Common Core 102
Naval Air Training and
Operating Procedures Standardization
(NATOPS) Fundamentals
113.1 Discuss the purpose of the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Program.
The NATOPS program is a positive approach towards improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction in aircraft mishaps. It is issued by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). NATOPS instructions prescribe general flight and operating instructions and procedures applicable to the operation of all naval aircraft and related activities.
113.2 Explain general aircraft prestart precautions.
Before starting an engine, the wheels of the aircraft
shall be chocked and the parking brake set unless a deviation from
this requirement is specifically authorized by the applicable model
NATOPS manual.
113.3 State the meaning of the following terms as they apply to NATOPS:
Warning- An operating procedure, practice, or
condition, etc., that may result in injury or death if not carefully
observed or followed.
113.4 State the purpose of a NATOPS evaluation.
The standard operating procedures prescribed in NATOPS manuals represent the optimum methods of operating various aircraft and related equipment. The NATOPS evaluation is intended to evaluate individual and unit compliance by observing and grading adherence to NATOPS procedures.
113.5 State the purpose of the naval Flight Records Subsystem (NAVFLIRS).
The NAVFLIRS, OPNAV 3710/4, also known as the "yellow sheet", provides a standardized Department of the Navy flight activity data collection system. NAVFLIRS is the single-source document for recording flight data and is applicable in specific areas to aircraft simulators.
The form shall be prepared for each attempt at flight of naval aircraft or training evolution for simulators. The NAVFLIRS is a single-source document that collects flight activity data in support of the maintenance data system (MDS). Data collected includes:
A statistical description of the flight pertaining to the aircraft and crewmembers.
- A record of all logistic actions performed during the flight.
- A record of weapons proficiency.
- A record of training areas utilized and other miscellaneous data.
113.6 State the purpose of master flight files.
The master flight files shall be the only official flight record of naval aircraft and shall be maintained in accordance with OPNAVINST 3710.7 by every reporting custodian of naval aircraft as defined in OPNAVINST 5442.2. The master flight files are sent in to the respective collection places in August of each year.
113.7 Explain the aircraft visual identification system for the following Type Commanders (TYCOMs):
The visual identification system for naval aircraft provides for the assignment of aircraft markings and side numbers that identify aircraft of one unit from those of another. The system provides a means of rapid identification of Navy and marine aircraft that is simple, flexible, and readily adaptable to expansion in the event of mobilization.
COMNAVAIRLANT- The first character shall be "A through M"; second character "A through Z".
- COMNAVAIRPAC- The first character shall be "N through Z"; second character "A through Z".
- CNATRA - Their first character shall be "A through G"; there is no second character.