Which factor is commonly tightened as a risk management control in CAS?

• A. Distance to target.
• B. Weather.
• C. Number of aircraft.
• D. Altitude/airspeed parameters.

Answer: (D)

In close air support, you tighten the aircraft’s flight envelope as a risk management control. Limiting altitude and airspeed directly shapes how the CAS asset operates, making the attack safer for everyone on the ground. A defined altitude/airspeed regime helps ensure predictable delivery geometry, keeps the aircraft within the JTAC’s control and observation, reduces exposure to threats by avoiding unnecessary maneuvering, and minimizes chances of misidentification or fratricide. While factors like distance to target, weather, and the number of aircraft influence planning and execution, the altitude/airspeed parameters are the practical, routinely adjusted controls used to manage risk during the CAS engagement.