Formation References and Takeoff

Question 1

What are the Echelon/Vic references?

Answer 1

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)

Question 2

What separation should you aim for in line astern?

Answer 2

One aircraft’s length

Question 3

What are the line astern references?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Where is the waiting position?

Answer 4

1 span below the leader’s plane

2 spans out on the pitot/exhaust stack diagonal

Question 5

How are Com 1 and Com 2 typically set up for formation?

Answer 5

Com 1 - ATC

Com 2 - Formation/Collector frequencies

Question 6

How should you taxy in formation?

Answer 6

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)

Question 7

What Com should you check in on when the lead state’s “Swift, check back”?

Answer 7

Com 2 - ‘Back’ box

Question 8

Where should you position on the runway for a stream takeoff?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

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%?

Answer 9

Safety checks on the other aircraft:

• Lights
• Flaps
• Panels + speed break
• Leaks

Question 10

After the lead signals to wind up and you set 30%, how should you signal you are ready?

Answer 10

Thumbs up - 2 will pass 3s signal to the lead if needs be

Question 11

What is the typical climb profile for a 3 ship stream takeoff and why?

Answer 11

Hi-Lo-Hi

Minimises the risk of wake turbulence

Question 12

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?

Answer 12

“[Formation C/S], airborne”

Question 13

How will the lead fly the climb out from a stream takeoff and how should 2 and 3 join?

Answer 13

• 180kts, 80% Tq, VMC until formed up

2 and 3 are automatically cleared to join in Vic

Question 14

How should you position on the runway for a pairs formation takeoff?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Once in position on the runway, how should you prepare for a formation takeoff?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

How will the leader signal ‘rolling’ for a formation takeoff?

Answer 16

Flat hand taps the forehead 3 times - then head nod

Question 17

How is a formation takeoff flown?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

During a formation takeoff you begin to drop back, despite having MAX power selected. What should you do?

Answer 18

Call “Swift 2, power”

Leader should throttle back by 5%

Question 19

Where should you position yourself for a vic takeoff?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Typically, what is the pre-briefed interval between 1+2 and no.3 during a pairs takeoff with no.3 in stream?

Answer 20

10 seconds

Once airborne no.3 will carry out the after T/O checks and call “[formation C/S], airborne”

Question 21

What is the crosswind limit for a vic T/O?

Answer 21

≤ 10kts

Question 22

What is the crosswind limit for a pair + no.3 stream T/O?

Answer 22

≤ 15kts

Question 23

What is the crosswind limit for a pairs takeoff?

Answer 23

≤ 15kts