Operational   Manuals Three types of manuals are discussed here. One is the  NATOPS  flight  manual.  The  other  two  are checklists,  the  Pilot’s  Pocket  Checklist/Flight  Crew Checklist and the Functional Check Flight Checklist. Natops  Flight  Manual.  The  Naval  Air  Training  and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) flight   manual   contains   the   complete   operating instructions for a specific aircraft and its operational equipment. It is identified by the number 1 in part III of  the  publication  number  and  is  generally  called  a dash 1 (-1) manual. It contains emergency as well as normal operating instructions. NATOPS manuals enhance operational safety through  standardization  of  ground  and  flight procedures. The manuals are issued by the direction of NAVAIR under a Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) letter of promulgation. This letter stipulates that the procedures are mandatory. NATOPS flight manuals are issued primarily for the use of the pilots and aircrew.  Maintenance  personnel  should  become familiar with the contents of the flight manual for their specific aircraft. NATOPS  flight  manuals  are  kept  up-to-date  by two types of changes: routine changes and interim changes. Routine changes are generally issued every 90  days.  Interim  changes  cover  vital  operating instructions, and are issued when immediate action is necessary. Interim changes are issued either in printed or message form and are later incorporated as routine changes. Pilot’s Pocket Checklists/Flight Crew Checklists. These  items  are  an  abbreviated  extension  to  the NATOPS  data  released  in  a  special  “knee  pad” checklist  format.  They  contain  performance  and reference data and emergency procedures, as well as normal and special procedures. They are step-by-step abbreviations of the amplified NATOPS procedures prepared for direct cockpit application. Functional  Check  Flight  Checklist.  These checklists are used during a functional check flight. They are used to determine whether the airframe, power plant, accessories, and other items of equipment are functioning in accordance with predetermined standards  while  subjected  to  the  intended  operating environment. These flights are conducted when it is not possible to determine proper operation by ground checks.  The  data  is  provided  in  an  abbreviated checklist format. The checklist is applied by the pilot or crew members for recording the results of the flight test. Tactical Manuals The  tactical  manual  supplements  the  flight manual; it provides information to the pilot and crew on how to “fight” the aircraft. It provides information on  tactics,  weaponry,  and  air  combat  maneuvering, with procedures and techniques based on tactical situations  and  mission  assignments.  These  manuals are being made part of the Naval Warfare Publications program. Refer to  Tactical Warfare Publications Guide,  NWP-0. Airborne Weapons/Stores Loading Manuals (Conventional and Nuclear) These  publications  provide  information  required to  convert  aircraft  armament  systems  to  respond  to various  mission  assignments,  perform  functional checkout of aircraft weapons control and release systems, and describe the loading or unloading of airborne weapons or stores. The conventional portion of the manual explains standard loading criteria and procedures predicted on tactical doctrine. The nuclear portion standardizes loading procedures and includes in-flight weapons procedures. These publications are also released by letter from CNO, specifying that the procedures stipulated are mandatory. Weapons  Loading  Checklists.  These  checklists are  abbreviated  step-by-step  procedures  taken  from the amplified procedures displayed in the weapons or stores loading manuals. These are normally used for training as well as for direct loading support. Stores  Reliability  Cards  (SRCs).  SRCs  contain abbreviated   procedures   for   use   in   high-tempo operational areas. They may be used by trained and certified personnel instead of conventional weapons loading  checklists.  SRC’s  are  pocket-size,  laminated cards that contain information to ensure the aircraft is ready to receive the weapon, the weapon is ready to be loaded. the weapon was properly loaded. and to show the final steps to prepare the weapon for flight and intended use. Nuclear Weapons Cargo Loading Manuals. These manuals provide information for transporting nuclear weapons.  The  instructions  cover  loading,  securing, transporting, and unloading in cargo or transport aircraft and helicopters. 2-24