77th JSOC / Public Servers / Guides / Pilot / Pilot Handbook

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Pilot Handbook

This is a handbook for public players on the 77th JSOC servers; it will cover the function of the pilot slots. It will cover pilot behavior, responsibilities, and privileges, but also includes some tips and tricks to get the most out of your pilot role.

The pilots have a key function of our servers. In addition to providing transport for men/materiel and fly CAP/CAS missions, they are expected to have a good grasp of server standards and are required to assist the acting HQ with maintaining order on the server.

Hierarchy, Criterias, Abilities and Quick Guide:

Hierarchy on the 77th servers:

1. Admins and Ambassadors
2. HQ
3. Pilots/squad leads
4. Foot soldiers/squad members

Criterias needed to be fulfilled by pilots:

1. Pilots must be on TeamSpeak. They must be in the correct TeamSpeak channel for the server they are playing on.
2. Pilots should have the same name on TeamSpeak and in-game.
3. Pilots must be able to communicate proficiently with other players- especially with HQ and other pilots (Microphones are not required, but you must be able to communicate effectively and in a timely manner via typed messages).
4. Pilots must possess the basic skills to take off, fly, and land different types of aircraft.
5. Pilots must have read and understood the rules of our servers and enforce them to the best of their abilities.
6. If a player wants to be a Pilot they need to be in one of the designated Pilot slots.
7. It's important to know that none of the DLCs are required to be a pilot. The aircraft available within the base ARMA game are sufficient to be a pilot on our servers.

Pilots special abilities:

1. The ability to operate rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.
2. The ability to use the artillery at base to help support the squads when requested to do so by a squad leader.
3. The ability to use the Bobcat to repair/rearm helicopters and repair runways/remove debris.

Pilots quick guide:

1. A Pilot that's comfortable flying different types of aircraft will be a great asset to the server.
2. The pilot are the highest ranking player in an aircraft.
3. Pilots must at all times follow the correct ROE when flying support.
4. A good Pilot will support and help his HQ to keep the servers organised and running smoothly.
5. Pilots are to step up and organise ungrouped player in the absence of an HQ.

The function of a pilot:

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On the 77th JSOC servers, a pilot's main function is to operate different types of air assets to support friendly ground combatants' operations. This includes flying rotary-wing transport and fixed/rotary-wing CAS and CAP.

Pilots may not be sent out as an infantry/armor squad, even by HQ.

Pilot primary function:

The primary task of all pilots is transport of troops and materiel (such as ammo and equipment). An air transport mission is initiated either by HQ’s or at a SL’s request. The objective is to deliver men and/or materiel to a designated LZ. When performing air transport missions, the pilots are expected to judge the situation and always take proper precautions to safeguard the aircraft and its cargo. This means that a pilot has to determine the safest route to an objective and judge a suitable LZ before landing. It's up to the pilot to determine the safest flight route and LZ.

Pilot secondary function:

The secondary task of the pilots are as CAP (Combat Air Patrol). In this role the pilot's main objective is to protect friendly air and ground assets from enemy air assets. This type of mission is air-to-air only and can be initiated either by HQ, on squad leader's request, or at the pilot's own discretion.

Pilot third function:

The third task of the pilots are CAS missions. These missions are flown with either fixed-wing or rotary-wing CAS aircraft. Pilots are advised to follow the standard ROE for CAS missions. The ROE for CAS missions are found in the Rules and Guidelines section in this wiki. The CAS missions are primarily requested by squad leaders in the field when they need the support from a CAS aircraft. While operating in a CAS role, pilots are expected to take care in following the exact directions of the SL requesting the CAS mission. Because the SL usually is the closest observer to the strike area, they will direct the CAS mission and judge the effectiveness of the attack.

Pilot additional duties:

A pilot's additional duties are to assist and aid HQ in keeping the server in order.

If no HQ is online, the duties of organizing players into squads and trying to keep the server in order falls directly on the pilots.

Pilots will also have the ability to use the fixed artillery in base. This is to be utilized when a fire mission is requested by a SL. If HQ is online, he may prioritize and decide if he or a pilot should perform the fire mission requested. If no HQ is online, the pilots will have to decide within the pilot group who will perform the fire mission.

Pilots are one of a handful players on the servers able to utilize the Bobcat engineer vehicle; this is used to clear wreckage and holes on the runway and repair/rearm/refuel damaged aircraft.

Pilot behavior:

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Similar to the HQ, pilots are held to high standards. They are expected to behave appropriately and help uphold the servers standards to the best of their abilities.

Pilots are expected to possess the basic skills to take off, fly, and land different types of aircraft. A player unable to handle the basic tasks of pilots will be removed from the pilot slot by administrative personnel.

Pilots should know that some behaviors is considered improper when playing on the 77th servers. These behaviors are all subject to reprimands from administrative personnel.

Examples of poor behavior:

1. “Buzzing the tower”: Low and fast flying over the airfield, primarily in a fixed-wing aircraft.
2. Any kind of barrel roll/loop with a rotary-wing aircraft.
3. Flying/hovering an aircraft over the infantry spawn/assembly area. (The area immediately in front of the hanger within the concrete barriers is a no-fly zone).
4. Sling loading over the infantry spawn/assembly area.
5. Reckless flying close to/over base causing danger to personnel/equipment.
6. Intentionally crashing/suiciding any kind of aircraft into ground, objects, or enemies.

When a pilot operates an aircraft, they are solely responsible for their actions and the well-being of the airframe and its cargo. This means that it's up to the pilot to judge their skill level and fly accordingly. The fact that the pilot is solely responsible for what happens to his aircraft makes them the highest ranking officer in it. This means that a pilot has the right to refuse or move a LZ marked by any SL if they do not feel it's safe to land. In the aircraft, a pilot's word is final.

77th JSOC server helpful info:

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This section covers some general information relevant to pilots that will hopefully help with day-to-day operations on our servers.

1. There is a set selection of aircraft in base always available for the pilots (listed in the section below).
2. You may get additional aircraft as Side Mission rewards (if lost, they will not respawn).
3. Most rotary-wing aircraft will respawn within 1 to 2 minutes after being destroyed.
4. The fixed-wing aircraft (AA Buzzard) will respawn 15 minutes after being destroyed.
5. Aircraft left in the field will stay where they were left until retrieved or destroyed.
6. The liftable equipment such as Medical/Repair/Refuel containers and ammo boxes, needs to be airlifted to an LZ and then airlifted back to base after being used. They will not respawn if players move away from them. Hence, it is important to mark their location on the map if they are left out of base.
7. You can repair/refuel/rearm an aircraft with the Bobcat engineering vehicle, with the fuel/ammo/repair containers, or by landing on any of the repair pads at base.
8. The Huron and Taru are the only two helicopters able to lift the Medical/Repair/Refuel containers.
9. The Pilots are able to lock/unlock the turrets on helicopters. They are locked by default when the helicopter spawns (yet it is encouraged to double check).
10. If a fixed-wing aircraft or the Greyhawk UAV gets stuck/runs off the runway, pilots are able to sling load them to reposition them on the runway.

Rotary-wing aircraft types:

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All aircraft have different characteristics and carrying capacity. The following is a short description of the different types of rotary-wing aircraft that are supplied as standard equipment at the base.

MH-9 Hummingbird:

The Hummingbird is a small transport helicopter. It is lightly armored, but makes up for it by being fast and agile. It has a basic main rotor and boom/tail rotor configuration. This helicopter is good when a small and nimble helicopter is required for a mission. The hummingbird will carry four of its passenger on external benches and two in the back. The lack of protection means both pilots and passengers are at a considerable risk when engaged by enemy fire; extra care is to be taken to stay away from small arms fire when flying close to enemy ground forces. The Hummingbird does not carry any flares.

MH-9 Hummingbird:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Light personnel transport.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 6 passengers.
Countermeasures:	No.

UH-80 Ghost Hawk:

The Ghost Hawk is a medium utility/transport helicopter. It combines some basic defensive armament with good maneuverability to create a well-rounded helicopter able to fulfil most transport needs. It has a basic main rotor and boom/tail rotor configuration. This helicopter will carry most normal sizes squads (8-10) into battle, and will be able to fend off infantry with its two passenger-operated miniguns. The crew and passengers are more protected in comparison to the Hummingbird and all are seated internally in the helicopter. The Ghost Hawk is equipped with flares for added protection.

UH-80 Ghost Hawk:
Amount available at base:	2
Type:	Medium Utility/Transport Helicopter.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 8 passengers.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

CH-49 Mohawk:

The Mohawk is a large Utility/Transport helicopter with a main rotor/tail rotor configuration. It is equipped with an aft ramp which will increase the load/unload capacity and enable the two rear passengers to shoot out of the helicopter when open. The addition of a ramp means a higher positioned tail rotor, making the helicopter less prone to tail rotor strikes during landings. On the other hand, the tail rotor will ride higher at high-speed flight. The Mohawk is equipped with flares for added protection.

CH-49 Mohawk:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Large Utility/Transport Helicopter.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 16 passengers.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

CH-67 Huron:

The Huron is a large cargo/heavy lifting helicopter equipped with a tandem rotor design. It is one of two helicopters able to lift heavy equipment/vehicles on our servers. The Huron has a large carrying capacity and is well suited for large extractions from safe LZs. Due to its size and cumbersome nature, the Huron is not suitable for stealth missions and flights into cramped LZs. The Huron is a big target, but it is able to sustain heavy fire and keep on flying. With this said, a pilot still needs to be mindful of enemy forces. To help the Huron survive in a hostile environment, it's equipped with flares.

CH-67 Huron:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Heavy Cargo/Lift Helicopter.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 18 passengers.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

MI-290 Taru:

The Taru is a heavy lift helicopter with a coaxial rotor system design. It is specifically designed for sling load operations and it is one of two helicopters on the server able to lift any of the repair/refuel/medic containers available. The coaxial rotor design removes the possibility of a tail rotor strike during landing and reduces the danger of an anti torque failure. The Taru is a fast and agile helicopter for its size, as long as it's not slinging any cargo. To improve the helicopter's survivability in combat situations, it is equipped with flares.

MI-290 Taru:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Heavy Lift Helicopter
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 1 loadmaster.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

Fixed-wing aircraft types:

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The following is a short description of the different types of fixed-wing aircraft that are supplied as standard equipment at the base.

Y-32 Xi’an:

The Xi’an is a fixed wing VTOL aircraft fitted with two lifter fans embedded in the wings and two rear mounted engines for stability and forward propulsion. The Xi’an is a medium infantry transport aircraft capable of high-speed level flight. The design does not lend itself to the same amount of precision maneuvering as a traditional rotary-wing aircraft. This, in combination with its high speed, gives the Xi’an a primary role of long distance transport. The limited maneuverability during the approach and landing phases prevents the Xi’an from being utilized in the same manner as a rotary wing aircraft. Any pilot flying the Xi’an should take these limitations into consideration when planning his flight route and LZ selection. The Xi’an is a well-armored aircraft with all passengers being carried internally. For quick and easy deployment, it's equipped with a rear mounted loading ramp. For additional survivability in hostile environments, the Xi’an is equipped with flares.

Y-32 Xi’an:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Medium troop transport VTOL.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 16 passengers.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

V-44 X Blackfish:

The Blackfish is a large vehicle transport aircraft with VTOL capabilities. It is equipped with two large turboprop engines mounted in pivoting nacelles on each wingtip. It has a large cargo door on the aft end that makes it possible to load vehicles into the fuselage. The size of the Blackfish makes it a big and easy target for enemies. During takeoff and landing it is slow, sluggish in maneuvers and cumbersome. To increase its survivability, the Blackfish is equipped with flares.

The Blackfish's main purpose is high speed vehicle transportation and airdrop. It has the capability of airlifting vehicles internally and even paradropping vehicles over a desired location. It is recommended to drop vehicles low (lower than 150m), for the parachute opens immediately and can stray off course. The internal carrying capacity will allow the Blackfish to carry either: one Marshall IFV, one Hunter MRAP, or two Prowler LSVs. All of the aforementioned vehicles are able to be loaded and airdropped with a full compliment of crew.

V-44 X Blackfish:
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Large vehicle transport VTOL.
Carrying capacity:	2 pilots. 2 passengers.
Cargo capacity:	1 AMV-7 Marshall or 1 Hunter MRAP or 2 Prowler LSVs.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

A-143 Buzzard (AA):

The Buzzard is a fixed wing air-to-air combat aircraft. Its main purpose is to engage and destroy enemy air assets. The Buzzard is small and agile but is slower and less powerful than many other aircraft. Because of its characteristics, the pilot will have to rely on the Buzzard's maneuverability before speed or engine power. The Buzzard is equipped with a 20mm cannon armed with high explosive rounds, two short-range air-to-air missiles and four long-range air-to-air missiles. To increase the survival rate in an air combat situations, the Buzzard is equipped with a countermeasure system.

If a pilot looses the Buzzard it will take 15 min for it to respawn at base.

A-143 Buzzard (AA):
Amount available at base:	1
Type:	Fixed-wing air-to-air fighter.
Carrying capacity:	1 pilot.
Armament:	200 rounds 20mm HE cannon rounds. 4 long range air-to-air missiles. 2 short range air-to-air missiles.
Countermeasures:	Yes.

Tips and tricks:

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A good pilot does not overestimate their skill; they should know their limit and stay within them. Pilots failing to recognize their limits and constantly crashes or misbehaves on our servers are running the risk of being removed temporarily or permanently from the pilot slots or the servers.

To start with, a good pilot knows when to adopt a specific flight profile. Especially helicopter pilots need to know when and where to fly with a specific flight profile. What most pilots must remember is that a helicopter is highly maneuverable at slow to moderate speeds. High-speed flight in a helicopter is mostly used to cover ground when no threats are present. If engaged by enemies, a helicopter pilot will have to rely on the helicopters maneuverability, not its speed. This is especially true if engaged by enemy fixed-wing aircraft.

Blackfish drop operations:

The internal carrying capacity will allow the Blackfish to carry either: one Marshall IFV, one Hunter MRAP, or two Prowler LSVs.

To load a vehicle in the Blackfish it needs to be parked behind the aircraft. The driver of the vehicle will have to use the scroll-wheel option to load into the Blackfish.

To drop the vehicle pilots use the scroll-wheel option to deploy vehicle when over the designated drop zone. Due to the fast deployment of the parachute it's recommended to drop vehicles at an altitude of 150 meters or less..

Flight phases:

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In an ordinary rotary-wing transport mission flight there will be a couple of different stages in the mission. The basic ones are: takeoff phase, transport phase, combat phase, approach phase and landing phase.

Takeoff phase:

The first part of a flight will be the takeoff, during this phase you are either at base or at the LZ, during this phase you will eyther be in a busy base or may be in a cramped LZ squeezed in between trees/buildings. It is important for the pilot to keep his situational awareness and keep track of the helicopters extremities to minimize the risk of hitting obstacles and risking the integrity of the airframe. If you are at a LZ and find yourself coming under small arms fire it's recommended to turn the helicopter so that the cockpit will not be hit to minimize the risk of a shot killing the pilot.

Transport phase:

The majority of the flight is going to be in the transportation phase, during this phase a pilot will have to adjust his altitude and flight profile to the threats presented to him. This is usually when you will fly your helicopter at max speeds, there is usually no need for high maneuverability and a high speed is desirable to cover as much ground in an short a time as possible. If there is no threats present there is no need for extreme maneuvers or extreme low flying, this will only put the aircraft and its cargo in unnecessary danger. Flight in a safe area without any threats should be conducted at such an altitude as to guarantee no risk of colliding with any objects or the ground.

Combat phase:

This phase will be more prominent the closer to the AO you get or when engaged by a enemy air or ground asset. When entering into a hostile AO or close to it it's expected to see an increase in hostile forces, it's advised to start scanning the area ahead and to have a rough idea of what to do when engaged by enemy forces. To be aware of any hills that might provide cover and to start slowing down for increased maneuverability is highly recommended. In the combat phase there will be an emphasis on maneuverability, high speed is therefore counterproductive in most rotary-wing cases.

Approach phase:

When flying a rotary-wing mission into a LZ, especially into an unknown area the key to success lies in situational awareness. If the pilot have done his planing correct he will be landing into a good LZ and his only concern would be for enemy troops engaging his aircraft during the last sections of the flight. During the approach the pilot should take his time to evaluate the LZ when it enters into his field of view and make final adjustments in preparation for landing. A good practice is to fly perpendicular to any hostile threats reported or detected since this will make the aircraft a lot harder to hit for enemy forces.

Landing phase:

During the landing it's important to keep vigilant and mind the surroundings. At base there will be a lot of activity going on and it's important to be aware of other aircraft and obstacles close to your airframe. Keep in mind when in a rotary-wing aircraft the rotor is lot larger than the fuselage and they might hit objects causing damage to men and materiel.

When landing at an LZ it's important to take obstacles like power lines, wall sections, ditches and slopes/uneven terrain into consideration. If a pilot are to perform a landing on a steep hillside with a single rotor helicopter the best way to do this is to land with the nose of the helicopter uphill, this is to prevent the tail rotor to hit the hillside. With a tandem or a coaxial rotor helicopter this practice is not necessary. Keep in mind that the practice of landing on a steep hillside is extremely dangerous if the hillside is too steep. It may cause the airframe to uncontrollably slip downhill. If there is no other option than to do a drop/pickup at a LZ with extreme gradients the pilot are recommended to do a low hover close to the hillside and keep his eyes on the rotor disk checking so it won't hit the hillside.

Flight Planning:

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Pilots should never underestimate the importance of planning their flight. A properly planned flight will have a greater chance of success. The following are basic guidelines to consider when planning a flight:

LZ Selection:

A pilot are expected to know how to select a safe LZ. To determine a good location for an LZ the pilot are advised to review their maps before a mission and pay special attention to terrain features and elevation. What you are looking for in a good LZ is a sufficient distance to any eventual enemies and cover from direct line of sight of any expected enemies.

As a rule of thumb: If the enemies can't see you they can't kill you. This is applied to both visual and radar signature. Hence, a pilot's best friend is hills and ridgelines. To put hardcover between you and a suspected enemy area is always the best approach to selecting an LZ.

Flight route planning:

As mentioned before, a flight should always be performed in the safest way as possible. Hence the importance of flight planning cannot be underestimated. Once again the threat level in the area of operation will determine the safest way to conduct aerial operations. The most important thing to remember when flying close to a hostile area is to stay in cover. When planning the flight route pilots should pay extra attention to ridgelines and hills to use as cover to place between their aircraft and any enemies. Additionally a flight path running perpendicular to any enemies will make the helicopter harder to hit and increase survivability.

Evasive maneuvers:

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Depending on what the pilot is flying and what it is that's engaging them the procedures will wary slightly. Some basic procedures can be applied when a pilot find themselves in a situation in where they are taking fire. The following will be a basic explanation to the different types of threats and how to try and counter them.

Rotary-wing engaged by ground forces:

When flying rotary-wing aircraft a pilot need to know its weaknesses and strengths, the aircraft are highly maneuverable at slow to medium speeds and a good pilot can utilize the terrain and fixed objects to shield his aircraft from incoming fire.

As mentioned previously the most efficient way to stay safe when being engaged by ground AA is to fly with a speed that gives the pilot most maneuverability out of his aircraft, to find hills, ridgelines, building and other obstacles to break the line of fire between the enemies and the aircraft. This is one of the few efficient ways of defending the helicopter from radar assisted gunnery, heavy vehicle mounted guns and ground to air AA rocket systems.

If cover are scarce flying perpendicular to enemies, in an unstraight line, weaving and dodging will increase the difficulties of hitting the aircraft.

To most efficiently safeguard from small arms fire a pilot are advised to never fly directly towards enemies firing upon the airframe. A helicopter canopy are seldomly bulletproof and one stray bullet can be enough to kill the pilot flying.

Rotary-wing engaged by aviation:

When a helicopter pilot are being engaged by another aircraft his best defense is mainly maneuvering. When engaged by an enemy fixed-wing aircraft there is no point in trying to outrun the enemy. The fixed-wing aircraft will always outfly the helicopter in a straight line. A helicopter pilot's best defense is to start extensive maneuvering, this will make it difficult for the enemy pilot to engage with canons and to get a lock on with his rocket systems.

In the case of a enemy aircraft engaging, height will have a minor effect on the outcome of the engagement. In some cases the aircraft chasing will have the advantage of higher altitude and flying low will only increase the danger of hitting an obstacle or ground.

In other cases low flying will put a ridgeline or mountain in between the helicopter and enemy aircraft, this is more likely the case if the enemy are engaging with rotary-wing aircraft. The emphasis should be put on evasive maneuvers and maneuverability.

Situational awareness needs to be high and to identify if a low flight profile will be beneficial or not will aid in the selection of the flight path and evasive maneuvers.

Fixed-wing engaged by ground forces:

In a fixed-wing aircraft the key to success is speed and altitude. The best way of staying safe is as always to stay outside of the effective range of any enemy AA units. If a engagement is needed inside of the effective range of enemy AA the best approach is from high altitude with high speed so to give the pilot the smallest possible time over enemy forces, to then quickly egress the AA area is key to survival.

Fixed-wing engaged by air assets:

When faced with a enemy aircraft engaging, the best method of defence is speed or altitude. If you have the altitude advantage you possess the ability to convert your altitude to speed and if you have the speed you possess the ability to convert it to altitude. Staying one step ahead of any enemy aircraft is important, if it comes down to an air-to-air engagement the best way for survival is to know your aircraft and its limitations. To increase the odds of success it's key to quickly identify the enemy aircraft so you are able to determine its flight characteristics. When a pilot knows both his and the enemy aircraft limitations he can plan his flight accordingly and should have a good chance of success.

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