Formation Flashcards
Minimum separation between aircraft
Inflight: 1 rotor diameter
Taxiiing: 2 rotor diameters
What does “KNOCK-IT-OFF” mean?
This is a radio call that any formation member may use to immediately terminate maneuvering, especially when a dangerous situation develops. Wingmen should maintain a minimum of 1,000 ft separation between aircraft until directed to rejoin.
What does “BREAK-OUT” mean?
This is a radio call used when a Wingman is directed to break out of formation, when unable to maintain sight of lead or preceding aircraft, when unable to safely rejoin or remain in formation without crossing under or in front of lead or preceding aircraft, or anytime his/her presence creates a hazard to the formation.
The individual(s) who/are is responsible for the execution of the mission is/are __________.
Flight Lead
The individual who is at the front of the formation is the __________.
Formation Lead
For takeoffs with a crosswind, Lead should place Wingman __________ to minimize effects of rotor wash?
upwind side
What are the 2 types of formation takeoffs?
Wing and delayed
Fluid Trail - Recommended Situations
Recommended for cross country or deployment flights. May also be used in day tactical situations.
Fluid Trail - Parameters
- Wingmen allowed to maneuver in the 60° quadrant aft (30° left or right) of preceding aircraft.
- Minimum lateral separation is 1 RD.
Fixed Trail - Uses
Used when directed by Formation Lead when terrain maneuvering dictates.
Fixed Trail - Parameters
- Aircraft line up directly behind and stacked slightly above preceding aircraft.
- Fixed trail should be avoided for extended periods of time, as closure rates are difficult to detect. Minimize maneuvers to those necessary for landing alignment with the LZ.
- Minimum lateral separation is 1 RD.
Staggered - Uses
This is a useful formation in terminal area operations, as it allows lead more control of the flight.
Staggered Formation - Parameters
- Odd numbered aircraft remain directly behind lead, even numbered aircraft position themselves 30°–45° aft of each preceding aircraft.
- Minimum lateral separation is 1 RD.
Combat Cruise - Uses
Designed for low-level, tactical flight. Extremely popular for enroute low-level flight because it allows the Wingmen added flexibility to set their own parameters
Combat Cruise - Parameters
- Wingmen maneuver on arc from 3 to 9 o’clock position off the preceding aircraft
- Optimum position is 45° either side of preceding aircraft.
- Minimum separation is 10 RD/500 ft between all aircraft. At the IP, Lead may direct a tighter formation.
Combat Spread - Parameters
- Subset of Combat Cruise.
- Wingmen maintain a position 10°-20° aft of the abeam position of Flight Lead.
Straight Ahead Rejoin - Parameters
Formation Lead establishes a heading and 70 KIAS (or a prebriefed airspeed) while Wingmen accelerate until established in position.
Turning Rejoin - Parameters
- Bank angle not greater than 20 degrees
- Airspeed of 80 KIAS
Crossover - Parameters
Use a heading change of approximately 5° to cross from one side to another.
Lost Visual - Inadvertent IMC - Non-Mountainous Parameters
- Formation Lead maintains base heading and climbs to MSA.
- Wingmen turn away from preceding aircraft and climb at 500 ft/min unless otherwise prebriefed. Amount of turn and altitude is determined by multiplying position by 10° for heading offset and by 300 ft for altitude above MSA.
- Upon reaching altitude, Wingmen time for 30 seconds, then return to base heading.
Lost Visual - Inadvertent IMC - Mountainous Parameters
- Procedures ONLY suggested; situation may dictate possible deviation.
- Formation Lead will fly at predetermined base airspeed (normally will speed up to give formation more latitude when they slow up).
- Each succeeding aircraft, starting with #2, will maintain base airspeed minus 10 knots sequentially and climb at the prebriefed rate to position times 300 ft above MSA.
Mountainous Terrain defined as _____.
Areas where a 500 ft elevation change occurs within 1/2 mile of the flight path.
In a staggered formation, Wingman fly a fixed position on an approximate __________ angle offset from the preceding aircraft’s 6 o’clock position.
30–45 degrees
During a turning rejoin, Flight Lead establishes an angle of bank no greater than __________ and __________ KIAS.
20 degrees; 80
