Formation Flying

[Big Ed]

Got my first lesson yesterday from a USAF T-6B flight instructor. What a blast! I am not sure I ever want to do any other kind of flying again. (Well OK, and Acro. And I'd like to learn backcountry. And mountain flying.)

Lead was a PT-23. Very cool, but somewhat dissimilar. I would love to try forming up with a Decathlon or Citabria (or 3). Maybe one day we can get some kind of gathering together. Maybe even start a mass arrival club for Oshkosh or SnF.

 

[aftCG]

Somewhat dissimilar you say? I have a blast formation flying and looking forward to getting a FAST card.

 

[Big Ed]

What is the process for a FAST card?

 

[aftCG]

Go to a clinic, generally a long weekend. Lots of ground, lots of walking the ramp with a group (all with your arms out like wings), a number of in air practice sessions, full debrief after each. Some rinse/repeat and then if you don't suck you get a wingman card.
The guy I know who I hope to take the training from is in Amarillo.

 

[Big Ed]

Any tips on finding a clinic? I hit the FAST website but the calendar is blank.

 

[Bob Turner]

I do formation flying about once a week. It is carefully briefed, and nobody deviates.

I caution against doing those multi-plane formations over events on the ground. Often the pilots are not experienced, and will do what they want when they think the girls are watching.

I personally have my hands full in echelon, two airplanes total. Won't participate with more than two, and I have to know the lead really well.

 

[aftCG]

Wait. The girls aren't watching? Dammit!

 

[Bartman]

gave it a try yesterday with friend and fellow 7eca owner Abbas. he is also a former Marine A4 pilot so he was in charge.

we had fun, just did some basic stuff but we are going to keep working on it. was a lot of fun.

 

[Bartman]

we were using the rear jury/lift strut joint placed right at the base of the windshield as our sight line, sound about right?

 

[Big Ed]

we were using the rear jury/lift strut joint placed right at the base of the windshield as our sight line, sound about right?

Depends if you are pretending to be Navy or Air Force. Navy standard is 45 degrees, while AF is 30.

We lined up wingtip strobe with prop spinner.