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Give a brief history of NATOPS.
NATOPS was established by the United States Navy in 1961 as a positive approach towards improving combat readiness and achieving a substantial reduction in naval aircraft mishaps. In 1950 the US Navy/Marine Corps lost 776 aircraft (roughly 2 airplanes per day or a rate of 54 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours). Numerous technical initiatives, including the angled flight deck in 1954, and standardization programs, were credited with significantly reducing the rate to 19 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours by 1961, and further to 9 by 1970 (the current rate, for comparison, is under 2 major mishaps per 10,000 flight hours).
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What are the most dangerous times for maintenance and personnel?
During engine start, operation, and shutdown.
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What are the procedures outlined in NATOPS?
- - 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.
- - Where applicable, intake screens shall be installed on jet aircraft.
- - Prior to starting jet engines, intakes and surrounding ground/deck shall be inspected to eliminate the possibility of Foreign Object Damage (FOD).
- - When an engine is started by non-pilot personnel for testing and warm-up purposes on aircraft other than transport and patrol class equipped with parking brakes, the plane shall be tied down.
- - Whenever an engine is started, personnel with adequate fire extinguishing equipment, if available, shall be stationed in the immediate vicinity of the engine but safely clear of intakes or propellers.
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What does the term 'Warning' mean in the NATOPS manual?
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.
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What does the term 'Caution' mean in the NATOPS manual?
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.
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What does the term 'Note' mean in the NATOPS manual?
An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that must be emphasized.
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What does the term 'Shall' mean in the NATOPS manual?
means a procedure that is mandatory.
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What does the term 'Should' mean in the NATOPS manual?
Means a procedure that is recommended.
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What does the term 'May' mean in the NATOPS manual?
"May" and "need not" mean the procedure is optional.
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What does the term 'Will' mean in the NATOPS manual?
Indicates futurity and never indicates any degree of requirement for application of a procedure.
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On the vertical stabilizer there will be a marking. What are the indications that the aircraft is from the COMNAVAIRLANT unit?
The first character shall be "A through M"; second character "A through Z".
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On the vertical stabilizer there will be a marking. What are the indications that the aircraft is from the COMNAVAIRPAC unit?
The first character shall be "N through Z"; second character "A through Z".
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On the vertical stabilizer there will be a marking. What are the indications that the aircraft is from the CNATRA unit?
The first character shall be "A through G"; there is no second character.
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