Table of Contents
How hard is it to fly in formation?
If you’re a pilot with an instrument rating, you can pick up the skill to fly an aircraft in formation pretty quickly. At first I was shocked at how quickly a lifetime civilian pilot—admittedly they were good and experienced instrument-rated private pilots—picked it up. So, the truth is, it’s just not that hard.
Can civilians fly formation?
Pilots who fly formation must adhere to the FAA regulations. (b) No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation. (c) No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire, in formation flight.”
How do fighter jets fly in formation?
Each formation is made of one or more wingmen following the leader of the flight. During formation flying these fighter jets must maintain a specified horizontal and vertical separation from each other. The exact separations and angle between leader and wingman vary based on their practice and aircraft characteristics.
Under what condition can a pilot fly in a formation?
Completion of a course based on the FAST syllabus will award the pilot with what’s commonly referred to as a “FAST card.” The certification is required for pilots who aspire to fly in formation during air shows that have received a Certificate of Waiver issued by the FAA to provide temporary relief from certain FARs.
Can private pilots fly in formation?
(b) No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation. (c) No person may operate an aircraft, carrying passengers for hire, in formation flight.
What are the rules of formation flight?
The most specific formation rules are in 91.111: §91.111 Operating near other aircraft. (a) No person may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create a collision hazard. (b) No person may operate an aircraft in formation flight except by arrangement with the pilot in command of each aircraft in the formation.
How do I Master formation flying as a wingman?
Before you can master formation flying as a wingman you must know what position you are supposed to be in. Formation references depend on the type of aircraft you are flying and what position you are flying. You most likely will have a wing-line reference and a longitudinal reference.
What happens if you are unable to stay in formation?
When you are unable to join or to stay in formation without crossing over, under, or in front of Lead’s aircraft. At any other time you feel that your presence in the formation constitutes a hazard. When you leave the formation, clear yourself in the direction of your turn and notify the leader.
Why is formation discipline important in aviation?
Formation discipline is essential for the safety and control of all formation flights. The integrity of a formation can only be maintained when the leader has complete knowledge and control of the actions of each flight member. The flight leader must brief the formations to be flown and formation responsibilities.