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.

a. 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.

b. Where applicable, intake screens shall be installed on jet aircraft.

c. Prior to starting jet engines, intakes and surrounding ground/deck shall be inspected to eliminate the possibility of Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

d. When an engine is started by nonpilot personnel for testing and warmup purposes on aircraft other than transport and patrol class equipped with parking brakes, the plane shall be tied down.

e. 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.

113.3 State the meaning of the following terms as they apply to NATOPS:

a. Warning

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in injury or death if not carefully observed or followed.

b. Caution

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that may result in damage to equipment if not carefully observed or followed.

c. Note

An operating procedure, practice, or condition, etc., that must be emphasized.

d. Shall

Means a procedure that is mandatory.

e. Should

Means a procedure that is recommended.

f. May

"May" and "need not" mean procedure is optional.

g. Will

Indicates futurity and never indicates any degree of requirement for application of a procedure.

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:

1. A statistical description of the flight pertaining to the aircraft and crewmembers.
2. A record of all logistic actions performed during the flight.
3. A record of weapons proficiency.
4. A record of training areas utilized and other miscellaneous data.

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.

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 using unit identification assigned by the CNO. 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.
Aircraft use the last 3 or 4 digits of their BUNO or aircraft number, as their side number or tail number.
Side numbers and colors they are painted in are based on unit type. For example, VAQ use maroon. HS use magneta, and VS use dark green.

a. COMNAVAIRLANT - Commander, Naval Air Force US Atlantic Fleet

The first character shall be "A through M"; second character "A through Z".

In the photo, for example, the number "5160", is the last 4 numbers of the aircraft Buno number. The letter "C" of "CW" on the tail, indicates the command is an Atlantic Fleet Group.



b. COMNAVAIRPAC - Commander, Naval Air Force US Pacific Fleet

The first character shall be "N through Z";
second character "A through Z".

Note in the photo, the letters "RX",
on the tail, indicating this is a Pacific Fleet based squadron.

c. CNATRA - Commander, Naval Air Training Command

Ther first character shall be "A through G"; there is no second character.

Note in the photo the single letter on the aircraft's tail, indicating it is affiliated with a Training Command.