Summary: Close air support is one of the most challenging air-to-ground missions a pilot can perform. Unlike an in-and-out strike mission, CAS missions require the pilot to be over a hostile area for a long period of time, ready to provide air support when needed. The risk of confusion, miscommunication, and friendly fire is also very high. To prevent this, CAS missions are highly procedural, using a standard 9-line briefing. In today’s episode, we will learn about the procedures, risks, and benefits of CAS missions, and how CAS aircraft are coordinated and controlled.
