Bomber Operations

                                                                                   Updated 12/10/04 (Changes noted by *)

Bomber operations is an optional qualification. We will be organizing bomb runs and hope to get as many people qualified as possible. Although it may look boring on the surface I believe there is a lot of fun to be had. I was surprised that many things I gained through these skills helped me improve as a fighter pilot. So climb into a multi-engine, unfold your map and get ready for take-off!

Accepted Aircraft: The following Bombers are CAW15 officially accepted aircraft. I recommend getting set up for each bomber, panels, GPS, collision bubble, etc. A pilot may qualify his landings in a repaint. No 1% aircraft will be used at this time. Anyone having a bomber or transport they wish to make official they must submit it to Orkan.  Current list: All AI, All bombers on CAW15 download page. 

Instructor’s: An instructor must qualify you in each stage.  To become an instructor you must complete all of the required exams. You must also hold the rank equivalent to Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade or higher. These are not just test administrators but should be available to train and prepare you for your examinations.

                                                                                              Qualification levels

Bomber Qualified: To become qualified you will land ten times in A B25 Mitchell stopping on the last landing. The instructor will then assign a map location and the “student” will then use GPS to find and fly to the location. Make it short, 30 or 40 miles. (Lakunai to Namatanai is a great run). After landing the pilot will take off again, be given another location and must tell the “instructor” the GPS, and the Compass direction (roughly North, NW, SE, etc.). The pilots will then CFO to the base for mentioned and pull off the runway. Then instructors will CFO in behind him, checking to see if the pilot left adequate room. The pilot will then get his Bomber qualified Ribbon.

After this you can do ten landings in other bombers to "qualify" in that category (Heavy, Medium, Single engine low wing, single engine mid-wing). No GPS drill necessary. This will be noted in the pilots record. This is optional.

Beginning Navigation and Formation:  You will be tested on following in formation and must understand how to “cut off” a formation. Pilots must be able to name headings and adjust to headings quickly. Have an understanding of runway headings. You must log two hours of formation flying. Formation time is not required to be done with an instructor, just have your formation partner notify your testing instructor before your test.

Advanced Navigation and Formation: Lead a formation and know formation types and methods. Log a total of four hours of formation flying (your previous two hours counts towards this). Be prepared to dead reckon to two locations. Fly about 80 miles to the first location and about 50 mile to the second. Understand how to calculate your trip using Time, distance, and speed.

Veteran Bomber Pilot: Complete all previous qualifications. Log a total of 6 hours of formation flying (the six includes the previous four). Fly a bomber in three missions (instructor must be present) after previous qualifications are complete.

Instructor: The pilot must demonstrate the ability to teach the previous qualification stages. Log a total of ten hours of formation flying. Fly lead bomber in three missions (instructor must be present). This adds a star to the wings.

*Amphibious : (optional) Land a PBY on land 5 times. Land a PBY 5 times, come to a complete stop on the Fourth landing. Take off again, land your fifth In water park at instructor specified location. Maneuver through the inlets and channels near Koror. Note: Amphibious planes will be added to the hanger soon.  

*Carrier  Bombers: (optional) Land a carrier based bomber on deck 3 times and take off again. your choice Static or moving.

ADF: (optional) Not yet specified.

Weather: (optional) Demonstrate the ability to set up weather conditions and fly a two-stop hop (about 80 miles) under severe weather conditions.

Master Instructor: The Master Instructor Wreath is awarded by nomination only. Only one awarded per month. Must complete everything including optional levels and have the ability to teach all you’ve learned. It is also based on enthusiasm, attitude, and overall dedication to bomber operations.