Formation Takeoff

CHAPTER 5

AIR FORCE T-38 TRACK INTERMEDIATES

502.

FORMATION TAKEOFF

a. Description. Two aircraft taking off with a minimum of 10 feet of wing tip spacing.

Two maintains the Fingertip line throughout takeoff roll and liftoff.

b. General. Formation Takeoffs are used to launch multiple aircraft quickly without the

necessity for a Rejoin after takeoff. Flight members fly formation from brake release throughout

rotation and into the airborne phase. Lead must use a reduced power takeoff to give the

Wingman some power advantage to maintain position during the takeoff roll. The Wingman will

be required to make small power corrections to avoid overrunning Lead or falling behind.

c. Procedures. Formation Takeoffs will always be done using the entire length of the

runway; they will never be done from mid-field. Formation Takeoffs are prohibited when the

crosswind (including gust factor) exceeds a maximum of 10 knots, the minimum runway width is

less than 100 feet, or the weather ceiling is below circling approach minimums for the runway in

use. Once cleared, the formation will maneuver to the center of their respective sides of the

runway (Lead should make sure that he gives Two enough room to maneuver), with a minimum

of 10 feet of wingtip separation. Lead will position the Wingman upwind. If winds are calm or

straight down the runway, position the Wingman on the inside of the first turn out of the pattern.

If IMC conditions are expected during the turn out of the pattern, it may be desirable to place

your Wingman on the outside of the turn (if winds are not a factor). The Wingman will line up

the leading edge of his wing with the trailing edge of Lead's horizontal stabilizer. Complete the

Takeoff Checklist and proceed as follows:

Lead:

Wing:

(1)

Observe Wingman until Wingman (1)

Once lined up in the proper

gives head nod indicating ready to

takeoff position and ready to

proceed.

proceed give head nod.

(2)

When the Wingman is in position, (2)

Acknowledge signal with head

give the run-up signal (Appendix A).

nod.

Check Wing for acknowledgment.

(3)

Hold brakes firmly. Set 500 ft-lbs, (3)

Hold brakes firmly. Set 500 ft-

check engine instruments.

lbs, check engine instruments.

(4)

Check Wing's aircraft.

(4)

Check Lead's aircraft.

(5)

Look to Wing for head nod.

(5)

Give head nod when ready.

Give brake release signal and (6)

Release brakes and advance

(6)

smoothly advance power to max

power to max and then adjust

then reduce PCL slightly to set 950

power as necessary to maintain

ft-lbs while simultaneously releasing

position during takeoff roll.

brakes and commence takeoff roll.

The brake release signal by Lead is crucial to the Formation Takeoff Roll. As Lead, when Two

is ready, give the preparatory signal by tapping your helmet and incline your head backward

pausing momentarily, then nod forward so that as your chin hits your chest, you release brakes

5-2 T-38 FORMATION ADMIN