When can the receiver ascend to the altitude of the tanker during the rendezvous?

When a receiver is performing a rendezvous with a tanker, establishing positive visual contact is critical for ensuring a safe and effective operation. The process is designed to reduce the risk of collision and ensure that the receiver can safely ascend to the altitude of the tanker.

When the receiver has positive visual contact with the tanker, it means that both pilots can see each other and are aware of their positions and movements. This visual confirmation allows the receiver to confidently ascend to the tanker’s altitude, as the risk of miscommunication or navigating in close proximity is minimized.

This operational practice emphasizes safety and situational awareness, making it essential for the rendezvous process. Other options do not provide the same assurance of safety: signaling the tanker or cross-referencing altimeters may not ensure clear visibility or understanding of positions, and allowing the receiver to ascend at their discretion could lead to unsafe maneuvers without adequate situational awareness. Therefore, establishing positive visual contact is the most reliable condition for the receiver to ascend to the altitude of the tanker during the rendezvous.