Tailchase Flashcards
How is a tailchase set up?
Lead calls - “Swift, one minute to tailchase”
Complete HASLLG checks (no inverted check or G)
Lead calls base height and pressure setting - Wingmen note (ensure set) and read back
Lead clears airspace - “C/S, tailchase, follow me, go”
Lead breaks away
Wingmen follow at 2 second intervals - select MAX power as you enter the turn
Once established in a stable position, rear aircraft calls “in”
G-aware and G-warm now flown and tailchase commences
What are the ideal, min and max ranges for a tailchase?
Aim for 700ft behind the aircraft ahead
Min = 350ft (read designation clearly)
Max = 1000ft (same size as FPM)
Lead enters a loop - approx. how long should you pause before following and what should you consider when following?
2 seconds
Although lead/lag as req.
Note - try to offset slightly to one side to remain away from the lead’s wake turbulence
Need to lead on the way down to maintain position
Approx. how long should you delay following a lead’s wingover?
Approx. 2s
Follow lead’s flightpath and lead/lag as req.
How should you follow the lead’s reversals?
Stay level with or above the leader
Rough guide - delay reversal until lead passes through your 12 o’clock
How should you follow lead’s barrel roll?
Delay pitch and roll
If AoB is matched exactly, you will cut the corner (lead) - too early to match = could get too close
Aim to keep leader in the 1/11 o’clock position
If you have excessive range (>1000ft), what should you call?
“C/S, stretched”
Call “in” once back in position
What should you do if you get too close (<350ft) or forward of lead’s 3-9 line?
Call “out” + Break OUT AND AWAY from the leader
“Visual” after reverse if you can get eyes on
What should you do if you lose sight of the lead?
Break out and away and call “C/S, out, blind”
Then “C/S, level at XXft, heading XXX”
Leader will establish at least 500ft separation WITHOUT flying through the wingman’s level. Will then direct the subsequent join up.
