Download PDF Official document (AF e-Publishing)
| Branch | U.S. Air Force |
| Series | AFMAN |
| Publication date | 2026-03-09 (0.6 years ago) |
| Status | Current |
| Proponent / OPR | AF/A3 |
| Source of record | AF e-Publishing |
This manual provides guidance for operating the U-2 aircraft in most circumstances. It is not a substitute for sound judgement, nor does it override any existing aircraft limitation. Procedures not specifically addressed may be accomplished if they improve mission safety and effectiveness.
This document has been substantially revised and must be completely reviewed. Chapter 1: added responsibilities, guidance for conflicting publications, and waiver procedures. Chapter 2: added guidance for Operations Mobile Devices (OMDs), fuel planning, and clarified responsibilities. Chapter 3: added OMD operations, Mode-S usage, stall training, low approach and go-around considerations, touch-and-go weight limitations, Rapid Crew Swap (RCS) procedures, Ready Aircrew Program (RAP) Tasking Memorandum (RTM) stipulations, and hot-mic usage for students. Chapter 5: added hot brake procedures, hung pogo considerations, and hydrazine incident procedures. Chapter 6: added U-2 specific filing requirements from Air Force Manual AFMAN 11-202 Volume 3, ACC Supplement, Flight Operations, minimum takeoff weather, space weather considerations, and clarified radiation event procedures. Chapter 7: clarified Flight Duty Period, transition duty day limitations, and high flight recovery periods; changed flight recovery period waiver authority to group commander level. Chapter 8: updated orientation flight guidance. A margin bar (|) indicates newly revised material
Publications state their own changes on page 1 — behind a PDF the official host will not serve to a search engine. This is that section, verbatim. It describes the edition above, not every historical change.