Chapter Two Ground Procedures

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

CHAPTER TWO

GROUND PROCEDURES

200. INTRODUCTION

Using teamwork to accomplish a mission is what it takes to be a good formation pilot. In

Primary, teamwork starts on the ground. You and your form partner should strive to accomplish

everything together and at the same time, from studying and setting up briefing space to

preflighting.

201. OUTBOUND

Consult local SOP for specific ground procedures required by your Training Air Wing. The

following ground procedures will be common to all formation flights:

The briefing, aircraft issue, and preflight will be conducted in the same manner as any

syllabus flight. Students should note the location of their Wingman's aircraft on the flight line.

This enables each crew to observe if another aircraft in the flight is having difficulties prior to

turning on the radios.

During the Prestart Checklist, navigation lights will be on bright. This identifies the

aircraft as a member of a formation flight. Set up the VHF radio in accordance with local SOP

with VHF receive switch "off" (or set it up the way the flight lead briefs before the flight).

Conduct radio check-ins in accordance with local course rules.

All aircraft in the flight will monitor ATC clearances and dial in the appropriate

transponder code and altimeter setting. Wing will dial in the appropriate squawk and then keep

his transponder in "standby."

Taxi to the runup area observing local course rules. Lead should taxi at a speed allowing

the Wingman to get into and maintain position. Once Wing is in position, Lead should use a

normal taxi speed. Lead should monitor Wing's position during the taxi. TW-4 aircraft will

taxi in a trail position in accordance with local Standard Operating Procedures. TW-5

aircraft can either "stagger taxi" or taxi in a trail position where appropriate.

The "staggered" position for the Wing is lining up Lead's main landing gear tire over the nose

gear (Figure 2-1). Wing should taxi approximately one plane length behind lead and at no time

should Wing's wingtip overlap Lead's wing (Figure 2-2).

GROUND PROCEDURES 2-1