DA Form 5645-A-R: OH-58D Maneuver Grade Slip (Download)

DA Form 5645-A-R: OH-58D Maneuver Grade Slip (Download) – DA Form 5645-A-R: Maneuver/Procedure Grade Slip for OH-58D Aviators (LRA) is a specialized U.S. Army evaluation tool designed for assessing and documenting the performance of pilots flying the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter.

This locally reproducible Army (LRA) form, dated around November 1992, supports standardization, training, and proficiency evaluations for OH-58D aviators. It helps commanders, instructor pilots (IPs), and standardization officers ensure aircrew meet required performance standards in critical flight maneuvers and procedures.

What Is the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior?

The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a single-engine, armed reconnaissance helicopter developed from the Bell OH-58 Kiowa series. It features advanced mast-mounted sight (MMS), integrated weapon systems, and capabilities for scout, attack, and observation roles. Although the U.S. Army retired the last Kiowa Warriors around 2014 (replaced by platforms like the AH-64 Apache and unmanned systems), the aircraft and its training materials remain relevant for:

  • Historical reference
  • Aviation training archives
  • National Guard or reserve contexts
  • Simulator-based or legacy system familiarization
  • Enthusiasts and defense researchers

Its aircrew training emphasized precision reconnaissance, nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight, weapons employment, and emergency procedures.

Purpose of DA Form 5645-A-R

This grade slip standardizes the evaluation of maneuvers and procedures during training flights, proficiency checks, annual evaluations, or maintenance test flights. It allows evaluators to:

  • Record specific tasks with numerical or graded performance (e.g., “S” for Satisfactory, “U” for Unsatisfactory, or detailed scoring).
  • Document strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations.
  • Support compliance with Aircrew Training Manuals (such as TC 1-248 / TC 3-04.44) and unit standardization programs.

It is part of a broader suite of DA forms used in Army aviation for flight grading and record-keeping, similar to other maneuver grade slips for different aircraft.

Key Sections Typically Included on the Form

While exact layouts can vary slightly by reproduction, typical elements include:

  • Header Information: Aviator’s name/rank, unit, date, aircraft tail number, mission type, and evaluator details.
  • Maneuver/Procedures Checklist: Preflight, before-starting engine, starting engine, hover checks, takeoff/landing, flight maneuvers (e.g., NOE, autorotations, instrument procedures), emergency procedures, and post-flight.
  • Grading Columns: Task number, description, grade (with space for remarks), and overall performance summary.
  • Comments and Signatures: Narrative feedback, recommendations for additional training, and certifications by the evaluator and aviator.

This structure ensures objective, repeatable assessments aligned with Army Training Circulars (TCs) for the OH-58D.

How It Fits into OH-58D Aircrew Training?

The form supports the Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) for the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Key training areas include:

  • Core Tasks: Preflight inspections, hover maneuvers, visual meteorological conditions (VMC) flight, navigation, emergency procedures (e.g., engine failure, hydraulics malfunctions).
  • Advanced Maneuvers: Combat maneuvering flight, close combat attack, reconnaissance tasks, and weapon system employment.
  • Evaluation Standards: Performance is measured against specific criteria for safety, precision, and mission effectiveness. Annual Night Vision Goggle (NVG) evaluations and proficiency flights often use such tools.

Commanders use these records to track crewmember qualification, refresher training, and readiness.

Why This Form Matters for U.S. Army Aviation? (Targeted for USA Visitors)

  • Standardization & Safety — Ensures consistent training and reduces errors in high-risk rotary-wing operations.
  • Proficiency Tracking — Supports Individual Aircrew Training Folders and readiness reporting.
  • Compliance — Aligns with AR 95-1 (Flight Regulations), TC 3-04 series, and unit SOPs.
  • Legacy Value — Useful for veterans, historians, or those studying Army aviation transitions post-Kiowa retirement.

Note: Always use the most current official publications from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) or your unit’s standardization program for active training. Forms like this are often locally reproducible for operational efficiency.

Download DA Form 5645-A-R

[Click here to download the fillable or printable PDF version] (provided link).

For official or updated versions, search Army Publishing Directorate or contact your aviation unit’s training office. Fillable templates may also appear on authorized military resource sites.

  • TC 3-04.44 (formerly TC 1-248): Aircrew Training Manual, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
  • Army aviation safety and standardization publications.
  • Simulator training aids for Kiowa Warrior procedures (relevant for legacy or virtual training).

This form exemplifies the U.S. Army’s rigorous approach to aviation training, emphasizing safety, standardization, and mission readiness for one of its iconic scout helicopters. Whether you’re an active aviator, instructor, veteran, or researcher, understanding DA Form 5645-A-R provides insight into professional OH-58D operations.