) Ballistics.
(k) Laser operations (range/designator).
(9) Night mission operation and deployment (TCs 1-140 and 1-204 and TM 55-1520-238-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Unaided night flight.
(b) Night vision limitations and techniques.
(c) Visual illusion.
(d) Use of internal and external lights.
(e) Types of vision.
(f) Distance estimation and depth perception.
(g) Dark adaptation, night vision protection, and central night blind spot.
(h) Helmet display optimization.
(i) FLIR sensor optimization.
(j) Infrared characteristics and FLIR interpretation.
(k) PNVS characteristics and operation.
(l) Flight symbology and modes.
(m) Aircrew night and NVD requirements.
(n) NVD limitations and techniques.
(o) Parallax effect.
(p) Weapons deployment during night and NVD operations.
(10) Maintenance test flight troubleshooting and system operations (TM 55-1520-238-23 series, TM 55-1520-238-MTF, TM 55-1520-238-T series, and TM 55-2840-248-23). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Engine start.
(b) Instrument indications.
(c) Electrical system.
(d) Caution panel indications.
(e) Power plant.
(f) Engine performance check.
(g) Power train.
(h) Hydraulic system.
(i) Flight controls.
(j) Vibrations.
(k) Fuel system.
(l) Communication and navigation equipment.
(m) DASE and HAS.
(n) Fault detection and location system.
c. Phase 3--Flight Evaluation. This phase consists of a briefing; a preflight inspection; engine-start, hover, and run-up procedures; flight tasks; and engine shutdown and after-landing tasks.
(1) Briefing. The evaluator will explain the flight evaluation procedure and tell the examinee which tasks he will perform. For UT, IP, SP, IE, or ME evaluations, the evaluator must advise the examinee that he may deliberately perform some tasks not according to standard to check the examinee's diagnostic and corrective action skills. In addition, the evaluator will conduct or have the examinee conduct a crew briefing that includes, as a minimum, the items listed below.
(a) Mission.
(b) Weather.
(c) Flight route.
(d) Performance data.
(e) Postcrash rendezvous point.
(f) Transfer of flight controls.
(g) Simulated-engine-failure procedures.
(h) Crew duties, to include emergency duties.
NOTE: TM 55-1520-238-10 and local directives contain additional crew briefing requirements.
(2) Preflight inspection and engine-start, hover, and run-up procedures. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee's use of TM 55-1520-238-CL or TM 55-1520-238-MTF. He also will have the examinee properly identify at least two aircraft components and two weapon system components and discuss their functions.
(3) Flight tasks. As a minimum, the evaluator will evaluate those tasks identified in Chapter 5 as mandatory for the designated crew station and those mission or additional tasks selected by the commander. The evaluator may randomly select for evaluation any tasks listed on the mission or additional task list established by the commander. A UT, an IP, an SP, or an IE must demonstrate an ability to instruct and evaluate appropriate flight tasks. When used as part of the proficiency flight evaluation, the evaluation may include an orientation of thelocal area, checkpoints, weather, and other pertinent information.
(4) Engine shutdown and after-landing tasks. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee's use of TM 55-1520-238-CL or TM 55-1520-238-MTF.
d. Phase 4--Debriefing. During this phase, the evaluator will--
(1) Use DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), and 5882-R to critique the examinee's performance.
(2) Discuss, with the examinee, the examinee's strengths and weaknesses.
(3) Offer the examinee recommendations for improvement.
(4) Tell the examinee whether he passed or failed the evaluation.
(5) Complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), and 5882-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
(6) Ensure that the examinee reviews and signs the front and back of DA Forms 4507-R and 4507-2-R (if used).
8-4. BATTLE-ROSTERED CREW EVALUATION
a. Battle-rostered crew evaluation is a continuous process during crew training. The evaluator must evaluate the crew's ability to perform all required tasks in both day and NVD modes.
b. Evaluators must evaluate the crew during a mission to ensure that the crew members perform the tasks to standards. The evaluator may use any combination of the methods described below, depending on assets and aircraft capabilities, to observe a mission.
(1) Observation from the instructor or operator station of a compatible visual simulator. (Not all tasks can be performed in the simulator.)
(2) Observation from another aircraft as wingman during multihelicopter operations.
(3) Review of video tapes after a mission.
(4) Debriefing and interrogation of the crew.
c. When the crew has demonstrated proficiency in all crew tasks, both during the day and with the NVD, and the unit commander is satisfied that the crew has met all standards for each task, he will certify the crew as CRL 1. The evaluator will use DA Form 7121-R provided at the back of this manual to record the evaluation results. Reproduce this form locally on 5 1/2- by 8-inch paper.
d. Crews must be evaluated at least annually within the 90 days that precede the anniversary of their certification. No-notice evaluations are encouraged. Crews will be decertified if they do not meet the CRL 1 requirements stated in TC 1-210.
8-5. PROFICIENCY FLIGHT EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted per AR 95-1. After the evaluation, the IP or SP will debrief the examinee or crew and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), 5882-R, and 7121-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
8-6. NVS STANDARDIZATION FLIGHT EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted during the examinee's APART period. The examinee is evaluated at night in the aircraft in his designated crew station. After the evaluation, the IP or SP will debrief the examinee and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), and 5882-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
8-7. ANNUAL NVG STANDARDIZATION FLIGHT EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted per TC 1-210. After the evaluation, the IP or SP will debrief the examinee and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), and 5882-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
8-8. POSTMISHAP FLIGHT EVALUATION
This evaluation is required by AR 95-1. After the evaluation, the IP or SP will debrief the examinee and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), and 5882-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
8-9. MEDICAL FLIGHT EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted per AR 95-1. The IP or SP, on the recommendation of the flight surgeon, will require the examinee to perform a series of tasks most affected by the examinee's disability. The evaluation should measure the examinee's potential to perform ATM tasks despite his disability. It should not be based on current proficiency.
a. After the examinee has completed the medical flight evaluation, the evaluator will prepare a memorandum. He will include in the memorandum--
(l) A description of the environmental conditions under which the evaluation was conducted; for example, day, night, or overcast.
(2) A list of the tasks performed during the evaluation.
(3) A general statement of the examinee's ability to perform with the disability and under what conditions he can perform.
b. The unit commander will forward the memorandum with DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), and 5882-R to Commander, US Army Aviation Center, ATTN: HSXY-AER, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5333.
8-10. NO-NOTICE EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted per TC 1-210. After the evaluation, the evaluator will debrief the examinee or crew and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), 5882-R, and 7121-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
8-11. COMMANDER'S EVALUATION
This evaluation is conducted per TC 1-210. After the evaluation, the evaluator will debrief the examinee and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5051-11-R (if used), and 5882-R per instructions in Chapter 9.