Formation References and Takeoff Flashcards
What are the Echelon/Vic references?
Pitot probe sitting directly below the exhaust stack (fwd/back)
Bottom and top of wing equally visible (vertical)
Looking down the leading edge of the tailplane (in/out)
What separation should you aim for in line astern?
One aircraft’s length
What are the line astern references?
Tail plane just below canopy arch - On top of HUD glass (up/down)
Tail plane edges equate with the top of the HUD glass (fwd/back)
Exhaust stacks hidden behind the wings when viewed from the front cockpit
Where is the waiting position?
1 span below the leader’s plane
2 spans out on the pitot/exhaust stack diagonal
How are Com 1 and Com 2 typically set up for formation?
Com 1 - ATC
Com 2 - Formation/Collector frequencies
How should you taxy in formation?
Anti-FOD to prevent unnecessary propwash
I.e.
Allow 50m behind another Texan, 150m behind a Hawk (Hawk’s wingtips should not be over the sides of the taxiway as an approx. guide)
What Com should you check in on when the lead state’s “Swift, check back”?
Com 2 - ‘Back’ box
Where should you position on the runway for a stream takeoff?
Line up in echelon in to wind
Ease fwd until the wingtip light is lined up with the exhaust stack (or pitot with exhaust stack for 3 ship)
In your half of the runway
After you have lined up for a stream or formation takeoff you complete the runway checks. What extra checks must now be completed prior to setting 30%?
Safety checks on the other aircraft:
- Lights
- Flaps
- Panels + speed break
- Leaks
After the lead signals to wind up and you set 30%, how should you signal you are ready?
Thumbs up - 2 will pass 3s signal to the lead if needs be
What is the typical climb profile for a 3 ship stream takeoff and why?
Hi-Lo-Hi
Minimises the risk of wake turbulence
During a stream takeoff, after the last aircraft is airborne and has carried out the after t/o checks, what radio call should they make?
“[Formation C/S], airborne”
How will the lead fly the climb out from a stream takeoff and how should 2 and 3 join?
- 180kts, 80% Tq, VMC until formed up
2 and 3 are automatically cleared to join in Vic
How should you position on the runway for a pairs formation takeoff?
Line up in the centre of your half of the runway
Same references as for stream T/O
Ldr allows enough room for all elements to clear the piano keys and numbers
Once in position on the runway, how should you prepare for a formation takeoff?
Carry out your runway checks, then the safety checks of the other aircraft.
Look to the lead for the wind up signal
Set 30% + last checks - Signal ready with a thumbs up
How will the leader signal ‘rolling’ for a formation takeoff?
Flat hand taps the forehead 3 times - then head nod
How is a formation takeoff flown?
On head nod, release brakes and increase power to maintain position.
Ldr aims to stabilise at 80% in 5 secs
Primarily scan leader, but also runway tracking straight) and instruments for checks
Small pwr adjustments to maintain wingtip light on the exhaust stack
Anticipate rotate, ease stick aft as the leader’s nosewheel begins to lift.
DO NOT SNATCH if you miss the rotate - just rotate as normal and regain position once airborne.
Once you see the leader’s main gear doors open, clean up with normal cadence - Checking speed to avoid an overstress is your responsibility
Once clean - ease to references
During a formation takeoff you begin to drop back, despite having MAX power selected. What should you do?
Call “Swift 2, power”
Leader should throttle back by 5%
Where should you position yourself for a vic takeoff?
Leader on centreline
2 and 3 halfway between the leader’s wingtip and runway edge
Hold this line - ease forward to line up the pitot with the exhaust stack
Remainder of the takeoff is as per a pairs formation takeoff
Typically, what is the pre-briefed interval between 1+2 and no.3 during a pairs takeoff with no.3 in stream?
10 seconds
Once airborne no.3 will carry out the after T/O checks and call “[formation C/S], airborne”
What is the crosswind limit for a vic T/O?
≤ 10kts
What is the crosswind limit for a pair + no.3 stream T/O?
≤ 15kts
What is the crosswind limit for a pairs takeoff?
≤ 15kts
