Formation Standards

Who has overall authority for the formation as per the standards?

Flight lead has overall authority. They will be the earlier line scheduled in GTIMs. This makes them Admin/Tactical lead and will be referred to as "#1"

What is #2 referred to as and how are they identified for mission planning purposes.?

Admin/Tac-Wingman. They will be the later line scheduled in GTIMs.

What is the standard for tactical lead?

May be used when the flight lead (FL) needs the wingman to lead an event or segment of the flight. In this case, the wingman would pick up tactical (clearing, etc), navigation, and radio responsibilities.

What is the standard for the formation briefing?

1. Pre-solo, FL IP briefs, putting emphasis on DLOs, and RM.

2. Post-solo, FL SP will brief.

3. FL SP is responsible for signing out callsign, airspace, LL routes in FATCAT, preping MDC, and will brief the EP and DTOD.

4. WM SP will brief weather, NOTAMs, Birds, and E/S status.

5. WM SP will prep RM for both aircraft and ask each crew member about respective ORM.

6. Stand if briefing and hold questions until after unless solicited.

What is the standard for AUX Freq?

WM student signs out the formation AUX freq at the step desk. (be sure to follow the established procedures! WATERFALL)

What is the standard for airspace usage?

Airspace is logged by flight lead on AFTO 781.

What is the standard for getting a spare aircraft or experiencing a MX delay?

Pilots call in their own tail number changes to Lowell. Inform wingman of new tail number, tail color, and/or parking row as required.

What is the standard for Check-in/Engine Start?

1. Visual signals are primary for conducting engine start.

2. When #2 is ready for engine start, pass a thumbs up to #1.

3. #1 will return thumbs up, this indicates clearance to close canopy and start the engine.

4. If pilots cannot see one another, use the crew chiefs to relay thumbs up (do this anyways)

What is the standard if visual signals cannot be seen by the two parties?

1. Start engine separately

2. #2 reports in on AUX when ready for check in

3. If #1 does not acknowledge, #2 repeats check in on a 2-min interval.

4. When both aircraft are ready, #1 initiates normal radio check in

What is the standard for Squawk/ADS-B?

1. #1 carries squawk/TAS unless inop or mission duties dictate otherwise.

2. Both aircraft will input FL callsign into ADS-B

3. #2 squawks STBY untel directed otherwise or cleared off

When cleared off for patterns at the end of the sortie, what actions specific to ADS-B should #2 take and by when should they be done?

1. #2 will squawk ALT

2. Change their ADS-B callsign to CALLSIGN#2

3. Turn TAS on

all of these items completed NLT completion of first pattern.

What is the standard regarding FITS status?

If FITS is DANGER, FL should consider "close and crank" tp prevent heat stress.

What is the standard for Clearance/Taxi

1. #2 acknowledges clearance delivery readback on AUX.

2. During taxi #1 sets stagger, #2 mirrors stagger and configuration

What is the standard for Instrument Trail (Ground Ops)?

#1 coords for 1000' altitude block with Clearance Delivery, then establishes blocks with #2 on AUX.

What is the standard for EOR/Pre-Takeoff?

1. Auto switch to CH4 when #1 passes the last row of T-38s if 17L or T-6s if 35R (be ready it happens quick if you're GREEN TAILS!)

2. #1 checks-in turning into EOR.

3. #2 thumbs-up indicates Before Takeoff checklist complete

What is the standard for Runway Lineup?

1. FL will put #2 on upwind side of the runway

2. If winds are not a factor, FL will place #2 on the convenient side (direction, turn, sun position etc)

3. Interval T/Os do not require upwind placement.

What is the standard for Wing/Interval takeoff?

Wing takeoffs are primary.

What is the standard for Interval Takeoff?

Rolling interval takeoffs are primary.

What is the standard for Instrument Trail (Takeoff)?

1. Static 20 seconds is default.

2. #2 squawks 0100 and sets TAS NORM.

3. #1 maintains 160 KIAS (max power) in climbs and 200 KIAS (power as req) when level until #2 is joined.

What is the standard for Instrument Trail (Departure)

1. #1 informs RAPCON of non-standard form and requests a 1,000 altitude block.

2. Using AUX, #1 first altitude check should occur no earlier than 3,000 MSL.

3. #2 replies with altitude they are currently at.

4. #1 completes ATC responses prior to initiating turns/climbs then relays altitude and heading info on AUX for altitude and timing purposes.

5. #1 is directive to ensure minimum separation between aircraft until #2 calls "visual"

6. Upon gaining visual, maintain separation until #1 directs otherwise.

7. Once rejoined as a standard formation, #2 sets squawk/TAS to STBY and #1 advises RAPCON.

What is the standard for Rejoins on Departure?

After the initial stereo-route turnout or vector, rejoins are conducted at the published stereo route airspeeds unless coordinated with RAPCON.

What is the standard for FENCE?

When directed to FENCE in/out wingmen will acknowledge, the prioritize formation position/deconfliction, frequency changes, and remaining FENCE items.

What is the standard for Joker/Bingo?

1. Reference Joker/Bingo when within 100lbs.

2. When Joker/Bingo is reached, the aircraft will announce fuel state to the formation.

3. FL will advise formation of Joker/Bingo change prior to overflying them.

What is the standard for G-Exercise?

The first pitchout is flown as a GX unless briefed otherwise.

What is the standard for BD Check?

Plan to accomplish the BD check during the recovery. If the situation does not permit accomplish on the recovery, the deviation from standard should be decided in the MOA.

What is the standard for when additional requirements need to be accomplished?

If #2 has additional training requirements they can request them using AUX after all planned items have been accomplished.

What is the standard for Airspeeds (Recovery and Landing)?

Conduct rejoins at 230 KIAS.

What is the standard for Flight Split?

Prior to initiating, #1 conducts an ALPHA check, FL should assume the original sqauwk, and then #1 coordinates split with Approach. #1 will respond to all calls to Approach for formation members until #2 is cleared off.

NOTE: see attachment 1 for comms expectations and details about ALPHA checks.

What is the standard for Patterns?

#2 on the outside of the pattern turns. If in route, #2 remains 2 ships widths to avoid infringing on the center runway. If required to "breakpoint straight through" formation remains together.

What is the standard for a Formation Approach?

See Attach 1 for form drop-offs/VMC drag comms standards. Planned formation low-approaches turn crosswind together. Failed drop-offs (i.e. aircraft planning to land goes around) turn crosswind separately.

What is the standard for VMC Drag (Straight in)?

1. Initiate drags between 5-7 NM from runway (upon descending to 1,800' MSL in E/S pattern).

2. #1 maintains 140 KIAS until intercepting glidepath.

3. #2 uses power as required to achieve a minimum of 1/2 NM spacing from #1.

4. Once clear of flight, #2 turns on squawk, TAS to NORM and changes ADS-B Callsign to -2.

5. Once established in trail (1/2 mile minimum), #2 will call saddled and make a single ship positional radio calls (5 miles, 2 miles gear down) while making the straight-in

What are the standards for Lighting (IMC)?

#2 owns #1 lighting while in IMC. If #1 anti-collision strobes are disorienting/distracting, #2 request, "SMASH OFF."

What is the standard for Unusual Attitudes/Spatial D?

1. If the SP is disoriented, notify IP.

2. If IP is incapacitated by disorientation, notify SP/other pilot and/or inform the formation.

3. In all cases maintain formation integrity if safe to do so.

4. If #1 is disoriented = #2 maintains position, assumes chase and assists, or executes lost wingman.

5. If #2 is disoriented = #2 maintains position, requests the lead, or executes Lost Wingman.

6. #1 will attempt to maneuver the formation to VMC.

7. If both aircraft are disoriented = execute lost wingman, declare an emergency, and maintain separation.

What are the standard Radio Procedures?

1. The formation inter-flight radio is referred to as AUX. The FL will brief a comm plan when the AUX frequency is not one of the Vance assigned VHF freqs.

2. When speaking with outside agencies, use full callsign. When using inter-flight frequency, use abbreviated callsign (i.e. WIRE 1)

3. #2 mimics #1's radio call format (order, content, and cadence)

4. SPs normally move to route for radio changes in VMC -- unless simulating IMC for training. If IMC, pilots should be prepared to change channels without changing position. If safety prevents changes, the PF will state "WIRE 2, Padlocked" over the AUX radio. IP discretion may be used for frequency changes.

Whats is the standard for In-flight Checks?

1. #2 responds with "Same" if within 50lbs and 0.5Gs

2. If #1 directs checklists from fingertip, students move to route, accomplish the check, then move back to fingertip when complete (VMC). In IMC use CRM.

Note: be sure to see attachment 1

What is the standard for Route Position and Spacing?

Maintain standard formation on departure, recovery, and in the pattern unless cleared otherwise. #2 uses formation position to telegraph energy state to #1.

What is the standard for Clearing?

Fingertip on departure/recovery should be limited to syllabus training requirements or weather penetration. #1 strives to place #2 in a position to facilitate learning (Route or Fighting Wing)

What is the standard for Visual Signals (General Pros)?

Visual signals should be used for intra-flight communication to the max extent practical

What is the standard for Route?

#1 uses an open hand, palm outward, and pushes outward several times.

What is the standard for Close Trail?

#1 taps back of the helmet. (#2 moving aircraft is acknowledgement)

What is the standard for Frequency change to Lowell?

The visual signal of tapping the helmet then holding up a clenched fist directs the flight to go to VHF CH15. Tapping the helmet and then holding up a clenched fist again is the signal to go back to the briefed aux freq.

What is the standard for KIO?

Any pilot may initiate a KIO and will state the reason after comm drill complete.

What is the standard for Terminate?

Terminate when any briefed DLO is achieved. If terminating for other than DLO, initiating pilot will state reason (BOOT).

What is the standard for Abort (Abnormal Pros)?

For formation aborts, call "CALLSIGN FLIGHT ABORT, ABORT, ABORT" over towers freq. All aircraft maintain their half of the runway.

What is the standard for In-Flight Malfunctions?

1. Primary IFE recovery is E/S. Declare emergency with ATC, notify the SOF time permitting. Maintain formation integrity/support if practical.

2. If emergency aircraft is not in the lead pos, #1 will offer the lead at the onset of the emergency, when on recovery and able to maintain VMC, and when on final with the field in sight and clearance to land.

3. If the emergency aircraft declines the lead, the good aircraft will lead the IFE aircraft back to a visual or instrument straight-in "salute-off" the distressed aircraft when cleared to land, and low approach. The distressed aircraft will continue to land and full stop.

4. When the nature of the emergency could affect aircraft config, there will be separate signals for gear and flaps. Prior to moving the gear or flap levers, the other aircraft will be given the opportunity to concur or decline via radio or visual signals.

What is the standard for a Collision?

If members of a formation collide with each other, Flight Lead will be directive in obtaining separate airspace and separate chase ships.

What is the standard for Blind and NORDO?

In the area, clear and climb/descend to your sanctuary altitude as depicted in Table 3.1 in the standards, not to cross lead's base altitude. Hold in the center of the area in a continuous right turn at 180 KIAS and 30 AOB monitoring drift.

The NORDO aircraft should squawk 0100 unless already assigned a squawk. Flight members will rejoin on the inside of the turn no closer than 500'. If no rejoin has occurred by Joker fuel, recover IAW IFG.

No. 1 Bases (8,500' in Low, 17,000' in High) --> #2 maintains bases +/- 1000' from #1

What is the standard for Lost Wingman Procedures?

Lead aircraft will, at a minium, transmit their attitude and heading to their lost wingman. Altitude and airspeed should also be provided.

What is the standard for Solo Students?

Solo students will not acts as a chase aircraft but may lead simple NORDO aircraft home IAW Lost Wingman guidance.

What is the standard for Callsigns?

During emergencies, use the callsign in the TIMS executer at step time.

What is the standard for Physiological Incident?

The distressed aircraft should lead the formation back unless doing so would cause and unsafe situation. If the weather allows, the good aircraft should consider flying chase; if the good aircraft is not confident in the distressed aircraft's pilot ability to lead back, and weather requires the use of fingertip formation, consideration should be given to splitting flight.

What is the standard for a Bird Strike (Formation)

Aircraft withing a formation will not maneuver to avoid a bird if doing so would cause a collision with another formation member or the ground.