Formation Essential Acronyms, Parameters, and Position References

KIO Situation:

MAD BEAR CUB

Minimum weather (ceiling+visibility)

A SA Lost

Dangerous Situation

Boundaries of the area

ET Bubble (300 feet)

Airspeed (100 ET, 120 WW + Close Trail)

Radio Failure

Call

Unpredictable situation/Unplanned flight in MOA

Bingo overflown

Terminate Situation:

BOOT

Bingo fuel is reached

Objectives (DLO) are met

Out of position (with no expectation of an expeditious return to position)

Terminate called by any player

Breakout:

HITS

Hazard situation

In front of N1

Told

SA Lost

After KIO or Terminate:

CCMA

Clear the flight path

Cease Maneuvering

Maintain visual with other aircraft

Acknowledge with a call sign in order of position in formation, or with a wing rock if the radios have failed.

N1 Responsibilities:

Clear for the formation

Plan Ahead of the Aircraft

Monitor Number 2

Navigation

Communication

N1 Maneuvering Considerations:

PAWN

Platform (Smooth and on parameters)

Area (Middle and neutral energy)

Wingman (Monitor 2)

Next (Maneuver and phase of flight)

N2 Responsibilities:

Do Not Hit Number 1

Keep Number 1 in Sight

Be in Position and on Frequency

Clear for the Formation

Back Up Number 1

NORDO + Midair Collision/Blind:

LOA and HEB

If NORDO and Blind:

±1000 Feet to:

Low: 11,000 Feet MSL

Continuous: 15,000 Feet MSL

High: 17,000 Feet MSL

If NORDO and Blind AND Midair Collision:

For N1 LOA:

Lower Number of MOA (for Shep I combined)

ODD Altitude

Alfa Sector (for Shep II)

For N2 HEB:

Higher Number of MOA (for Shep I combined)

EVEN Altitude

Bravo Sector (for Shep II)

Maneuvering Limitation

Fingertip + Close Trail

Turns + Lazy 8

120 KIAS Minimum

2-3 Gs

90° AoB

Maneuvering Limitation

Extended Trail

G(x) required

100 KIAS Minimum

500 Feet slant range

300 Foot bubble

Maneuvering Limitation

No Lead Change

Below 500 Feet AGL

IMC or No visual contact

Wingman more than 30° AFT

Maneuvering Parameters

Wingwork Levels

Speed 180-200 KIAS, 50-55%, 55-60% (High MOA)

I: 0-30° AoB, ± 10°, 1-2 Gs

II: 0-60° AoB, ± 25°, 1-2 Gs

III: 0-90° AoB, ± 35°, 1-3 Gs

Maneuvering Parameters

Extended Trail Levels

I: Turns, 30-60° AoB, 2 Gs, 50-55%

II: Turns, Lazy 8, 120° AoB, Moderate Gs, 85%-MAX

III: Cuban 8, Loop, Cloverleaf, Barrell Roll, Bank as required, Moderate Gs, 85%-MAX

Weather Requirements

1. Clear of clouds

2. 3 SM of visibility

3. Discernible horizon

Above 6000 AGL

For:

WW, ET, FM, Lost Wingman, Tactical Formation

N1 Position should be offered 3 times:

1. EMERGENCY

2. On recovery when below weather and able to navigate VFR to the field

3. On final with field in sight

Blind Exercise visual talk-on:

BRA

From the aircraft you are visual of

Bearing

Range

Altitude

Fingertip

Stack: Slightly low -> Elevator

Line: 30° aft of LAB -> PCL

Spacing: 10 feet -> Ailerons

Route

Stack: Level with lead (Helmet on horizon) -> Elevator

Line: 30° aft of LAB up to LAB -> PCL

Spacing: 2 ship widths out to 500 feet (stable) -> Ailerons

Echelon

Stack: Co-altitude (bisect horizon) -> Ailerons

Line: LAB to 30° aft (1/2 CFS door) -> PCL

Spacing: 40 feet -> Elevator

Turning Rejoin

Stack: 2 ship widths below -> Elevator

Line: 3 aspect/30° AA -> Ailerons

Spacing: Decreasing distance until at fingertip position (20-30 overtake until 500 feet) -> PCL

Trail

500-1000 Feet behind

Slightly below

Close Trail

1-2 ships length aft

Slight below

Exhaust stack on wings

Elevator tips just past the dihedral break

Extended Trail

Cone 30-45°

500-1000 Feet aft

Emergency Procedure Flow

1-3 At the same time: CCAB

1. KIO

2. Deconflict

3. Don't hit N1

4. Exchange lead

5. Chase