Formation

Question 1

What is the main difference between close and tactical formation?

Answer 1

Close/display = #2@45º and NC2RD welded wing
Tactical = #2 on arc of freedom and stays on leads level

Question 2

In close/display form, what is the min spacing?

Answer 2

Min spacing is NC1RD, typically flown at NC2RD

Question 3

What is the difference between push and switch?

Answer 3

Roll = radio check in required
Push = Not required

Question 4

What do the work cycles “plane, line, spacing” and “up, forward, in” mean?

Answer 4

Plane = position on leads level
Line = move forward to correct line
Spacing = Move in to NC2RD

Question 5

What is the difference between “plane line spacing” and “up forward in”?

Answer 5

No differences

Question 6

When is line astern spacing used and what does it mean?

Answer 6

Means #2 is directly behind #1, used during station changes, takeoff and landing

Question 7

What is the process for a station change?

Answer 7

• Lookout
• Increase PWR/raise attitude to slow and climb in an arcing fashion behind lead
• Passing astern put the vertical fin on top of the rotor hub
• Establish up, forward in W/C

Question 8

How should aircraft position when lining up

Answer 8

2 in echelon left/right as req for upwind positioning

Question 9

What kind of takeoff is flown from runways when in formation?

Answer 9

IGE takeoff

Question 10

At 723, what speeds/AoB and rate f climb are used for mormation?

Answer 10

Typically 80KIAS, 30ºAoB/1000ft/min max

Question 11

Explain formation radio setup

Answer 11

Box 1: TWR/APP
Box 2: GND/CD
TAC 1: WTA (Stud 3)
TAC 2: Formation freq

Question 12

What is the executive word during lead changes?

Answer 12

“Visual”

REP 1 says, “REP 2, take the lead”
REP 2 says, “REP 2 passing right, taking the lead”
REP 1 says, “REP 1, visual”

Question 13

By night, what should the lighting setup be during formation?

Answer 13

All aircraft have formation lights n, last aircraft has red anti-col on

Question 14

What is the min spacing during NVD tac form?

Answer 14

NCT 3RD

Question 15

By night, what are the line up features for tac form?

Answer 15

Near side form light (on the top of horizontal stab) placed against the far exhaust

Question 16

What is the difference between knock it off and terminate?

Answer 16

Knock it off = Cease manoeuvre immediately due safety, lead must address the issue or RTB
Terminate = Cease a manoeuvre or serial unrelated to safety (I wanna try again my setup was poor)

Question 17

When does lead accelerate to 80KTS after departure?

Answer 17

Lead maintains 65KTS until established at cruising height

Question 18

What are your actions if you have a radio failure?

Answer 18

Change radio and try to establish comms there, if unable flash the NAV lights

Question 19

What does “popeye” mean and what are the required R/T is announce it?

Answer 19

POPEYE means IIMC and initiates a planned formation separation procedure:

R/T = “SERP 1, POPEYE, maintaining XXX (HDG), climbing X,XXXft (typically 5300)