Figure 7-1 Echelon Formation

CHAPTER SEVEN

STANDARD DIVISION PROCEDURES

LEAD: "Houston Center, ROKT 207, flight of four, flight level 200."

The lead should refer to the flight as a "flight of four" during initial communications with every

new controller. On subsequent comms with the same controller the standard callsign (i.e.,

ROKT 207) may be used. Identifying the formation as a flight of four helps both the controllers

as well as other aircraft to plan for the large formation. On the ground, this clarification should

prevent other aircraft from taxing between members of the formation.

Division Formations

Echelon: Normally used for initial join up after takeoff and prior to the break (Figure 7-1). This

formation is cumbersome because turns into the echelon are difficult for the wingmen (especially

DASH-4). Echelon may be flown in either parade or cruise positions.

Figure 7-1 Echelon Formation

Balanced Cruise/Finger Tip: These are the most common formations used during the transit

phase of the flight (Figures 7-2 and 7-3). They allow the lead to maneuver the section easily in

any direction. Typically, DASH-3, the second section lead will pick the side of the formation it

wants and DASH-2 will move to the other side and to automatically balance the formation. In

balanced cruise formation DASH-3 should leave room for DASH-2 to cross over to echelon if it

desires (Figure 7-2).

7-2 STANDARD DIVISION PROCEDURES