Then a third aircraft, flown by an instructor, is added to the engagement as the set ups become '2 versus 1' and '1 versus 2'. This allows two students to develop the fundamentals of forming contracts as 'engaged' and 'free' fighters. Radio discipline is emphasised as the two students utilise mutual support and their numerical superiority to co-ordinate mission execution. The third aircraft flies as an adversary aircraft and its instructor pilot also manages and directs the scenario to ensure that the learning objectives for the sortie are achieved. This training allows the student to develop a 'sight picture' with respect to safety, weapons employment and minimum attack parameters.
Students use their tactical navigation and formation skills flying en-route to and from the target.
The previously learned '2 versus 1' skills are now applied in the low-level environment. The techniques of tactical low-level flying are reinforced and the freedom of unrestricted airspace allows realistic tactical scenarios to be planned and flown. By the completion of Phase IV, the candidate has progressed well into the syllabus often taught at OCU level. The unrestrained NFTC tactical training environment allows the student to experience fighter operations and make decisions essential to mission success. This produces a 'thinking fighter pilot' who takes the initiative to assess tactical situations and take appropriate action.