LESSON 3 

Introduction to Formation Flight 

Approx. Time 1.5 Hours 

Lesson Requirements: Completion of Lesson 2 

Lesson Type: Group 

 

Description: 

Student will continue to expand on their ability to control their vAircraft while maintaining a fixed position off the instructor’s wing. Student will be introduced to the concept of a bearing line and student will be given ample opportunity to exercise this skill. 

 

Task:  

 

Bearing Line: 

 

Instructor introduces the concept of the bearing line. 

 

Instructor will ensure Student understands the reference point of the Bearing Line. 

Instructor demonstration: 

a. This flight begins with Student departing first and the instructor rejoining student. 

-Ensure student is in level flight and at 350kts for instructor. 

b.   Instructor will discuss and demonstrate proper rejoining and the dangers of  positioning the flight lead in a blind spot. 

 

Instructor will demonstrate appropriate distance and position while student   leads formation.  

Student will then transition to Right echelon and begin practice. 

 

Student Practice: 

Student will form up on the right wing and practice level flight 

-Instructor will maintain level flight at 5000ft at 350kts for 10 minutes whilst critiquing and offering instruction. 

Student will be introduced to turns. 

-Instructor will introduce a left 5 degree bank and hold until student is able to  reasonably achieve formation. Then repeat process at 15 and 30 degrees of bank. Reaping process for left turns. 

-Instructor will allow Student to fall behind after the completion of this step to relax for next step. 

c.   Student will transition to left echelon and repeat steps 3.a and 3.b. 

-Instructor will allow Student to fall behind after the completion of this step to relax for next step. 

d.   Instructor will ensure student will practice proper rejoin techniques for the duration of the flight.  

e.   Instructor will introduce power changes. 

    -No slower the 250kts no faster then 450kts. 

 

-Instructor will allow Student to fall behind after the completion of this step to relax for next step. 

Dynamic Formation: 

 

Instructor will begin to climb, descend, add power and bank to simulate a routine flight. 

Return to Base: 

 

Instructor will lead student back to base and brief how to perform over head break as a flight.  

Student Completes Lesson after landing. 

 

Standard: 

Student must have full understanding of the Bearing Line. Student must have full understanding of rejoin protocol.

 

Student must understand the dangers of positioning their flight lead in their blind spot. Student must demonstrate the ability successfully fly bearing line a majority of the flight.