Section Approach - P-3570082

CHAPTER SIX

T-34C PRIMARY FORMATION FLIGHT TRAINING

607. SECTION APPROACH

The Section approach is used to expedite the recovery of aircraft by recovering two aircraft at a

time. It can also be used as a recovery method for certain emergencies. The key to a good

formation approach is for Lead to fly a smooth, accurate instrument or visual approach, and for

Wing to be proactive about maintaining position. The preferred configuration is no-flap.

Whichever configuration is used, Wing will always mirror Lead's configuration.

Section Approach Restrictions. Weather must be above circling minimums to fly a section

approach or 1000 feet/3 if circling mins don't apply.

Lead

If operating VFR on top, Lead should give consideration to configuring the section prior to

penetrating IMC. If VMC, Lead should intercept the final approach course and pass the gear

down signal (see Chapter 9) for the formation prior to the final approach fix. If IMC and not

already configured, consider using the radios to call for the gear extension. Once both aircraft

are configured (no-flap preferred), Lead and Wing will check the landing gear and exchange a

thumbs-up. Make the exchange so that it will not interfere with flying the approach.

Lead should query Tower for the current winds and position the Wingman on the upwind

side. The crossunder shall not be conducted below 300 feet AGL.

Lead should set up the formation on the extended runway centerline 1 to 3 miles from the

runway. Lead will roll out centered on his half of the runway while Wing crosschecks to ensure

he is lined up with his half of the runway. If there is any confusion about which half of the

runway is to be used, Wing must request clarification over the radio as soon as possible.

Lead should fly a normal final at no less than 100 knots.

Section Approach as Wing. Wing will fly the Parade position until past the final approach fix

and below the weather.

Taking Spacing On Final. The section must take spacing on final approach so that each aircraft

can land safely as single aircraft.

Straight-In Approach. Once Lead has the runway environment in sight, he should confirm the

Wingman is visual with the runway by pointing at his eyes with first and second fingers and then

pointing at the runway. Wing should confirm visual with the runway with a head nod. Lead

should detach Wing as early as possible by giving the "kiss-off" signal or transmitting "[tac call

sign] 2 detach." Lead will fly a no-flap approach and if required may accelerate slightly to build

spacing between aircraft. Lead should maintain centerline of his half of the runway all the way to

touchdown and through the landing rollout. After the kiss-off, Wing should reduce power and

establish a minimum of 1500 feet of separation between aircraft. Flaps may be used to aid in

gaining separation, but once 1500 feet of separation is obtained, use power as required to maintain

this distance. Wing must take extreme care to avoid a flap overspeed during the final segment of

6-8 SECTION TAKEOFFS AND APPROACHES/IFR OPERATIONS