Climbout, Area, Descent

CHAPTER NINE

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

905. CLIMBOUT, AREA, DESCENT

Optional signals are given at Lead's discretion when something is going on in flight that may not

be obvious to Wing. Checking the Wingman in position and the area clear will preface all

in-flight signals. Make these checks with exaggerated head movements to give Wing a warning

you're going to give a visual signal. All optional signals do NOT require an

acknowledgement.

SIGNAL

MESSAGE TO BE SENT

(** = OPTIONAL)

I am going to start a climb

With fingers extended, palm down, motion

to a higher altitude.**

slowly fore and aft with a climbing attitude.

I am going to descend.**

With fingers extended, palm down, motion

slowly fore and aft with a descending

attitude.

Level off.**

With fingers extended, palm down, motion

slowly side-to-side over the glareshield in a

level attitude.

I am going to reduce power.**

Head tilted backward three times.

I am going to add power.**

Head tilted forward three times.

I am turning right or left.**

Head tilted right or left from vertical three

times.

I am rolling out on this heading.**

Lead, with forearm vertical, hand open, and

fingers together, executes a chopping motion

forward.

Wingman crossunder to other wing.

Extend forearm vertically with fist clenched.

I am offering the lead to you.

Lead taps his helmet three times while

looking forward and then points at the Wing.

10.

I have the lead.

Wing pats forehead once with near hand,

gives rollout signal (chopping motion), and

looks forward.

11. I am leaving formation.

Hold fist to Wingman's side of helmet

("kiss-off signal").

and extend all fingers outward.

9-6 FORMATION VISUAL SIGNALS