What to expect?

The checkride is a 1-2 hour flight that is meant to asses the student's capabilities and overall competency in the F/A-18C Hornet. The checkride will generally follow the structure as detailed on this page. It is subject to change depending on the scenario and restrictions. If you are unfamiliar with any section of the checkride, you may ask the instructor to clarify or skip the section all together, and it will be revisited at a later date. If you are unable to do most of the sections listed below, we recommend you continue training with us before attempting the checkride.

You do NOT need to complete the checkride to join small events and trainings with SOURCE. You are welcome to interact with the community as you like. The checkride exists solely to track which pilots are qualified to perform the tasks listed on this page. You can take the checkride whenever you are ready.

Student will need to install the training range mods prior to checkride and ensure they have Syria, F/A-18C, Supercarrier, and optionally SRS and the Top Hatters livery.

ORDER OF EVENTS

Briefing

The student and instructor will be going over this page together prior to the flight. Decide on whether it will be an A/G or A/A checkride. Brief through each section and declare if anything needs to be skipped or clarified.

Cold Start (carrier)

Start the aircraft from cold and dark and know the difference between a field start and carrier start
Have the correct displays setup (Left DDI: checklist page, AMPCD: HSI, Right DDI: FCS)
HMD aligned, TCN on and boxed on HSI, carrier BRC set into TCN course, RAD ALT set

CASE I DEPARTURE

Have the correct takeoff configuration (correct T/O trim for weight, flaps half, A-SKID off)
Complete DDI CKLIST before hookup to cat
Your flight lead will brief you before taxi, make sure to comply with everything within briefing
Execute a CASE I departure and maintain all restrictions within reasonable deviations

Cruise

Maintain a good cruise formation (loose within 1nm of lead)
Have the correct displays setup (Left DDI: FPAS or AS RQRD, AMPCD: HSI or SA, Right DDI: AIR RADAR)

WEAPON EMPLOYMENT

Student can decide between an A/G or A/A engagement (or both if you really wish to)

If A/A

Loadout should include a centerline fuel tank, 2xAIM-9X, 5xAIM120C, and ATFLIR pod (502+)
Student should engage 2 bandits separately. First bandit will be splashed by FOX 3. Last bandit will be splashed by FOX 2 or GUNS only AFTER merge.
- it will be 2 separate engagements, bandits will not return fire
- students are expected to crank after FOX 3 shot

If A/G

Loadout should include a centerline fuel tank, 1xGBU12, 1xGBU38, and ATFLIR pod
Flight will head to TRA KARPASIA and utilize the CAS training range
Locate the CAS Range and establish a counter-clockwise CAS Wheel overhead (within 5nm, at or below angels 15, 300kts or less)
Objectives as follows
- Locate and destroy any vehicle within the moving convoy with GBU-12
- Locate a stationary target within the range as described by your lead and employ GBU-38 followed by GUNS on a separate pass

Air to Air Refueling

SHELL (KC-135 MPRS) and MAULER (S-3B) are the two available tankers, proceed to the nearest one.

Dump fuel or use AB to arrive at the tanker with 4000lbs of fuel or less
Student will lead the formation if they are able to fly tanker intercepts
Join up on port observation and hold at starboard observation when tanking is complete
Take only enough fuel to be at max trap weight (34,000 lbs) when arriving at carrier
- use CKLIST page to see total aircraft weight

CASE I Recovery

If student is familiar with CASE I recovery, student will lead formation.

Your flight lead will brief you before recovery, make sure to comply with everything within briefing
Complete HAIL-R checks
Expected to fly at least 1 full revolution in the marshal stack before commencing
- stay within 5nm of mom, 2000ft, and 250kts
Student will make 2 hook up touch and go's before making a final trap. Instructor will (hopefully) trap on the first pass to assess the student.

Debrief

Student and Instructor will debrief the checkride: what went well? what went wrong? what could be improved?. Instructors may also give grades for the student on the training page as they see fit. Upon completion of checkride you will be asked to pick a side number (2xx) and your discord name will be changed to the format that is used within the squadron. Good luck!