Formation

Question 1

Minimum separation between aircraft

Answer 1

Inflight: 1 rotor diameter
Taxiiing: 2 rotor diameters

Question 2

What does “KNOCK-IT-OFF” mean?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

What does “BREAK-OUT” mean?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

The individual(s) who/are is responsible for the execution of the mission is/are __________.

Answer 4

Flight Lead

Question 5

The individual who is at the front of the formation is the __________.

Answer 5

Formation Lead

Question 6

For takeoffs with a crosswind, Lead should place Wingman __________ to minimize effects of rotor wash?

Answer 6

upwind side

Question 7

What are the 2 types of formation takeoffs?

Answer 7

Wing and delayed

Question 8

Fluid Trail - Recommended Situations

Answer 8

Recommended for cross country or deployment flights. May also be used in day tactical situations.

Question 9

Fluid Trail - Parameters

Answer 9

• Wingmen allowed to maneuver in the 60° quadrant aft (30° left or right) of preceding aircraft.
• Minimum lateral separation is 1 RD.

Question 10

Fixed Trail - Uses

Answer 10

Used when directed by Formation Lead when terrain maneuvering dictates.

Question 11

Fixed Trail - Parameters

Answer 11

• 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.

Question 12

Staggered - Uses

Answer 12

This is a useful formation in terminal area operations, as it allows lead more control of the flight.

Question 13

Staggered Formation - Parameters

Answer 13

• 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.

Question 14

Combat Cruise - Uses

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Combat Cruise - Parameters

Answer 15

• 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.

Question 16

Combat Spread - Parameters

Answer 16

• Subset of Combat Cruise.

- Wingmen maintain a position 10°-20° aft of the abeam position of Flight Lead.

Question 17

Straight Ahead Rejoin - Parameters

Answer 17

Formation Lead establishes a heading and 70 KIAS (or a prebriefed airspeed) while Wingmen accelerate until established in position.

Question 18

Turning Rejoin - Parameters

Answer 18

• Bank angle not greater than 20 degrees

- Airspeed of 80 KIAS

Question 19

Crossover - Parameters

Answer 19

Use a heading change of approximately 5° to cross from one side to another.

Question 20

Lost Visual - Inadvertent IMC - Non-Mountainous Parameters

Answer 20

• 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.

Question 21

Lost Visual - Inadvertent IMC - Mountainous Parameters

Answer 21

• 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.

Question 22

Mountainous Terrain defined as _____.

Answer 22

Areas where a 500 ft elevation change occurs within 1/2 mile of the flight path.

Question 23

In a staggered formation, Wingman fly a fixed position on an approximate __________ angle offset from the preceding aircraft’s 6 o’clock position.

Answer 23

30–45 degrees

Question 24

During a turning rejoin, Flight Lead establishes an angle of bank no greater than __________ and __________ KIAS.

Answer 24

20 degrees; 80

Question 25

Who is responsible for initiating all comm checks?

Answer 25

Flight Lead

Question 26

Automatic frequency changes are made without prompting from lead at a ___________.

Answer 26

Easily identified terrain feature, prebriefed time, or waypoint

Question 27

What are the 2 primary considerations when evaluating LZ suitability for a formation approach?

Answer 27

LZ surface and the size/shape of the LZ

Question 28

Who can direct a formation go-around?

Answer 28

Anyone