2nd Bomb Wing · B-52H Stratofortress · KBAD

Phase Training

Three-phase syllabus — Transition & Fundamentals, Navigation/AR, and Low-Level/Surface Attack/Night. Standard = Grade 3 across all phases.

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Phase 1

Transition & Instrument Fundamentals

Safely operate the B-52H from ground operations through takeoff, basic airwork, instrument pattern, and landing while building aircraft handling and checklist discipline.

Tasks Covered

Student Orientation / LAO BriefTaxi ProceduresGround OperationsBasic Flight PlanCommunicationsTakeoffVFR DepartureClimbDescentVFR ApproachVFR LandingInstrument DepartureAutomation ManagementAircraft HandlingCruiseConfiguration Management

In-Flight Sequence

  1. Normal start, taxi, and line-up checks.

  2. Normal takeoff using TOLD — heavy unstick typically ~140–160 KIAS.

  3. VFR departure, climb, basic airwork and handling.

  4. Instrument/VFR pattern, 2–3 closed patterns, one go-around.

  5. Full-stop landing using crosswind controls, brakes, and drag chute as required.

Step-Card Data

  • Taxi: max 25 kts straightaway, 10 kts turns — nose-gear steering only.
  • Takeoff: line up, run to ~80%, release brakes, rotate ~10° at VR.
  • V-speeds: vary by gross weight — reference TOLD/PRFM; heavy unstick ~140–160 KIAS.
  • Climb: 280–300 KIAS / 0.74M; clean up flaps on schedule.
  • Pattern: 280 KIAS initial; final ~130–145 KIAS per weight.
Grading Focus: Smooth control, checklist discipline, communications, on-speed approaches. Standard = Grade 3.
Phase 2

Navigation, Instruments & Air Refueling

Execute instrument routing, automation management, holding, tanker rejoin, simulated onload, and IFR recovery.

Tasks Covered

Instrument DepartureAutomation ManagementAircraft HandlingCruiseConfiguration ManagementInstrument HoldsIFR LandingGo-Around / Closed PatternsMissed ApproachILS LandingLow ApproachIFR RoutingWaypoint NavigationVOR/TACAN/GPSFormation Basics

In-Flight Sequence

  1. Instrument departure.

  2. Enroute navigation to AR track; holding as briefed.

  3. Tanker rejoin — point-parallel or enroute.

  4. Precontact → contact → onload.

  5. Disconnect / breakaway.

  6. Post-AR navigation to recovery; ILS or instrument approach to full stop.

Step-Card Data

  • AR rejoin: ~270–290 KIAS; contact altitude per ATO.
  • Holding: standard 1-min legs (1.5 min above 14,000 ft) or per chart.
  • ILS: track LOC/G/S to DA; missed approach = runway-heading climb.
  • Fuel/CG: monitor transfer and balance continuously during onload.
Caution: Mass and slow roll response make AR demanding. Trim first, small inputs, early breakaway call.
Phase 3
Night

Low-Level, Surface Attack & Night

Fly a low-level navigation route, conduct a simulated surface attack with Time-on-Target control, then transition to night operations including landing.

Tasks Covered

IFR RoutingWaypoint NavigationVOR/TACAN/GPSMission PlanningT.O.T WindowsLow Visibility OperationsNight LightingNight VFR DepartureInstrument ApproachNight LandingAfter Landing Checks

In-Flight Sequence

  1. Departure to low-level entry point.

  2. Fly route at 500–1,000 ft AGL, 300–360 KCAS.

  3. IP inbound — simulated weapons release on TOT (±30 sec).

  4. Safe escape maneuver; egress.

  5. Transition to night — lighting set, night currency profile.

  6. Instrument approach; night full-stop landing; after-landing checks.

Limits

Altitude500–1,000 ft AGL
Speed300–360 KCAS
TOT Window±30 seconds
Grading Focus: Route/altitude discipline, TOT accuracy, safe escape, night currency and landing. Standard = Grade 3.