Chapter Three Section Parade

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

CHAPTER THREE

SECTION PARADE

300. INTRODUCTION

Parade is the fundamental position in formation flying. The rest of your military formation

flying career will be based on the skills learned in maintaining this basic position. The skill set

you develop in Primary Formation will help improve all of your skills as an aviator.

301. RADIO FREQUENCY CHANGES

Formation flying requires Lead to direct all flight members to the appropriate radio frequencies

simultaneously. Radio frequency changes will take longer in a formation flight, so Lead should

plan accordingly. Every frequency change in formation is going to be a three-step process.

Give the command to go to the new frequency (visually or on the radio).

Check in Wing on the new frequency.

Talk to the new controller (if necessary).

The Wingman will be required to make frequency changes while maintaining the proper

formation position. For preset frequency changes, Wing can keep his eyes on Lead while

rotating the preset knob and counting "clicks." Wing should then glance quickly down to verify

the correct preset frequency. For manual frequency changes, Wing should set one frequency

knob at a time while keeping his eyes on Lead. Take quick glances down to verify the correct

manual frequency.

NOTE

Initial contact with each new ATC controller shall include the

number of aircraft in the flight.

Frequency Change Procedure Over The Radio.

Lead will send the flight to the new frequency on the radio.

Lead: "[Tac Callsign], switch channel 3."

Wing will respond to the switch.

Wing: "Two."

Lead will allow the Wingman time to switch frequencies and then check in the formation

on the new frequency when there is a break in transmissions.

Lead: "[Tac Callsign]."

SECTION PARADE 3-1