Puma44 Please Help This F4 Manual is Overloading My Brain

[RichardDarkwood]

I have been reading up on the WSO seat in the F4E manual and it is A LOT.

Have much respect for the people that secure our freedom from the sky.

[Animl-AW]

I have been reading up on the WSO seat in the F4E manual and it is A LOT.

Have much respect for the people that secure our freedom from the sky.

Sounds like awesome fun. Prolly doesn't take much to pork that mind

[Tumor]

I have been reading up on the WSO seat in the F4E manual and it is A LOT.

Have much respect for the people that secure our freedom from the sky.

Isn't there going to be a "Jester" kinda thing?  Just roll with that... I've never even looked at the back-seat of the Tomcat.

[CptTrips]

Isn't there going to be a "Jester" kinda thing?  Just roll with that... I've never even looked at the back-seat of the Tomcat.

Yeah.  A new advanced one.  If you are willing to stay in the front seat, it won't be quite so bad.

[RichardDarkwood]

Sounds like awesome fun. Prolly doesn't take much to pork that mind

the WSO seat has seven sections. One of those sections has four subsections and one of those four subsections has a huge section just on the radar alone. It is a lot of stuff.

[RichardDarkwood]

See for yourselves


https://f4.manuals.heatblur.se/

[Puma44]

It’s just a little light reading. 

For perspective, both had to know the -1 (F-4E) Operating Manual and Emergency Procedures to include the “BOLD FACE”, immediate action procedures that would get you killed if not performed promptly and correctly.  Every week before flying, usually Monday morning, all pilots and WSOs had to write out all the BOLD FACE procedures and hand them over to the duty officer for grading.  Incorrectly filled out, and you were off the day’s flying schedule.  It was rare for one to be filled out incorrectly.  Over time, the procedures were hard wired into the brain. 

The rear cockpit involved more with the radar controls, weapons computers, etc.  Then, there was a -34, the weapons manual, of which there was a classified version and unclassified version.

Then, there was a cluster of rules and regulations manuals that dictated how to operate all aircraft and the specific aircraft in all phases of operation, most which all were developed as the result of some aircraft accident over the years.  This collection was so extensive, it was nearly impossible to go out and fly any given day and not unintentionally break a rule that was to prevent an act of buffoonery committed years earlier that result in loss of life and aircraft, from ever happening again.  Bureaucracy at its finest.

There was a lot to read and be responsible for.  The enormous fun was worth it.

Bottom line:  Don’t get caught up in the minutia.  There’s far too much to learn and know proficiently.  Stick to the basics and have fun with the Phantom.

My crewed backseater, “Hooter” and I, refueling on a deployment from Osan AB, ROK to Clark AFB, PI.

[CptTrips]

Stick to the basics and have phun with the Phantom.

FIFY

[RichardDarkwood]

It’s just a little light reading. 

For perspective, both had to know the -1 (F-4E) Operating Manual and Emergency Procedures to include the “BOLD FACE”, immediate action procedures that would get you killed if not performed promptly and correctly.  Every week before flying, usually Monday morning, all pilots and WSOs had to write out all the BOLD FACE procedures and hand them over to the duty officer for grading.  Incorrectly filled out, and you were off the day’s flying schedule.  It was rare for one to be filled out incorrectly.  Over time, the procedures were hard wired into the brain. 

The rear cockpit involved more with the radar controls, weapons computers, etc.  Then, there was a -34, the weapons manual, of which there was a classified version and unclassified version.

Then, there was a cluster of rules and regulations manuals that dictated how to operate all aircraft and the specific aircraft in all phases of operation, most which all were developed as the result of some aircraft accident over the years.  This collection was so extensive, it was nearly impossible to go out and fly any given day and not unintentionally break a rule that was to prevent an act of buffoonery committed years earlier that result in loss of life and aircraft, from ever happening again.  Bureaucracy at its finest.

There was a lot to read and be responsible for.  The enormous fun was worth it.

Bottom line:  Don’t get caught up in the minutia.  There’s far too much to learn and know proficiently.  Stick to the basics and have fun with the Phantom.

Do you still remember the BOLD FACE procedures to this day?

And thanks for the input sir!

[Puma44]

Do you still remember the BOLD FACE procedures to this day?

And thanks for the input sir!

It’s been a couple of years since my last Rhino ride (Sept 1987) but, could probably muddle thru if a bold face sheet was placed in front of me.  Recently, found the 3X5 index cards I used in Phantom RTU to memorize the BOLD FACE.  Passed them on to my son who has assumed the keeper of family legacies role.

Basically, what you will encounter in the DCS version is just a hand full of grains, in a bucket of sand.

[RichardDarkwood]

My crewed backseater, “Hooter” and I, refueling on a deployment from Osan AB, ROK to Clark AFB, PI.

Thanks for the pic share

[AKIron]

Hope we get the C model eventually. I want to smear some oily black smoke on the sky.

[RichardDarkwood]

The DCS manual for the F4 is 816 pages. I usually have the manuals printed and spiraled which costs around $60-70. I cringe at the prospect of 816 pages

[RichardDarkwood]

It’s been a couple of years since my last Rhino ride (Sept 1987) but, could probably muddle thru if a bold face sheet was placed in front of me.  Recently, found the 3X5 index cards I used in Phantom RTU to memorize the BOLD FACE.  Passed them on to my son who has assumed the keeper of family legacies role.

Basically, what you will encounter in the DCS version is just a hand full of grains, in a bucket of sand.

Since you posted a refueling pic.....

any tips on ques for lining up that nozzle?

[Puma44]

Since you posted a refueling pic.....

any tips on ques for lining up that nozzle?

Assuming the flight modeling is accurate, the Rhino’s pitch axis will be sensitive due to the all flying stabilator.  It took some time to get use to and smooth down the resulting PIOs.

My first AR was in the Phantom.  I was still getting the pitch axis smoothed out.  So, expect that to be an element of frustration.

Approach the boom, level and trimmed, to the pre contact position (about a fuselage length) from the boom tip.  Align your fuselage with the yellow stripe on the tanker’s belly.  Position yourself vertically, so the boom tip will hit you between the eyes when moving to the contact position (hook up).  Yeah, it’ll be way uncomfortable, even in a cartoon jet.  When the boomer clears you to the contact position, move forward slowly and deliberately.  Look past the approaching boom tip to reference the fore/aft and up/down lights located along the yellow strip on the tanker belly.  Make small, controlled changes to illuminate the “Captain Bars” located in the middle of the reference lights.  With “Captain Bars” both illuminated, you are in the correct position for boom hookup.  Looking up at the boom, you will also see a green stripe with a yellow circle in the middle of it.  The boom shroud should split the yellow circle (commonly referred to as “split the apple”) when in the correct position.  As you are working toward this perfect position, the boomer is flying the boom tip at your windscreen.  As it gets scary close, the boom will fly around your canopy and insert in the refueling receptacle.  When a correct pressure connection is achieved, the refueling lights on the front canopy bow will illuminate, for another reference.  Now, all you have to do is fly a smooth formation position with the tanker, constantly referencing the belly lights and the apple.  Remember to relax, wiggle you toes, and trim.  As you take on fuel, the cg will change and require trim adjustments. When the required fuel load is onboard, the boomer will advise and clear you to disconnect.

Depress the AR disconnect button on the stick, note the canopy bow AR lights, and slowly reduce power as you fly down and back to clear the tanker.  Pretty simple, eh?