Section Go

STANDARD SECTION FORMATION PROCEDURES

CHAPTER FIVE

Section Go

The wing aircraft will take a normal parade position for departure. There should be no wing

overlap when positioned. During the takeoff roll, it is important the OUI keep his head out of the

cockpit as much as possible. Both aircraft will proceed down the runway together during a

section go. The wingman will "fly form" on the runway. The lead and wing students will have

different responsibilities during a section go.

The lead student's primary responsibility is to monitor the position of the wing aircraft in relation

to the lead. If sucked (aft of the initial bearing line) or acute (forward of the initial bearing line),

verbalize the deviations to the lead pilot. If in position, so state. No more than two position calls

should be necessary during takeoff roll, the IP will make the ICS calls as described in FAMs.

The wing student will monitor trim and flap position, airspeeds, and make the same ICS calls as

described in FAMs.

When safely airborne, the lead student will report "2's airborne" to his pilot on the ICS. The lead

pilot will then signal the section to raise the landing gear with an exaggerated head nod. Both

pilots will raise their gear simultaneously. At 135 knots, another head nod from the lead pilot

will prompt raising the flaps. The student should scan for a clean aircraft prior to gear speed and

ensure the other aircraft in the flight is clean. When both aircraft are clean, the lead student will

call "flight clean at 165" on the ICS and then check in with departure control.

Interval Go

Runway positions for an interval go is the same as for a section go. After run-up checks are

completed and the thumbs-up is passed, the lead will "kiss off" the wingman with a hand signal

and release the brakes. The wing will wait the SOP mandated interval (approximately 8 seconds)

before initiating their takeoff roll. Procedures during the lead and wing takeoff rolls are the same

as for a FAM takeoff. Once the wing aircraft is clean, the wing OUI will call "2's airborne" on

the UHF. Unlike a section go, this call must be made on the radio as the wing may not be in the

lead's field of view. Once the "2's airborne" call is made, the lead student can check in with

departure control. The wing student's primary responsibility is to monitor the rendezvous and

report airspeeds to the pilot over the ICS until within two wingspans of the lead.

Individual Go

If weather precludes either a section or an interval go (i.e., the weather at the departure field is

less than circling minimums), a third option is to split the section and perform individual

takeoffs. Each aircraft will acquire its own clearance. Lead should call for takeoff and request

one-minute separation between aircraft from tower. ATC will allow this because you are a flight

and intend to join when airborne. Takeoffs will then be executed individually with a one-minute

interval to afford a rapid join up. Takeoff procedures are identical to FAM procedures. Once

VFR on top, every effort should be made to join expeditiously. If wing does not have lead in

sight, both aircraft should proceed to a predetermined TACAN position to join. Once joined, the

lead will notify ATC and the wing's clearance will be cancelled.

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STANDARD SECTION FORMATION PROCEDURES