VPB's recommended STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

1. GENERAL RADIO PROCEDURE
-be short, be clear, speak understandable English [  at least try to ;)  ]  
-talk as much nonsense as you wish, but when orders are given: be quiet and listen!

Replying to the 'report status' request:
1. number (in an ascending order)
2. location (in relation to the flight leader, if possible)
3. operational activity (bombing, dogfight, ready for take-off, landing etc.) (when applicable)
4. plane condition (when applicable)

Example: "All: report status", "Number one. At your 4.", "Number two. At your 6, severe engine damage",
"Number three, on the bomb run", "Number four, I don't have a clue where I am!"

Remember to report the flight leader when:
-rolling in take-off
-lagging behind others
-spotting unidentified planes (heading, altitude)
-identifying a plane
-enemy fighter attacks
-discovering new ground targets
-releasing bombs / failed aiming
-landed, runway clear



2. MISSION BRIEFING 
-make the initial plane settings as ordered by the flight leader
-unit organization, flight plan and target will be introduced
-make sure the high level bombing controls are defined
-double check your bombload and delay
-press fly (by order)



3. ON THE GROUND
-take-off procedures will be announced
-start your engine(s) (by order)
-taxi to taxiway/runway (by order)
-remember to keep safe distance
-make sure you know where your bomb release button is, and keep your fingers
miles away from it!



4. BEFORE TAKE-OFF
-check that your both engines are selected, chals 'in', trimmers
released and lights are on
-take off (by order)


5. CRUISING
-follow the orders given by the flight leader
-find your place in the formation and try to stay there
-never leave the formation unless ordered to do so
-constantly scan the air space around you paying especial attention to your
surveillance sector
-basic formations:
COLUMN means a formation where planes are lined up after the flight leader
in a numbered order
LINE means a formation where planes fly side by side to the right of the
flight leader in a numbered order
FLANK RIGHT/LEFT means a 45 degree line to the right/left of the flight
leader in a numbered order


6. FIGHTER ESCORT
-fighters get their orders from the flight leader or the fighter leader
-fighter escort may start a dogfight only and only if the enemy attacks
-fighter escort leaves the dogfight as soon as the enemy gives up the attack
or is destroyed
-fighter escort never leaves the bombers unprotected; check the meaning of
'never' in your dictionary


7. LANDING
-landing instructions will be given by the flight leader


8. BRIEFING
-feedback is given, medals are granted