Formation Breakout

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

CHAPTER 6

a. Procedure

(1)

Lead

(a) Give the Crossunder command beginning the pullup for the turn away, it

should be a small crisp wingdip in the direction of Crossunder.

(b)

Fly a smooth, stable platform for Wing.

(2)

Wing:

(a) STABILIZE FIRST, drop down and fly a normal, Primary Form

Crossunder to the inside wing with nose-tail separation.

(b)

Pick up Fingertip on the inside wing.

b. Common Errors

(1)

Lead:

(a)

Gives too big a wingdip so that it is a hazard.

(b)

Does not fly a smooth aircraft for Two.

(2)

Wing:

(a)

Does not stabilize first and rushes the Crossunder so that it is hazardous.

(b) Does not get the stepdown required, and gets sucked up into Lead, not

ensuring proper nose-tail separation.

(c)

Gets acute on the inside of the turn.

604.

FORMATION BREAKOUT

The Formation Breakout is a procedure where the Wingman immediately departs the formation

due to a potentially hazardous situation. Breakouts are generally done for safety reasons when

the formation aircraft need to obtain separation. When breaking out, the Wingman

simultaneously clears in the direction of turn and notifies Lead while maneuvering away from

the formation. The Wingman should bank away from Lead at a rate that is commensurate with

the hazard. Once Lead hears Two call breaking out, Lead continues to maneuver in a predictable

manner and broadcasts on the radios if he has to change his parameters. If there is a very

hazardous situation, and the two aircraft are close to each other, then Two should break out

aggressively. On the other hand, if Two is told to break out for practice and the situation is

predictable, then Two should get away from Lead expeditiously. Either way, Two should get

away from Lead, then immediately visually reacquire Lead. If breaking out due to a lost sight

situation, the Wingman breaks away from Lead's last known position or direction of turn, or in

any direction that ensures immediate separation. A power adjustment may help expedite

separation. Once safe separation is assured, roll out and attempt to reacquire visual contact with

Lead. Advise the leader when visual contact is made.

If Lead has Wing in sight and there is no further hazard, Lead should be directive and tell Two

to rollout, with Lead's position to Wing, telling him to reference a heading, etc. Once visual

contact is reestablished, Lead will direct a Rejoin.

T-38 FORMATION AREA WORK

6-5