Training Circular TC 3-04.4 Fundamentals of Flight July 2022

This United States Army manual, Training Circular TC 3-04.4 Fundamentals of Flight July 2022, covers the basic physics of flight; the dynamics associated with rotary- and fixed-wing (FW) aircraft; and the basic tactical flight profiles, formation flight, and maneuvering flight techniques. It contains theoretical and practical concepts from which Army Aviation executes its core competencies.

The principle audience for TC 3-04.4 is all Army aviators and crewmembers. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication.

TC 3-04.4 applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army Reserve, unless otherwise stated.

One of the underlying premises of Army Aviation is that crewmembers who understand ‘why’ will be better prepared to ‘do’ when confronted with the unexpected. TC 3-04.4 is an excellent reference for Army crewmembers; however, it is not expected that this training circular is all inclusive or a full comprehension of the information will be obtained by simply reading the text. Crewmembers will gain a firm understanding as they gain experience in their particular aircraft; study the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) of their units; and study other sources of information. Crewmembers seeking to hone their skills should review this document periodically to gain new insights.

This publication ensures that crewmembers understand the basic physics of flight and the dynamics associated with rotary and FW aircraft. A comprehensive understanding of these principles better prepares aviators for flight, transition training, and tactical flight operations. The fundamentals of flight outlined in this TC form the technical base from which Army Aviation executes its core competencies.

As the United States Army prepares its Soldiers to operate anywhere in the world, this publication describes the unique requirements and flying techniques crewmembers use to successfully operate in various environments. These environments may not always be encountered during home-station training, but may be replicated in constructive, gaming, and virtual training.

Army Aviation leverages superior night-operation tactics and technologies to gain and maintain advantage over adversaries. To that end, Army crewmembers must be familiar with and capable of performing their missions proficiently at night. The information on night vision systems and night operations in this publication provides the basis for mastering these skills.

All aviators understand they must operate the aircraft safely. Every crewmember must perform the mission effectively and decisively in training and combat. TC 3-04.4 also covers basic tactical flight profiles, formation flight, and maneuvering flight techniques.