FoRmAtioN

Question 1

Types of non-tactical formations:

Answer 1

• Echelon
• Staggered

Question 2

Parameters for Echelon formation

Answer 2

• Spacing: between 250ft - 0.5nm
• Positioned in 45deg line from the lead aircraft

Question 3

Parameters for Staggered formation

Answer 3

• Spacing: between 250ft - 0.5nm
• Positioned between 45 - 60 deg aft of the preceding aircraft

Question 4

Types of tactical formations:

Answer 4

• Fluid Trail
• Combat Cruise
• Combat Spread

Question 5

Parameters for Fluid Trail formation

Answer 5

• En route spacing: 0.5 - 1.0 nm
• IP inbound spacing: 0.1 - 1.0 nm
• Positioned within +/-45 cone behind preceding aircraft

Question 6

Parameters for Combat Cruise formation

Answer 6

• Positioned anywhere in lead’s aft hemisphere
• En route spacing: 0.5 - 1.0 nm
• IP inbound spacing: 0.1 - 1.0 nm

Question 7

Parameters for Combat Spread formation

Answer 7

• Positioned 10 - 20 deg behind lead’s abeam
• Spacing: 0.5 - 1.5 nm

Question 8

Standard en route formation position is ______ with recommended ______ spacing.

Answer 8

• Fluid trail
• 0.5 - 1.0 nm

Question 9

What is the standard climb out?

Answer 9

• Tactical climb

Question 10

Describe Tactical Climb

Answer 10

Lead will:
- maintain 95% Qm or maximum continuous power (whichever is less)
- 170 KCAS

Question 11

Describe Cruise Climb

Answer 11

Lead will:
- maintain 170 KCAS at 1,000fpm, then 500fpm above 10,000ft MSL until reaching cruising altitude

Question 12

What is the standard formation descent?

Answer 12

Maximum Range Descent

Question 13

Describe Maximum Range Descent

Answer 13

Lead will:
- descend using idle power, 200 KCAS, and an approx. 3,500 fpm rate of descent

Question 14

What should lead NOT do?

Answer 14

• Exceed 95% Qm in cruise/climb
• use less than 20% Qm during decel/descent
• use greater than half-rate nacelle movement
• use nacelle settings aft of 92deg during deceleration for landing

Question 15

Wingman responsibilities include:

Answer 15

• maintaining position in the formation
• independently navigating and clearing terrain and obstacles
• backing up flight lead and assuming lead, if required
• notifying lead if visual contact with formation aircraft is lost
• advising all formation aircraft of detected threats
• advising flight lead, via radio, of deviations that may jeopardize mission accomplishment

Question 16

“ALPHA CHECK”

Answer 16

Request for confirmation of bearing and range form aircraft to described point

Question 17

“BLIND”

Answer 17

No visual contact with wingman because of terrain, excessive distance, or evasive maneuvers due to threat engagement

Question 18

“CLOAK”

Answer 18

Switch from normal or overt external lighting to covert night-vision device only compatible lighting

Question 19

“LOST VISUAL CONTACT”

Answer 19

When a formation that intended to remain in VMC inadvertently penetrates weather

Question 20

“SADDLED”

Answer 20

Wingman or element has returned to briefed formation position

Question 21

“SET”

Answer 21

In LVA, advises formation that they are safely on the ground.

Question 22

Minimum taxi distance from other aircraft:

Answer 22

100ft

Question 23

Vertical stack minimum distance from other aircraft:

Answer 23

25ft