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The Mission Capable Qualification (MCQ) training is divided into two sections, Advanced Airmanship and an introduction to utilization of Hornet systems. The skills learned in MCQ are the foundations upon which combat missions are built. To achieve MCQ, you must pass two MCQ check rides, one during the day and one at night. Below is a list of skills you will need to demonstrate to pass your MCQ checkrides, followed by a brief explanation of each with reference material and videos. MCQ is intended to be a self-paced "online" course that most pilots will be able to gain proficiency in the skills on their own. If you are having problems with a certain subject don't hesitate to reach out to an instructor pilot (IP) for additional help. Once you feel you can demonstrate all the skills below, please schedule your checkrides with an IP.
Advanced Airmanship
CV/TACAN Rendezvous
FENCE Checks
Tactical Formation (TACFORM)
Offensive Combat Spread
Defensive Combat Spread
TAC turns (inside and outside)
In Place Turns
Air to Air Refueling (AAR) Day and Night
Locating and intercepting the tanker using TACAN
Configuring jet for AAR (Switches safe, Noses cold)
Communication Procedures for Tanker
Rejoining With Tanker - Port Observation
Pre-contact
Refueling when Tanker is level
Refueling when Tanker is turning
Starboard Observation
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Landing
ICLS and TACAN
Introduction to Hornet Systems
Situational Awareness (SA) Page including Data Link and IFF
Target Distance/Direction from Bullseye
Hostile Ambiguous Friendly Unknown (HAFU) Symbology
Early Warning (EW) Page
Countermeasures - Programs and Bypass
Types of RADAR Emitter on Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
Flight Performance Advisory System (FPAS) Page
Range and Endurance
Best Indicated Mach Number for current altitude
Altitude for Optimal Range and Optimal Endurance
Optimal climb
Travel time to, remaining fuel on arrival, and current fuel burn rate to a specific WP
Reference Material:
PART 1 ADVANCED AIRMANSHIP
CV/TACAN Rendezvous- A CV/TACAN Rendezvous can be used anytime the flight will not be able to depart consecutively. This could be due to launch order on the carrier or a member being delayed for any reason. CV/TACAN Rendezvous are covered in detail in the IQT SOP in Chapter 3 Section 12 (page 14). A TACAN Rendezvous is demonstrated in this vCSG-3 video NEED LINK
FENCE Checks - FENCE is an acronym for Fire control, ECM (electronic countermeasures), Navigation, Communication, Emitters. It is the administrative function of setting the switches in the jet when either entering or leaving a combat area. The particular switches will vary depending on the type or mission and ordnance carried. The flight will call out "Flight FENCE In", each element in the flight will respond with their Flight position, FENCED IN, then their fuel state once they have their jet configured correctly. ie "2, FENCEd in 11.2". When leaving a combat area the call will be "Flight, FENCE Out" and the response would be "2, FENCEd out 5.3"
TACFORM - TACFORM is the methodology of maneuvering a section (2 aircraft) in a tactical formation. Lead’s primary responsibility is navigation and wingmans primary responsibility is maintaining the formation. TACFORM is covered in detail in the MCQ SOP Chapter 2 (page10). CVW-11 is has a fantastic video on the subject as well - CVW-11 TACFORM Video. Please reach out to an IP when you are ready to practice TACFORM as it is almost impossible to do in single player.
Air to Air Refueling (AAR) - AAR is a skill in which every pilot in vCSG-3 MUST be competent. Most all missions will require at least one AAR. Being able to get on the tanker, and get gas efficiently will greatly increase any squadron's effectiveness. AAR is a skill that is not easy to master and takes dedication and hours of practice on your own time. Once the skill is developed it must be constantly reinforced with practice to maintain proficiency. AAR procedures are covered in detail in the MCQ SOP. AAR is a very personal thing and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're having problems, We recommend you watch as much different training material and talk to as many pilots as you can about what works for them. You will more than likely end up taking cues from different sources to develop your style. AAR is demonstrated in this vCSG-3 video - NEED LINK
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Landing - IFR landings will be conducted at night and in the day when weather/visibility prevents a safe overhead break. While the F/A-18c does not have an ILS system in real life, vCSG-3 is using a mod that will transmit the ILS signals from the airfield to the ICLS system on the hornet in DCS. An ILS Landing is demonstrated in this vCSG-3 video - NEED LINK
PART 2 HORNET SYSTEMS
Situational Awareness (SA) Page - The SA Page is a powerful display that combines sensor inputs from your own jet as well as anyone transmitting on the LINK-16 data link to create an overall picture of the battlespace. Contributing aircraft can include but are not limited to - members of your flight, other flights, and AWACs. The SA Page should be kept up on one of the 3 displays anytime you are in a combat zone. The SA page, IFF, and datalink is explained in detail in this video from Ravagetalon and in Chucks Guide Part 12
Early Warning (EW) Page / Countermeasures - The EW page is a defensive system to help you maintain situational awareness of the battlespace. It will provide direction and type of radar tracking you Including incoming missiles). The EW page is also used to manage countermeasures programs. The EW page and countermeasures are covered in detail in Chucks Guide Part 11 and in this One Minute DCS Video.
Flight Performance Advisory System (FPAS) Page - The FPAS page is used to help you maximize your fuel usage and calculates time to a preprogrammed way point. The FPAS Page is covered in detail in Chucks Guide Part 8 and in this video by Matt Wagner.
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