II (AC) Squadron - Aircrew
The success of a Tornado mission lies in careful planning. The two man crew work closely together but generally the pilot is responsible for planning the target approaches while the navigator plans the route.

For sorties involving 'dumb' 1000lb bombs, the pilots first task is to plot the target on a 1:50000 map. For UK training, standard Ordnance Survey maps are used. They will then plan an approach to that target taking into account threat systems, collateral damage and other factors. They will then pick an Initial Point (IP), generally about 20 miles from the target, this will be an easily recognizable feature both visually and on the aircraft's radar. Between the IP and the target the pilot will select a series of other visible points called offsets.  Good examples could be large buildings, masts or wood corners. These offsets will then be used during the run up to the target to refine the aircraft's position.

Meanwhile the navigator will be planning the route to the targets on a 1:500000 scale map, including fuel calculations, threats and other areas to be avoided. The mission is planned as a series of straight lines with standard rate turns to make speed/time calculations easier.

As technology has progressed and more weapons have become available, target planning has become more in-depth and a suitable weapon must be chosen for each target taking into consideration factors such as the construction of the target, the ballistics of the weapon and the atmospheric conditions.

Once planning is complete, all the points are then fed into the mission planning computer, including the speeds and altitudes of each leg. Armed with this information the computer can then produce a detailed plan of the flight, showing fuel and time data. Once the flight plan has been completed the computer provides a printout and then downloads the data to a tape for entering into the aircraft's central computer.

The aircrew are then ready to brief to ensure all members of the formation know exactly what their roles and responsibilities are, and to make sure everyone knows the plan in case of an emergency. They are then ready to 'walk' which involves a senior member of the squadron authorizing the flight and checking that all crews are current and have all the information required.

After dressing in all the vital safety equipment required to fly the Tornado the crews are taken to their aircraft to commence the sortie.

Once airborne numerous checks are carried out to ensure safe flight. Before crossing the border into enemy territory 'fence checks' are completed. These are carried out to ensure the aircraft is configured correctly to avoid detection and defend against enemy action.

During wartime many missions are flown at medium level to give the aircrew and imaging pods a good view of areas of interest, whilst staying above the height of many enemy weapon engagement zones. When required to fly at low level, targets are over flown as low and fast as possible, using the terrain to hide the aircraft from enemy view. In peacetime however, height and speed rules are strictly observed.

The reconnaissance system in the Tornado can be data linked to ground stations. This enables images to be received and analyzed before the aircraft has even landed to provide timely information to ground troops.

Once the aircraft has landed a full debrief is conducted of all events. Important information is then disseminated amongst the relevant people.