Chapter One Introduction to Formation

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO FORMATION

100. INTRODUCTION

Military strategists have long been aware of the tactical value associated with the ability to

concentrate their forces. Formation flying provides aviation squadrons the means by which this

tactical advantage may be exploited. In addition to the ability to concentrate firepower,

formation flying also offers the inherent advantages of mutual support and improved command

and control. Military aircraft of all types are routinely called upon to perform missions which

require aviators to possess basic formation flying skills.

101. FORMATION DEFINED

A formation consists of two or more aircraft flying in close proximity with all movements

coordinated and in unison. The smallest formation unit is a section which consists of two

aircraft; a Lead and one Wingman. Next in size is a division, which is composed of two sections.

Adding sections or divisions as required makes larger formations. It should be noted that the

basic unit of any formation, no matter how large, is the section.

102. RELATIVE MOTION

Essentially, formation flying is nothing more than controlling the relative motion between

aircraft. To maintain a fixed position, the motion must be stopped. To maneuver safely in

relation to another aircraft, the direction and rate of motion are controlled. The Lead is

considered to be fixed and any movement between aircraft is considered as movement of the

Wingman in relation to the Lead. In the Contact stage, the horizon is used as the aircraft attitude

reference. In the Instrument stage, an artificial horizon (attitude gyro) is used. In Formation,

flying relative to Lead's aircraft becomes the primary reference for attitude control.

Relative motion can be resolved into movement about any one or a combination of all three axes.

Lateral movement can be controlled using power to move fore/aft and by using aileron to move

left/right relative to Lead while vertical movement is primarily controlled by elevator inputs to

climb/descend relative to Lead. Good formation is the result of anticipation and small, timely

corrections about all three axes. Always keep the aircraft trimmed and in coordinated flight.

This is one of the key fundamentals to good formation flying.

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