scope:

This volume establishes general procedures for RQ-4 operations. Use it in conjunction with aircraft flight manuals, Department of Defense (DOD) Flight Information Publication (FLIP), and applicable USAF directives and instructions. Basic source directives have precedence in the case of any conflicts, matters of interpretation or revisions.

Pilots will comply with operating provisions specified in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificates of Waiver, Certificates of Authorization (COA) or Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) for operations within or through the United States (US) National Airspace System (NAS). Pilots will comply with operating provisions specified in host-nation agreements (HNA) for operations within another nation's airspace.

Training units may develop phase manuals from procedures contained in relevant documents such as Unit Phase Manuals, Wing Operating Instructions, or Technical Orders. Phase manuals may expand on basic procedures, but they will not be less restrictive than flight manuals and applicable Air Force Instructions (AFI). Operational units may use phase manuals to augment mission qualification and continuation training.

RQ-4 air vehicles modified to carry the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) payload have been provided the Mission Design Series (MDS) nomenclature of EQ-4. Unless otherwise indicated, the procedures in this manual universally apply to RQ-4 and EQ-4 systems and crewmembers.