AF Form 4038W: HH-60W Evaluation Worksheet – Download PDF – The AF Form 4038W, officially titled HH-60W Evaluation Worksheet, is a critical U.S. Air Force document used by flight examiners to assess and certify the qualifications of aircrew operating the HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopter. This specialized form supports the Air Force’s aircrew standardization and evaluation program, ensuring pilots, co-pilots, and other crew members maintain the high standards required for personnel recovery missions in contested environments.
Air Combat Command (ACC) and rescue squadrons rely on this worksheet as part of the formal evaluation process for the HH-60W, the Air Force’s modern replacement for the HH-60G Pave Hawk. The form documents performance across ground and flight phases, knowledge checks, and mission-specific tasks.
What Is the HH-60W Jolly Green II?
The HH-60W Jolly Green II is a new-build, twin-engine combat search and rescue (CSAR) helicopter designed to recover isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory, day or night, in adverse conditions. Based on the UH-60M Black Hawk airframe, it features enhanced survivability, advanced avionics, a modern defensive suite, improved hover performance in hot/high environments, and greater payload capacity compared to its predecessor.
Key capabilities include:
- Helicopter air-to-air refueling (HAAR)
- Advanced mission systems and weapons employment
- Robust armor protection
- Integrated defensive aids against radar, laser, and missile threats
The aircraft achieved Initial Operating Capability in 2022 and continues to field with active-duty and potential Air National Guard units.
Accurate evaluation of aircrew proficiency on this advanced platform is essential for mission success and safety.
Purpose of AF Form 4038W
The primary purpose of AF Form 4038W is to record the results of ground and flight evaluations for HH-60W aircrew. It helps commanders and stan/eval sections verify that personnel possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
The form aligns with AFMAN 11-202 Volume 2, Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Program, which provides the overarching framework for all USAF aircrew evaluations. Specific MDS (Mission Design Series) guidance, such as AFMAN 11-2HH-60W Volume 2 (when published), further details grading criteria and required areas.
Evaluators use the worksheet to:
- Document qualification or requalification checks
- Identify strengths and areas needing additional training
- Assign overall qualification levels (Qualified, Qualified with Comments, or Unqualified)
- Support entries into the Automated Records Management System (ARMS)
Privacy Act Statement: The form includes a standard Privacy Act notice under 37 U.S.C. 301a. Disclosure of DoD ID is voluntary but required for processing by flight examiners and ARMS personnel.
Key Sections and Evaluation Areas on AF Form 4038W
The four-page form (dated 20220105) is structured for comprehensive assessment. It includes identification blocks, examination records, and a detailed grading table.
Main Evaluation Table rates areas using:
- Q – Qualified
- Q- – Qualified with Comments
- U – Unqualified
Critical items (often graded more stringently) include Crew/Flight Discipline, Situational Awareness, Safety, Judgment, Airmanship, and Boldface Emergency Procedures.
I. GENERAL
- Knowledge of directives, publications, and forms
- Mission planning, weight & balance, Takeoff and Landing Data (TOLD)
- Systems knowledge and checklist usage
- Preflight, run-up, ATC procedures, and flight director operations
- Crew coordination, Crew Resource Management (CRM), and post-flight procedures
- Ground handling and support equipment
II. QUALIFICATION
- Hovering maneuvers (uncoupled)
- Autorotations
- Simulated single-engine and SAS/boost-off approaches and landings
- Takeoffs and normal approaches/landings
III. INSTRUMENTS
- Instrument departures, climbs, and level-offs
- Unusual attitudes recovery
- Navigation, NAVAIDs, RNAV, and holding
- Non-precision and precision approaches
- Missed approaches
- Manual stabilator and EDECU operations
IV. MISSION
- Traffic patterns and tactical employment
- Terrain/following navigation and formation flight
- Threat identification and countermeasures
- Mission system operations
- Terminal area operations
- Aerial refueling (HAAR)
- Weapons employment
V. INSTRUCTOR EVALUATIONS (if applicable)
- Briefings/debriefings
- Instructional ability and demo-performance
- Training documentation
- Cargo loading and aircraft servicing
The form also captures overall qualification level, restrictions, additional training requirements, expiration dates, examiner certification, and free-text remarks.
Who Uses AF Form 4038W?
- Flight Examiners (standardization and evaluation pilots)
- HH-60W pilots and crew members undergoing initial qualification, periodic evaluations, or requalification
- Stan/Eval sections at rescue squadrons and wings
- Commanders needing documented proof of aircrew readiness
It is typically used in conjunction with other forms like the AF Form 8 (Certificate of Aircrew Qualification).
How to Download the Official AF Form 4038W?
The most current official version is available directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
➜ Download AF Form 4038W PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a3/form/af4038w/af4038w.pdf
Always use the official .mil source for the latest revision. The form is fillable in most PDF viewers, making it easier for examiners to complete digitally before printing or uploading to ARMS.
Note: Local supplements or MAJCOM guidance may add specific procedures. Consult your unit stan/eval officer for the most current HH-60W Volume 2 criteria.
Tips for Completing and Using the Form Effectively
- Reference the applicable AFMAN 11-2HH-60W Vol 2 (or current equivalent) for grading standards.
- Clearly document any Q- or U ratings with specific remarks to support additional training plans.
- Ensure all critical areas receive appropriate emphasis.
- Maintain consistency with broader Air Force aircrew training and evaluation policies under AFI 11-200 series.
Proper use of AF Form 4038W contributes directly to combat readiness, flight safety, and the effectiveness of the Air Force’s Personnel Recovery mission.
Related Resources:
- HH-60W Jolly Green II Fact Sheets (Air Combat Command)
- AFMAN 11-202 Volume 2 – Aircrew Standardization and Evaluation Program
- Unit-specific HH-60W aircrew training manuals
For questions about the form or HH-60W operations, contact your squadron standardization and evaluation section or refer to official Air Force publications on e-Publishing.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force sources as of 2026. Always verify the latest official guidance through authenticated .mil channels.