Close air support requirements
All Close Air Support (CAS) missions must be coordinated by a qualified Forward Air Controller (FAC) or Joint Fires Observer (JFO). This requirement applies to all CAS platforms, including rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS).
For Fixed-Wing Close Air Support (CAS), all pylons capable of carrying CAS ordnance must be either loaded with CAS munitions or left empty. Pylons designated for Combat Air Patrol (CAP) may be either left empty or loaded with CAP munitions. Regardless of loadout, the aircraft's primary mission must remain Close Air Support.
