AFPAM11-205 — Aircrew Quick Reference To Aircraft Cockpit And Formation Flight Signals

AFPAM11-205 governs standard Air Force cockpit and formation flight visual signals, including daytime, distress, and night signals.

Search AFPAM11-205

• Publication number: AFPAM11-205
• Title: AIRCREW QUICK REFERENCE TO AIRCRAFT COCKPIT AND FORMATION FLIGHT SIGNALS
• Date: 2018-08-09

View AFPAM11-205 on armypubs.army.mil

---

It covers daytime formation signals, in-flight distress signals, and night visual signals, including signals standardized with NATO forces. It requires crew members to repeat the pilot’s instructions before executing them and authorizes hand signals only when all flight crew members understand their meaning.

Applies to: It applies to the operation of US Air Force aircraft flown by Air Force pilots, pilots of other services or countries, and civilian pilots.

Topics covered

• Cockpit signals
• Formation flight visual signals
• Daytime communication signals
• In-flight distress signals
• Night visual signals
• NATO standardized signals

Questions and answers

What is the primary method of communication between a pilot and other crew members?

Voice is the primary method of communication between the pilot and other crew members. (paragraph 1)

What must crew members do before executing the pilot’s instructions?

Crew members will repeat the pilot’s instructions before executing them. (paragraph 1)

When are hand signals authorized between aircraft?

Use of hand signals are authorized if all flight crew members understand their meaning. (paragraph 1)

When should night visual signals be used?

Night visual signals should be used when an aircraft is in distress and unable to communicate using radios. (paragraph 1)

What signals are standardized with NATO?

All signals standardized with NATO will appear in the attachments with an "*." (paragraph 1)

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFPAM11-205