Mil-Air | Check Flight Command

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Flight test Mil-Air aircraft

 

Howard AB (HOW), Balboa - Panama

Mil-Air has established its flight training and crew testing wing, the 'Check Flight Command' (CFC) at its HOW base, located north to the famous Panama Canal facing Pacific Ocean. Mil-Air has carried out many construction and development work in the HOW base to accommodate its vast operational requirements.
• Second 11000 feet runway constructed to accommodate M-A heavy lift aircraft.
• New runway is equipped with full ILS/DME for IFR flying conditions.
• Engine run up apron is available for aircraft ground testing.
• New Aprons and Taxiways built to access new Hangars and Terminal.
• Additional VOR and NDB stations commissioned for flight testing requirments.

  CFC conducts all required flight checks for aircraft/helicopter type ratings (i.e. Copilot and Commander) and promotion tests for Captain and above ranks.

  All new Mil-Air applicants and active Mil-Air pilots are required to complete a 'Standard Check Flight' (SCF) for each new Fixed wing or Rotary wing aircraft type that he/she wishes to operate for routine Mil-Air missions. SCF is authorized to carry out from any Mil-Air base.

  Active Mil-Air pilots are encouraged to complete the 'Advanced Check Flight' (ACF) for a more demanding and realistic experience. ACF is an alternative to SCF, and it is available for FS98 only.

  Pilots are welcome to communicate with CFC for additional information on any of the tests and procedures.

ID	Name	Latitude	Longitude	Freq.
Airfield - MPOH. Elev: 51'	Howard AB	N8* 54.90'	W79* 35.80'	119.95 (ATIS)
VOR - HOW	Howard AB M-A	N8* 55	W79* 35	116.55
DME - HOW	Howard (Balboa)	N8* 55.90'	W79* 36	116.50
NDB - HO	Howard AB M-A	N8* 54	W79* 35	227.00
Runway	Length	Surface	ILS/LOC Freq.	ILS ID
18	8500'	Concrete	-	-
36	8500'	Concrete	110.90	HOWL
19	11000'	Concrete	110.30	IWHO
01	11000'	Concrete	109.30	IPOH

Panama Area Geography

Panama offers very challenging flying conditions for both VFR as well as IFR situations. A central spine of mountain ranges extends almost the entire length of Panama, dividing the country into Atlantic- and Pacific-facing slopes. The two principal mountain ranges, the Tabasará Mountains in the west and the Cordillera de San Blas in the east, are separated near the centre of the country by a saddle of lower land. This depression (the Panama Canal site) divides the country again--roughly into western and eastern halves. Of the four quadrants thus formed, the southwestern is the most important: with the canal area itself it accounts for most of Panama's population and commerce. The country's highest peak is an inactive volcano, Barú; (Chiriquí; 11,401 feet [3,475 meters]).

Weather Conditions

Panama has mostly a tropical, rainy climate, with warm days and cool nights throughout the year. Only the savanna area situated on the Pacific coast experiences a marked dry season for part of the year. The annual average temperature on both coasts is about 80° F (27° C), and it ranges from 50° to 66° F (10° to 19° C) in the mountains. The period of heaviest rainfall is from May to December. Rainfall averages between 60 and 140 inches (1,500 and 3,500 mm) a year on the Caribbean coast and between 45 and 90 inches (1,140 and 2,290 mm) on the Pacific coast.

Panama Canal

The Panama Canal, built by the United States and operated since its opening in 1914, has made Panama an international shipping and trade centre. Spanish CANAL DE PANAMÁ, canal of the lake-and-lock type connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the narrow Isthmus of Panama in Central America. Its length from deep water in the Atlantic to deep water in the Pacific is about 51 miles (82 km). It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in the world, the other being the Suez Canal; ships sailing between the east and west coasts of the United States, for example, can shorten their voyage by about 8,000 nautical miles by using the Panama Canal instead of rounding Cape Horn.

DOWNLOAD MIL-AIR HOWARD AB SCENERY FOR FS95 / 98 OR FS2000 / FS2002

Most recently updated information or requirements are marked with #

CFC INDEX C-1: STANDARD CHECK FLIGHT - SCF - Certifies all new pilots and active Mil-Air pilots to operate an aircraft as the copilot C-2: ADVANCED CHECK FLIGHT - ACF - Certifies active Mil-Air pilots to operate an aircraft as the copilot (ACF is an alternative to SCF) C-3: CAPTAIN / SENIOR CAPTAIN PROMOTION FLIGHT - For promotions and positions within company C-4: AIRCRAFT COMMANDER CHECK FLIGHT - CCF - Certifies to operate an aircraft as the Commander C-5: VIDEO RECORDING AND SAVING PROCEDURE - How to submit your video recording of SCF or CCF Check Flight Report - Submit your completed SCF or ACF Report

 

C-1: STANDARD CHECK FLIGHT-SCF 

Notam:

1. You should complete a SCF for each new aircraft type that you wish to fly.

2. Use a copy of Completed Check Flight Report form to record required flight data.

3. Follow standard flight procedures described in Mil-Air Operations Manual.

4. Flight duration of SCF should be one hour or more.

5. SCF is authorized to carry out from any Mil-Air base.

6. Successful completion of SCF authorizes pilot to operate the particular aircraft as the Copilot (without commanding responsibilities).

 

SCF TEST PROCEDURE:

* Select an aircraft - applicable to your pilot rank - from The Hangar and install it in your MS FS-95/98/2000.

* Take 100% fuel.

* Take off and climb to 12000', and disengage 'Autopilot'.

* Fly the aircraft using all primary aircraft controls. Try steep turns, full power accelerations, S-turns, etc.

* Idle engines and check the stall speed without flaps.

* Idle engines and check the stall speed with full flaps and landing gear down.

* Carry out an VFR approach to the airport. After touch down, take off again and carry out an ILS landing.

* Carry out several take-offs and landings [Minimum of three Touch-and-Go landings]

# * Carry out all manoeuvres until you are fully confident with the aircraft's handling. Flying test shall consist of-

• Engine failure after take-off
• Simulated forced landing; touch-down to be within 300' from runway threshold
• Aborted landing procedure
• Climbing and descending turns
• Instrument flying, including course keeping, rated turns and turns on to selected headings

* Carry out a cross country flight of 100nm or more [No altitude restriction]. It should over-fly at least two VOR/NDB stations.

 

Send your Check Flight report to CFC using Completed Check Flight Report form.

New applicants: Enter your 'Check pilot #' as Pilot ID and 'SCF' as the mission #.

Active Mil-Air pilots: Enter your 'Mil-Air pilot #' as Pilot ID and 'SCF' as the mission #.

NOTE: Time taken for Check flight will be added to your total flying hours but will not satisfy minimum flying requirement.

[CFC Index]

C-2: ADVANCED CHECK FLIGHT-ACF

NOTAM : ACF is not available until further notice

  [CFC Index]

C-3: CAPTAIN / SENIOR CAPTAIN PROMOTION FLIGHT

 C-3a: Senior First Officer to Captain Promotion

# The applicant is expected to posses following skills;

• Execute emergency manoeuvres, which include forced landings and recovery from stalls entered from both level and steeply banked attitudes.
• Operate multi-engine aircraft at maximum landing weight with one engine inoperative.
• Action in the event of instruments failure
• Crosswind takeoff and landings up to 90 deg to the runway path
• Execute all manoeuvres solely by reference to instruments (without Autopilot).
• Interpretation & use of Radio Navigation aids, carrying out of orientation and approach procedure by the use of radio.

The applicant should submit a FS video to the Check Flight Command showing his/her ability to conduct an instrument landing into Howard AB (HOW), Panama with following conditions.

* Runway in use 36.

* Aircraft should be Mil-Air type rated with a SCF.

* Overcast cloud ceiling of 1800 feet. Cloud tops should be 5000 feet or above.

* Time between 1700-2200 hrs local.

* Autopilot should be OFF.

 

C-3b: Captain to Senior Captain Promotion

# The applicant is expected to posses a fair knowledge on following;

• Air traffic control practices and procedures.
• Basic principles of air navigation.
• Meteorological data and its dissemination.
• Theory of flight.
• General aspects of airframes and powerplants.
• Flight planning.

The applicant must submit a FS video to the Check Flight Command showing his/her ability to conduct an instrument landing into Howard AB, Panama with following conditions.

* Runway in use 01.

* Aircraft should be multi engine heavy, Mil-Air type rated.

* Overcast cloud ceiling of 1500 feet. Cloud tops should be 5000 feet or above.

* Time between 1800-2200 hrs local.

* Altitude indication should be disabled (hidden) after turning into intercept ILS localizer.

* On ILS idle number one engine at 7.5 DME of HOW VOR.

 

[CFC Index]

C-4: AIRCRAFT COMMANDER CHECK FLIGHT-CCF

Updated Aug-05-2002

 

Successful completion of Commander's Check Flight (CCF) authorizes pilot to operate the particular aircraft as the Commander. Refer the table in the Policy Manual for applicable aircraft categories for each Pilot Rank. CCF flight test is a valid alternative for Captain I, II and III promotion check flights.

The applicant should possess a thorough knowledge on following

• Air traffic control practices and procedures
• Principles of air navigation
• Meteorological data and its dissemination
• Theory of flight
• Functions of CCF aircraft's airframe and engines

Pilot should possess minimum of 100 flying hours. Submit your CCF request using Mission Request Form. Along with CCF authorization you will receive a Mil-Air CCF situation file and instructions to follow.

The CCF applicant is required to submit an FS video [for FS98/2000] or Flight Data [for FS2002] to the Check Flight Command showing his/her ability to conduct a takeoff and landing at Howard AB (HOW), Panama solely by reference to instruments. Flight should satisfy following conditions.

* Runway in use 01.

* Clouds, Winds, Weather, Visibility, Time, etc. are preset with the CCF file.

* Aircraft should be Mil-Air type rated with a SCF.

* Autopilot should be OFF.

CCF TEST PROCEDURE:

NOTAM: Following is a basic guide to perform the CCF. Pilot is expected to follow all required standard cockpit procedures. CFC is looking for flying accuracy and timely actions taken by the pilot. CCF simulates various flying aspects within very short time intervals. It is essential to have a thorough practice before completing the actual CCF. Do not switch on Autopilot or change other parameters at any time during the flight.

Pilot will receive additional information on testing, weather, etc. along with the CCF authorization message.

• Copy Mil-Air CCF file(s) to your FS98/2000 Pilots folder or FS2002/Flights/myflts
• From the FS Flights menu load Mil-Air CCF flight
• Load the aircraft that you intended to carry out the CCF
• Prepare the aircraft for departure
• Start all engines
• Start recording the video
• Taxi to engine run up apron
• Carry out a full power engine run [N1 100-103%] for 15 seconds
• Line up runway 01
• Takeoff and maintain runway heading to 1000'
• Turn RH downwind. Climb and maintain 3500'
• In downwind leg Idle number one engine at 7.5 DME from runway
• Tune to ILS of runway 01
• At 12 DME turn right and intercept Localizer of runway 01
• After intercepting localizer disable (hide) Altimeter indication
• After landing vacate runway via nearest taxiway
• Stop video recording

Send your CCF report to CFC using Completed Check Flight Report form below.

Follow FS video saving procedure given below to send your CCF video.

 

[CFC Index]

C-5: VIDEO RECORDING AND SAVING PROCEDURE [for FS98, FS2000 and FS2002]

NOTAM 8-2002:

All applicants should record test flights. Then replay the video and fill data required in the Completed Check Flight Report.

FS2002 users are not required to send video files due to large file size.

• For Promotion flights: Start recording the video, when turning to intercept ILS localizer. Stop recording when exiting runway.
• For CCF: Record the video as per the instructions given with CCF procedure.
• Save the video with title 'MAxxxZZ'. (i.e. MAxxxZZ.vid). Note: xxx = Your Mil-Air Pilot ID. ZZ = Your FS version. 98 or 2k.
• When saving the video make sure to enter following details under video 'description'
  • Your name :
  • Pilot ID # :
  • Aircraft used :
  • Type of check flight :
  • Local time and Weather (N/A for CCF) :
  • Landing gear and Flap position (N/A for CCF):
  • Total flying time :
• # Convert your MAxxxZZ.vid file to a zip file (Ex: MAxxxZZ.zip) using 'Winzip'. Note: MAxxxZZ.vid file can be found inside 'FS2000/Pilots' or 'FS98/Videos' folder.

  # Attach your MAxxxZZ.zip file to an Email and send to Mil-Air CFC. FS2002 users are not required to send video files due to large file size.

  [CFC Index]

Completed Check Flight Report

Rev - 12 : Most recently updated information or requirements are marked with

To be used with Standard Check Flight (SCF), Advanced Check Flight (ACF)

& Commander Check Flight (CCF)

NOTE: Print this form and use it to reocrd your check flight data.

Please complete and submit your check flight report below. If you have problems with the form, promptly E-mail to the Check Flight Command and include the following information.

Pilot ID # : Name : E-mail address :

DEPARTURE DATA (Record before takeoff) Date : Check Flight Type : SCF ACF CCF Aircraft Type: Departure Airport: Time (GMT): Takeoff Fuel Wt. (lb): Weather Conditions Not required for SCF Wind (dir/speed): Clouds (ft): QNH (mb): Temperature (C):

TAKEOFF DATA (Record during climb - Average value between 500-1000' ) N1 RPM (%): Rate of Cimb (ft/min): Fuel Flow (lb/hr/engine):

TEST FLIGHT DATA (Record during aircraft testing) Not required for CCF ># SCF: Test the aircraft before the cross country flight # ACF: Test the aircraft over the ATC assigned test area Stall speed, without flaps (IAS-kn): Stall speed, with full flaps & Gear down (IAS-kn): Max. speed achieved in level flight at 15000' (IAS-kn): 'Overspeed' warning came at (IAS-kn): Max. rate of climb achieved (ft/min): Max. rate of descent achieved (ft/min): Max. banking angle achieved (deg): Remarks:

CROSS COUNTRY DATA (Record average value during cruise) Not required for CCF Cruise Speed (IAS-Knots): Fuel Flow (lb/hr/engine): N1 RPM (%): Altitude (ft): Time to Cruise Altitude (min): GPS Used: Yse No VOR/NDB stations over-flew during cross country flight (Ex.VOR-xxx):

LANDING DATA (Record after final landing) Any Enroute Landings: No Yes - Enroute Airport: Landing Time (GMT): Departure Time (GMT): Note: For multiple landings record details under 'Remarks' below Destination Airport: Landing Time (GMT): Fuel Used (lb): Runway Approach Type: Visual VOR/NDB ILS GPS Weather Conditions- Not required for SCF Wind (dir/speed): Clouds (ft): QNH (mb): Temperature (C):

Number of Touch-and-go landings : (Minimum 3 required) Not required for CCF TOTAL FLYING TIME (hrs:min): (For SCF minimum one hour is required) REMARKS (Your feedback) Any delays, unusual occurrences/mishaps or multiple landings during the flight? Please record details below.    or

[CFC Index]

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