Formation Recoveries Flashcards
When recovering as a formation, you anticipate and complete FIRADS in good time. ATC then pass the QFE, what must you now do?
Set on both and indicate to the leader that this has been done with a thumbs up
How will the lead position the formation for a VRIAB?
Echelon for the runway in use
Will be the opposite to the circuit direction, e.g. RH cct = Echelon L, LH cct = Echelon R
What interval is used between formation elements during a VRIAB and what is the sequence of your actions on the break?
5 seconds
Roll, pull, idle, speed break
What will the lead call during a formation RIAB?
“Swift, break, Swift 1 land/touch and go”
What calls must wingmen make during a formation RIAB?
Must make their own intentions call when on the break and a final call
“Swift 2/3, land/touch and go”
“Swift 2/3, final, gear down”
Where should you aim to roll out during a formation RIAB?
With the lead/aircraft ahead on the horizon and with the same spacing
During a formation RIAB, at what point should you aim to tip in for your final turn?
When the aircraft ahead is approx. halfway around their final turn
Where should you position yourself during the final turn relative to the aircraft ahead?
Not below their flightpath in order to minimise wake turbulence
During a formation RIAB recovery, what is the minimum spacing you should aim for on touchdown?
1500ft - Avoid heavy braking if other aircraft are landing behind
What should the last aircraft to clear the runway call?
“Swift, runway vacated, push stud 1”
What side will the lead position the wingman for a formation instrument approach?
On the correct side for the crosswind (in to wind)
Will also ensure the formation is in close formation prior to entering cloud
Before going IMC for a formation instrument recovery, what must you carry out?
FIRADS checks - Anticipate and complete in good time
Set QFE when it is passed and indicate to the lead with a thumbs up
How will the lead indicate the operation of services during a visual and instrument formation approach respectively?
Visual - Hand signals - Services travel on head nod
Instrument - R/T - Pause one second on the executive word “go”, check IAS, then select services (L-O-I)
During a formation instrument approach, what must you do once you have 3 greens indicated?
Thumbs up to the lead
You are approaching the ToD during a formation instrument approach, what should you anticipate from the lead?
The start of the descent and the selection of Land flap (L-O-I)
How will the lead alter the downwind spacing for a formation cct?
Fly slightly WIDER
Allows a slacker final turn to make it easier for the wingman
How will the lead fly the final turn for a formation cct?
Delay the tip in to allow for the slacker final turn
How will position keeping be affected during a formation cct?
You will be at a slower IAS in the cct therefore greater control deflection will be needed to maintain position
Important to trim throughout the approach to assist with this
How are the downwind checks indicated/initiated during a formation cct?
Either hand signals or RT
‘Thumbs up’ to lead to indicate D/W checks completed and 3 greens
At tip in, lead gives head nod to indicate the selection of Land flap
How will the lead position the wingman for a formation pairs landing?
Echelon in to wind
(Same as formation T/O)
Where will the lead aim during a formation pairs landing?
Lead aims to land in the centre of their half of the runway + a little longer than the normal touchdown point to reduce the risk of 2 landing short
How should the wingman fly finals to landing for a pairs formation landing?
Maintain standard echelon position until approx. 200ft on final
Then, whilst maintaining the FRONT reference, widen your position slightly to line up in the centre of your side of the runway
VERY important to maintain the vertical reference throughout to ensure you do not land in the undershoot (sitting too low) or overtake the leader (sitting too high)
Bring the runway in to your scan, gradually increasing the proportion of your scan spent on the runway as supposed to the lead as the approach progresses
Lead-runway-lead-runway
As you transition to the landing phase, your attention will be predominantly on the runway, with the leader clear in your peripheral vision - perform your own landing
Lower nosewheel after touchdown and once <80kts commence smooth, progressive braking
Once your speed is under control during a formation landing, what can you call to allow the leader to cross to the exit side of the runway if appropriate?
“Swift 2, slow speed”
