Formation Recoveries

Question 1

When recovering as a formation, you anticipate and complete FIRADS in good time. ATC then pass the QFE, what must you now do?

Answer 1

Set on both and indicate to the leader that this has been done with a thumbs up

Question 2

How will the lead position the formation for a VRIAB?

Answer 2

Echelon for the runway in use

Will be the opposite to the circuit direction, e.g. RH cct = Echelon L, LH cct = Echelon R

Question 3

What interval is used between formation elements during a VRIAB and what is the sequence of your actions on the break?

Answer 3

5 seconds

Roll, pull, idle, speed break

Question 4

What will the lead call during a formation RIAB?

Answer 4

“Swift, break, Swift 1 land/touch and go”

Question 5

What calls must wingmen make during a formation RIAB?

Answer 5

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”

Question 6

Where should you aim to roll out during a formation RIAB?

Answer 6

With the lead/aircraft ahead on the horizon and with the same spacing

Question 7

During a formation RIAB, at what point should you aim to tip in for your final turn?

Answer 7

When the aircraft ahead is approx. halfway around their final turn

Question 8

Where should you position yourself during the final turn relative to the aircraft ahead?

Answer 8

Not below their flightpath in order to minimise wake turbulence

Question 9

During a formation RIAB recovery, what is the minimum spacing you should aim for on touchdown?

Answer 9

1500ft - Avoid heavy braking if other aircraft are landing behind

Question 10

What should the last aircraft to clear the runway call?

Answer 10

“Swift, runway vacated, push stud 1”

Question 11

What side will the lead position the wingman for a formation instrument approach?

Answer 11

On the correct side for the crosswind (in to wind)

Will also ensure the formation is in close formation prior to entering cloud

Question 12

Before going IMC for a formation instrument recovery, what must you carry out?

Answer 12

FIRADS checks - Anticipate and complete in good time

Set QFE when it is passed and indicate to the lead with a thumbs up

Question 13

How will the lead indicate the operation of services during a visual and instrument formation approach respectively?

Answer 13

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)

Question 14

During a formation instrument approach, what must you do once you have 3 greens indicated?

Answer 14

Thumbs up to the lead

Question 15

You are approaching the ToD during a formation instrument approach, what should you anticipate from the lead?

Answer 15

The start of the descent and the selection of Land flap (L-O-I)

Question 16

How will the lead alter the downwind spacing for a formation cct?

Answer 16

Fly slightly WIDER

Allows a slacker final turn to make it easier for the wingman

Question 17

How will the lead fly the final turn for a formation cct?

Answer 17

Delay the tip in to allow for the slacker final turn

Question 18

How will position keeping be affected during a formation cct?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

How are the downwind checks indicated/initiated during a formation cct?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

How will the lead position the wingman for a formation pairs landing?

Answer 20

Echelon in to wind

(Same as formation T/O)

Question 21

Where will the lead aim during a formation pairs landing?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

How should the wingman fly finals to landing for a pairs formation landing?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

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?

Answer 23

“Swift 2, slow speed”