Here you can find all information that you need to know about Air to Air Refueling (AAR). Within this example about AAR you will be able to find :
- General information - AAR Track information - Refueling aircrafts and systems - Pilot procedures - ATC procedures - Communications example
General information:
This information is not to teach you the process of AAR, but to inform you about the procedures how AAR is being done. This information is worldwide the same to all AAR procedures for pilots and controllers.
AAR is being done to keep aircraft longer in the skies without a necessary landing for the need of fuel. AAR is being done during various kinds of missions, long range flights, training purpose or when a airbase is not available.
Aircraft who are going to perform AAR are being called "receivers".
AAR track information :
AAR is only taken place in a specified part of an airspace. All NATO counties have there own specified AAR area. Such area or airspace is called an AAR track or orbit. You can compare this with a holding pattern. Within this information manual we mention the word track.
An AAR track, are all different from each other. Not every track has the same radials, headings, altitudes and speeds. There are only four things that every AAR track has. Those are :
- Air Refueling Initial Point (ARIP) - Air Refueling Control Point (ARCP) - Air Refueling Anchor Point (ARAP) - Air Refueling Exit Point ( AREP)
ARIP : This is the point where you going to enter the AAR track. From the ARIP you fly direct to the ARCP, from were you start to fly the AAR track.
Entering a AAR track can be done at two separate ways. 1.) Tanker aircraft and receiver fly together into the track. 2.) If the tanker aircraft is already inside the track, the receiver must enter via the ARIP and fly the track to the tanker aircraft.
When the tanker aircraft is already inside the track and busy with other receivers, you need to fly a holding pattern called "recipients holding" within the AAR track. When you are cleared to enter the track, ATC will notify you. (see image below)
After AAR you need to exit the tanker track again at the AREP. This point is always in the same line with the ARIP. You need to leave the AAR track always 1000FT above the AAR aircraft.
Refueling aircraft and systems :
There are only a view aircraft that are able to refuel other aircraft within the skies above us. From those aircrafts you have several versions available. Those aircraft are in service with various kinds of air forces. Also, some modern military jets are able to refuel there own type of plane as well. The aircrafts below are specified AAR aircrafts only.
- KC-10 - KDC-10 - KC-130 - VC-10 - Tristar - B707-338 - B767 - KC-97
Those AAR aircrafts can be equipped with two different kind of AAR systems. Because some aircraft require to be refueled from a drogue, and other from a boom system.
When a drogue is used, the aircraft must have a a refueling probe. The best way to compare a drogue is with a basket.
When a drogue is used, the pilot must be able to fly his aircraft with the refueling probe extended in to the basket. When a boom is used, the pilot must fly below the aircraft and the boom operator will place the boom on the aircraft. Both systems require accurate flying, and good coordination.
Pilot procedures :
As a pilot who is going to perform AAR there are some procedures that he must follow. During AAR the pilot is in contact with ATC until he approaches the tanker aircraft. When near the tanker aircraft, pilots are in control with the tanker aircraft only, and not with ATC.
When entered the AAR track, ATC will guide you towards the tanker aircraft. It is allowed to enter the AAR track on own navigation and fly toward the tanker. Pilots can always ask ATC to guide them toward the tanker aircraft. When the pilots is visual on the tanker aircraft, ATC will handover the receiving aircraft to the tanker. From now on, the pilot follows the given instruction by the tanker aircraft only.
All instructions given by the tanker aircraft must be repeated!
Observation Is position is always on the right-hand side of the tanker aircraft. On this side all receivers should join up with the tanker aircraft.
Pre-contact When a pilot is cleared to pre-contact position by the tanker aircraft, that means the pilot is cleared to leave the observation position, and moves his aircraft about 3/5NM behind the aircraft. Now, the pilot is moving slowly forward until almost in contact position with the tanker aircraft.
Contact Contact position means that you are now cleared to fly on to the boom/drogue to receive your fuel.
Disconnect When disconnect you have received your fuel, and you move your aircraft to left-hand wing observation.
ATC procedures :
In order to create a "as real as it gets" environment, ATC rules/communication are a must to all AAR pilots. For ATC procedures, we have the tanker aircraft and the receiver aircraft.
The tanker aircraft must be able to coordinate with ATC and the receivers. The receivers only coordinate with ATC until handed over to the tanker aircraft.
The tanker pilot must mention his heading, altitude and speed on first contact with the receivers. Also must the tanker pilots report every turn he is going to make inside the track to the receivers.
Communications example :
Below is a example how ATC is being done between tanker aircraft, receiver aircraft and ATC. This example indicates the tanker altitude at FL280.
Additional information :
AAR tracks are always located at a specified altitude. Receivers must always enter the at track 1000FT below the tanker altitude. Receivers must always leave the at track 1000FT above the tanker altitude.
Because there are various tankers available on the internet, speed indications may not be the same by tanker aircraft and receiver.
Eric Suzzoni IVAO-SO Team Leader
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