This chapter describes evaluation principles and grading considerations. It also contains guidelines for conducting the hands-on performance test component of the APART, crew and aircrew flight, battle-rostered crew, proficiency flight, NVG standardization, postaccident, medical, no-notice, and commander's evaluations. The flight evaluation is a primary means of assessing flight standardization and aviator proficiency. It is, therefore, a key part of Army aviation standardization.
a. The evaluation must include the examinee's ability to perform essential hands-on tasks to the standards prescribed for each task in Chapter 6 or 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 solely on easily measured criteria; for example, airspeed or distances. Rather, they include the IP's subjective analysis of how effectively the crew performs together to accomplish any given task or 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 judgments 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 complete a task successfully.
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 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. They are the SPs, IPs, IEs, and MEs who assist the commander in administering the ATP.
(2) The method used to conduct the evaluation must be based on uniform, standard objectives. In addition, it 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. Any crew member affected by the evaluation needs to know what is being performed correctly or incorrectly 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.
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 and enter the appropriate grade on the maneuver/procedure gradeslip.
b. Flight Evaluation. Performance standards are based on an ideal situation. Grading is based on meeting the minimum standards. The evaluator must consider deviations (for example, high wind turbulence or poor visibility) from the ideal during the evaluation. 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.
The flight evaluation is conducted to determine the crew member's ability to perform appropriate duties. It is administered for initial designation to the assigned duty position, when required, and at periodic intervals per AR 95-1. The evaluation sequence consists of the four phases given below. The evaluator is the final authority on the amount of time devoted to each phase. When the evaluation is administered to an evaluator or a unit trainer, the recommended procedure is for the evaluator to reverse roles with the examinee. 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 qualifications 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 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 evaluator, the individual conducting the evaluation 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 subject areas listed 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 evaluator 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, weapons system operations and deployment, and night mission operations and deployment do not apply to MP evaluations. Also, for MP evaluations, questions on aeromedical factors and aerodynamics will be at the discretion of the evaluator.
(1) Regulations and publications (ARs 40-8, 95-1, 95-2, and 95-3; DA Pamphlet 738-751; DOD FLIP; TCs 1-140and 1-210; TM 1-1500-328-23, and local SOPs and regulations). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) ATP requirements.**
(b) SOP requirements.**
(c) DOD FLIP 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) Test flight weather requirements.*
(l) Local airspace usage.
(m) Publications required in the aircraft.
(n) Maintenance operational check requirements.*
(o) Maintenance test flight requirements.*
(p) Maintenance test flight forms and records.*
(2) Operating limitations and restrictions (TC 1-140and TM 55-1520-248-10). 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) Aircraft systems limitations.**
(k) Performance chart interpretation.**
(l) Weight and balance requirements.**
[I] (m) Weapon systems limitations.
(3) Aircraft emergency procedures and malfunctions (TM 55-1520-248-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Definition of emergency terms.
(b) Emergency exits and equipment.**
(c) Engine malfunctions 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 emergency procedures.**
(m) Landing and ditching procedures.
(n) Auxiliary systems malfunctions.
(o) Flight controls malfunctions.
(p) Mission avionics malfunctions.
[I] (q) Weapon systems malfunctions.
(a) Hypoxia.**
(b) Carbon monoxide.**
(c) Self-imposed stresses.**
(d) Middle ear discomfort.**
(e) Spatial disorientation.**
(5) Aerodynamics (FM 1-203and TM 55-1520-248-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Relative wind.
(b) Total aerodynamic force.
(c) Airflow during hover.
(d) Airflow in forward flight
(e) Translating tendency.
(f) Transverse flow.
(g) Dissymmetry of lift.
(h) Retreating blade stall.
(i) Transient torque.
(j) Dynamic rollover.
(k) Settling with power.
(6) Tactical and mission operations (FMs 1-112, 1-116, 1-400, 1-402, 25-100, 25-101, and 90-4; TCs 1-140, 1-201, 1-204, 1-210; TM 55-1520-248-10; and unit SOP). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Reconnaissance and security operations.
(b) Aerial observation.
(c) Attack planning and terrain analysis.
(d) Tactical formations and fire control.
(e) Target coordination and laser designation.
(f) Fire support and joint air attack operations.
(g) Tactical reports.**
(h) Evasive maneuvers.
(i) Terrain flight mission planning and safety.**
(j) Combat position selection.**
(k) Downed aircraft procedures.**
(l) Interpretation of navigational charts, maps, and tactical overlays.**
(m) Vertical helicopter instrument recovery procedures.**
(n) Identification of major US or allied equipment and major threat equipment expected to be in the area of operation.**
(o) MMS/ATHS operation.**
(7) OH-58 weapon system operation and deployment (FM 1-112; TC 1-140; TM 55-1520-248-10). Topics in this subject area are--
[I] (a) Hellfire weapon system (LOBL/LOAL).
[I] (b) .50-caliber system.
[I] (c) 2.75-inch rocket system.
[I] (d) Weapons initialization, arming, and safety.
[I] (e) Hellfire missile characteristics.
[I] (f) .50-caliber ammunition characteristics.
[I] (g) Hydra 70 rocket characteristics.
[I] (h) Ballistics.
[I] (i) Laser operations (range/designator).**
[I] (j) Air-to-air Stinger system.
(8) Night mission operation and deployment (TCs 1-140and 1-204; TM 55-1520-248-10). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Unaided night flight.**
(b) Night vision limitations and techniques.**
(c) Visual illusion.**
(d) Use of lights (internal and external).**
(e) Types of vision.**
(f) Distance estimation and depth perception.**
(g) Dark adaption, night vision protection, and central night blind spot.**
(h) Infrared characteristics and TIS optimization.
[I] (i) ADSS flight symbology and modes.
(j) Aircrew night and NVG requirements.**
(k) NVG limitations and techniques.**
(l) Weapons deployment during night and NVG operations.
(9) Maintenance test flight systems operations, malfunctions, and troubleshooting-- (TMs 55-1520-238-MTF, 55-1520-248-MTF , 55-1520-248-23 , and 55-2840-248-23 ). Topics in this subject area are--
(a) Engine start.
(b) Instrument indications.
(c) Electrical system.
(d) Warning, caution, and advisory indications.
(e) Power plant.
(f) Mission equipment.
(g) Power train.
(h) Hydraulics system.
(i) Flight control.
(j) Rotor smoothing.
(k) Fuel system.
(l) Communication and navigation equipment.
(m) Stability and control augmentation system.
c. Phase 3 -- Flight Evaluation. This phase consists of a crew briefing, a preflight inspection; engine-start, run-up, and hover 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. When evaluating an evaluator, the individual conducting the evaluation 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.
(b) Weather.
(c) Flight route.
(d) Performance data.
(e) Transfer of flight controls. (CPO cyclic engaged or disengaged as required.)
(f) Crew duties, to include emergency duties.
(g) Procedures for conducting simulated emergencies.
(h) Postcrash rendezvous point.
NOTE: Refer to TM 55-1520-248-10 and local directives for additional crew briefing requirements.
(2) Preflight inspection and engine-start, run-up, hover, and before-takeoff checks. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee's use of TM 55-1520-248-CL or TM 55-1520-248-MTF. He also will have the examinee properly identify at least two aircraft components and two weapon system components if installed, 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 for evaluation. The evaluator may randomly select for evaluation any tasks listed on the mission or additional task list established by the commander. An evaluator must demonstrate an ability to evaluate and instruct appropriate flight tasks. When used as part of the proficiency flight evaluation, the evaluation may include an orientation of the local area, checkpoints weather, and other pertinent information. All MTF mission tasks are mandatory for an MTF standardization evaluation.
(4) Engine shutdown and after-landing tasks. The evaluator will evaluate the examinee's use of TM 55-1520-248-CL or TM 55-1520-248-MTF.
d. Phase 4 -- Debriefing. During this phase, the evaluator will--
(1) Use DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R, (if used), 5051-12-R (if used), and 7121-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 the applicable DA Forms in (1) above per instructions in Chapter 9.
(6) Ensure that the examinee reviews and signs the applicable DA Forms in (1) above per instructions in Chapter 9. (By signing the form, the examinee or trainee acknowledges that he has been debriefed. His signature does not mean that he concurs with the results.)
a. Battle-rostered crew evaluation is a continuous process during crew training. The evaluator must evaluate the crew's ability to perform all required crew tasks in day, night unaided, and NVG modes.
b. Evaluators must evaluate the crew during a mission to ensure that crew members perform the tasks to standards. To observe a mission, the evaluator may use any combination of the methods given below, depending on assets and aircraft capabilities. These methods are--
(1) Observation from another aircraft as wingman during multihelicopter operations.
(2) Review of video tapes after a mission (Kiowa warrior).
(3) Debriefing and interrogation of the crew.
c. Once the crew has demonstrated proficiency in all crew tasks, both during the day and under NVG, 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 debrief the crew and 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.
This evaluation is conducted per 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), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R, (if used), 5051-12-R (if used), and 7121-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
This evaluation is conducted per TC 1-210, this manual, and the Commander's Task List. After the evaluation, the IP or SP will debrief the examinee and complete DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5645-A-R, and 5645-B-R (if used) per instructions in Chapter 9.
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), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R (if used), and 5051-12-R (if used) per instructions in Chapter 9.
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. The memorandum will include--
(1) A description of the environmental conditions under which the evaluation was conducted; for example, day, night, or overcast.
(2) A list of tasks performed during the evaluation.
(3) A general statement of the individual's ability to perform with the disability and the conditions under which he can perform.
b. The unit commander will then forward the memorandum and DA Forms 4507-R, 4507-2-R (if used), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R (if used), and 5051-12-R to Commander, US Army Aviation Center, ATTN: HSXY-AER, Fort Rucker, AL 36362-5333.
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), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R (if used), 5051-12-R (if used), and 7121-R per instructions in Chapter 9.
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), 5645-A-R, 5645-B-R (if used), and 5051-12-R (if used) per instructions in Chapter 9.
* / ** / [I] NOTE: Topics marked with an asterisk are for MPs only. Those topics marked with a double asterisk apply to AOs and AFSOs. The [I] mark Kiowa Warrior topics.