Departure/Assembly

CHAPTER TWO

LOW-LEVEL AND TACTICAL FORMATION

Maintain VMC if possible and notify LEAD of intentions.

Contact the appropriate controlling agency and RTB via course rules.

210. DEPARTURE/ASSEMBLY

VMC. Assembly should occur as soon as practical after takeoff. On departure, LEAD

maintains a stable platform at 150 KIAS. After positive identification of all preceding aircraft,

WING climbs at speeds up to 180 KIAS to reach the in-trail position. TWO will remain below

and slightly to the right of LEAD until in position. THREE will remain below and to the left of

both LEAD and TWO. Once level at assembly altitude, WING may accelerate to 200 KIAS max

to complete the rejoin. Each aircraft should complete the climb checklist prior to assembly.

IMC. LEAD and WING fly separate instrument departures. The departure is flown at the

prebriefed airspeed and power setting. LEAD directs a rejoin once all aircraft are VMC and

WING aircraft have reported visual contact with LEAD. LEAD will terminate with ATC prior

to the rejoin.

TWO should remain at least 1000 feet below LEAD's altitude until positive visual contact has

been established. THREE will maintain 1000 feet below TWO (i.e., 2000 feet below lead until

visual established with both preceding aircraft and cleared to rejoin).

Rejoin. Aircraft joining a formation enroute will contact LEAD and rejoin as briefed, or

proceed single ship. Remain at least 500 feet above or below the formation until the formation is

in sight and clearance to rejoin is granted.

211. VISUAL FORMATION GEOMETRIES

The purpose of formation flight is to permit the largest number of aircraft to drop supplies,

equipment, or personnel, in the minimum amount of time, thus minimizing risk to aircraft and

aircrews. Several types of formation geometries have been developed to enable large formations

of aircraft to safely and effectively operate in a tactical environment. We will use some of these

to familiarize you with the basics of formation flight.

In-Trail Position. The basic position is a rigid in-trail formation used primarily for formation

departures, drops, and recoveries. It allows large formations to cross the drop zone in a minimal

amount of time. Its disadvantages are that wingmen have to work harder to stay in the correct

position and it makes maneuvering to avoid threats or detection more difficult and dangerous. It

also allows enemy gunners to target each aircraft as they cross over.

2-10

TACTICAL FORMATION