Formation GK Guide

Question 1

REASONS TO BREAKOUT

11-248

Answer 1

HITS
Hazard to formation
In front of or behind lead
Told to
SA lost

If 2 initiates: “Rock 2 breaking out” 1 acknowledges, confirms, and establishes alt seperation.

If 1 initiates:
“Rock 2, break out”
“2”
“Rock 2, roll out”
“2”
1 will fly predictably to maintain visual. 2 can roll themselves out if safe to do so AND visual. 1 is responsible for safe seperation and deconfliction until acknowledged.

Once 2 calls “Rock 2, visual” 1 can direct rejoin. 2 may parallel flight path until rejoin directed.

Question 2

REASONS TO TERMINATE

11-248

Answer 2

BOLD
BINGO reached
Out of position
Learning objectives met
Directed to

Script no matter who calls:
1/2: “Rock Terminate”
1: “Rock 1 Terminate”
2: “Rock 2 Terminate”
1/2 “Rock Terminate, [reason]”

Question 3

REASONS TO KNOCK IT OFF

11-248

Answer 3

EBUMSWORLD
Emergency
Boundary bust
Unbriefed flight enters area
Min cloud sep/alt/range
SA lost
Wx below mins
Overflown BINGO or limits
Radio Failure or wing rock
Line bust or w/in 300’ ET
Directed to

Script no matter who calls:
1/2: “Rock KIO”
1: “Rock 1 KIO”
2: “Rock 2 KIO”
1/2 “Rock KIO, [reason]”

Question 4

KIO ACTIONS

11-248

Answer 4

CCMA
Clear flight path
Cease maneuvering and climb/descend
Maintain visual
Acknowledge with callsign

Question 5

BLIND & NORDO

Standards

Answer 5

The DFO #1 will go to the base altitude, center radial center DME, and will orbit with right 30 degree bank turns. The DFO #2 will go to the base altitude +/- 1,000 feet without passing through the base altitude, and orbit with left turns. If unable to rejoin by Bingo+100, the DFO #2 will recover to Laughlin. The DFO #1 will recover at Bingo.

Question 6

BASE ALTITUDES

Standards

Answer 6

Ski/Burr Low 9,000’
Ranch Low 11,000’
All Highs 17,000’
All Full Blocks 12,000

Question 7

Frequency Changes

Standards

Answer 7

All frequency changes are on prime unless otherwise specified. The priority for making channel changes is (1) “push” with no acknowledgement, and then (2) “go” with acknowledgement. Formations will use AUX to direct PRIME channel changes when not responding to ATC directions.

Question 8

MIDAIR COLLISION

Standards

Answer 8

DFO #1 will take the front half of the active MOA and DFO #2 will take the back half. DFO #1 will coordinate for separate chase ships.

Question 9

UNUSUAL ATTITUDES/SPATIAL DISORIENTATION

Standards

Answer 9

The least affected pilot in the affected aircraft will lead the recovery.

Question 10

RADIO PROCEDURES

Standards

Answer 10

Formations will use “Push” comms to the max extent practical. Visual signals will be primary in route or closer positions. During ET, the #2 aircraft is responsible for calling terminate when learning objectives have been met.

Question 11

IN-FLIGHT CHECKS (ops check btw FENCE IN and OUT)

Standards

Answer 11

For all ops checks between FENCE-In and FENCE-Out, state fuel and G’s. Gs are not required for low-level sorties. In all cases, mimic lead.

Question 12

WAKE TURBULENCE

Standards

Answer 12

Any wake turbulence encountered should be treated as asymmetric G’s.

Question 13

Signal: Attention in the air

11-205

Answer 13

Rapid shallow wing rocks

Question 14

Signal: Battle damage assessment

11-205

Answer 14

“Check mark” with index finger and thumb

Question 15

Signal: Change Lead

11-205

Answer 15

1: Point FWD twice then number two (think “Take - Lead - 2”) 1 should reduce power or use speed brake to slow, both a/c set diverging vectors

2: Increase power to overtake 1, once rear canopy bow looks “flat” 2 will assume lead with a head nod

Question 16

Signal: Echelon turn

11-205

Answer 16

Pinky and index finger, move hand fwd and back. 2 responds with a head nod when ready

Signal not required in route or in the pattern

Question 17

Signal: Flaps up or down

11-205

Answer 17

Hand flat, wingers fwd, move down from wrist. Reverse to raise flaps. To responds with head nod.

Not required during T/O

Question 18

Signal: OPS CHECK

11-205

Answer 18

“Drink” from thumb

Response: Fuel remaining utlizing numbers

Standard is to utlize comms for ops check

Question 19

Signal: Gear Down

11-205

Answer 19

Point back over shoulder with thumb. 2 nods to acknowledge. Same for gear up (not req during T/O)

Question 20

Signal: Loosen formation

11-205

Answer 20

Fishtail the a/c

Question 21

Signal: O2 Check/Climb check

11-205

Answer 21

Cub hand over mask. Response is OK sign. If not OK, use appropriate HEFOE signal.

Standard to use comms instead

Question 22

Signal: Pitchout

11-205

Answer 22

Circle index finger in the air while clearing flight path. 2 gives nod when ready and 1 looks back at them.

Question 23

Signal: Change radio freq

11-205

Answer 23

Tap “ear” with the number to change channel to
Hand upright: 1-5
Hand sideways: 6-9

Question 24

Signal: Engine run up on T/O

11-205

Answer 24

Circular motion with index finger up like pitchout.

Runup sequence: 2 nods in response to runup signal. 1 will continue to look at 2 while 2 looks inside and sets their torque. 1 will approximate torque while looking at 2. Once 2 has 30% set, they will look up and nod at 1. 1 will then look inside to set their torque. 2 will continue to moniter flight lead. When ready, 1 will give T/O signal.

Question 25

Signal: T/O as 1 ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 25

"On-my-command-brakes-release" Tap 3 times, head back, fwd on cadance

Question 26

Signal: Ejection ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 26

Face curtains

Question 27

Signal: Descend to a lower altitude ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 27

Flat hand fwd and down, "descending"

Question 28

Signal: Desire to land ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 28

Simulate round out with hand

Question 29

Signal: I Must land immediately ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 29

Closed fist with thimb down on top of canopy, moving arm up and down (not to be confused with gear, which is back and fwd)

Question 30

Signal: I must land on your wing ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 30

Pat left shoulder with right hand, or vice versa. Acknowledge with OK signal

Question 31

Signal: Radio fail ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 31

Receiver fail: Wave hand over ear back and forth Transmitter fail: Wave hand over mask up and down

Question 32

Signal: HEFOE signal ## Footnote 11-205

Answer 32

Fist to top of canopy followed by number of fingers corosponding to: - H: Hydraulics - 1 - E: Electrics - 2 - F: Fuel - 3 - O: Oxygen - 4 - E: Engine - 5

Question 33

What is a formation? ## Footnote 11-202V3

Answer 33

* More than one a/c, w prior arrangement, operating as a single a/c * within 1 mi laterally and 100' vertically

Question 34

When is a formation non standard? ## Footnote 11-202V3

Answer 34

* Whenever flight lead has requested and ATC has approved something non-standard * When under LOA * When ops are conducted in an airspace designated for the activity

Question 35

Responsibilites as flight lead ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 35

* Planning, briefing, executing, debrifing * Focus on mission accomplishment and safety

Question 36

Responsibilites as 1 ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 36

* Clearing (for flight) * Planning (area, fuel, time) * Moniter 2 * Navigation * Communication

Question 37

Responisibilites as 2 ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 37

* Don't hit 1 * Keep 1 in sight * Be in position and on freq * Clear for formation * Back up 1, be ready to take lead

Question 38

Collision avoidance, number 2 ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 38

Number 2s primary responsibility is always flight path deconfliction within the formation. This transfers to 1 if 2 calls blind.

Question 39

Factors that contribute to mid airs ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 39

* 1 not monitering 2 during rejoins or ET *If 1 is unsure of 2's position, ask "C/S 2 posit"* * Failure of 2 to execute lost wingman proc if visual lost in IMC * Failure to recognize excess overtake * Failure to maintain lateral and vertical seperation during turning and straight ahead rejoins * Failure to consider effects of wingtip vorticies

Question 40

C/S 01/02 vs C/S 1/2 ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 40

* All calls OUTSIDE formation will use full callsign "Rock81" * Interflight communication will use positions "Rock1"

Question 41

Lost wingman procedures: purpose ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 41

* To gain seperation if 2 looses sight of 1 in IMC * 2 notifies 1, 1 coordinates w ATC to get separate clerance for 2 * 1 will acknowledge 2s radio call and transmit alt, to be acknowldeged by 2. 1 should tell 2 hdg, alt and a/s necessary to aid in SA

Question 42

Lost Wingman: Stright and level ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 42

Lost wingman turns away 15 AOB for 15 sec, rolls out and continues stright ahead

Question 43

Lost Wingman: Turning ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 43

* 2 Inside: Reduce power for nose/tail sep, tell 1 roll out. 2 maintains AOB then proceeds on seprate clearance. 1 resumes turn when sep assured * 2 Outside: 2 wll turn 15 AOB for 15 sec in opposite direction of 1. 1 will continue the turn and coordinate for seprate clearance for 2

Question 44

Lost Wingman: Final Approach ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 44

Lost wingman MOMENTARILY turns away from 1 and climbs to FAF or glide slope int alt. While proceeding to MAP, 2 will inform 1 who will obtain seprate clearance. Comply w new instructions or published missed.

Question 45

Lost Wingman: Missed approach ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 45

Lost wingman MOMENTARILY turns away to ensure clearance, informs 1, and will continue on published missed while climbing 500' above missed alt. 2 obtains seprate clearance.

Question 46

Wing Takeoff ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 46

* Place 2 upwind (fat side of windsock) if greater than 5 kt crosswind IMC: Place 2 outside 1st turn VMC: Place 2 inside 1st turn * Both align with inside edge of captain's bars * 2 lines up on fingertip line w min 20 ft lateral wingtip spacing. 2 nods when ready to runup, 1 gives runup signal. * Runup sequence: 2 nods in response to runup signal. 1 will continue to look at 2 while 2 looks inside and sets their torque. 1 will approximate torque while looking at 2. Once 2 has 30% set, they will look up and nod at 1. 1 will then look inside to set their torque. 2 will continue to moniter flight lead. When ready, 1 will give T/O signal: "On-my-command-brakes-release" Tap 3 times, head back, fwd on cadance * 1 should set 85% power for T/O, 2 sets power as required to maintain proper position. 2 will not overtake 1 or rotate before 1. If unable maintain position, 2 will select MAX and do individual T/O. 1 will direct rejoin. * When formation is airborne @ min 110 KIAS, 1 retracts gear. 2 may delay retraction if overtaking 1 but will never retract before 1. 2 may begin retraction when 1s inboard gear doors move.

Question 47

Interval T/O ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 47

* May be static or rolling, no visual signals needed unless doing static runup. After T/O roll has begun, each should steer twoard but not cross ctr of rwy. * For rolling, when clr to T/O 1 will take the rwy and line up center or offset, then select MAX to T/O. When 1 starts roll, 2 may take the active to perform MAX pwr T/O. Wingman will ensure min 6 seconds of spacing. * If necessary, coordinate level off to maintain VMC until rejoin accomplished. 2 rejoins inside of 1st turn outside traffic unless otherwise briefed. 1 will ptch for 160 KIAS ~85% and 2 will use MAX till rejoin.

Question 48

Instrument Trail Departure ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 48

T/O Spacing no less than 20 sec Both a/c climb MAX 160 KIAS 30 AOB. 2 will have TAS/SQUAWK ON till join up. Until rejoin: * 1 and 2 call evn altitudes and when initiating hdg changes * 2 will delay all hdg changes called by 1 by number of seconds btw T/O (>=20 sec) * Acknowldegements not req * 2 will maint 1000' alt sep from 1 till visual * If 1000' cannot be maint due to MSA sep may be reduced to min 500' * If visual cannot be accomplished by lvl off, 1 req 1000' alt sep till 2 visual * 2 rejoins after visual aquired + permission * 2 then turns TAS/SQUAWK off

Question 49

Lead/Lag/Pure pursuit In reference to AA, HCA, closure ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 49

Lead: 2 aims in front of 1 AA and closure ⬆️ HCA ⬇️ Pure: 2 aims at 1 Initial closure 📉 over time AA = HCA both 📉 over time Lag: 2 aims behind 1 Closure and AA ⬇️ HCA ⬆️

Question 50

Heading Crossing Angle (HCA)/Aspect Angle (AA) ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 50

* HCA: Angle difference btw longitudinal axis of both a/c. Also known as angle off. *(Think of two lasers pointing out from both a/c noses, angle btw them is the HCA)* * AA: Degrees off the tail of refrence a/c in the direction of the wing in angles of 10. *(Wings are 9, "armpit" of a/c is ~4.5, direct aft of tail is 0, in front of the nose is 180. Think of the aspects as "lines" extending off the a/c, you can intercept the 4.5 aspect and "ride it up" to fingertip)*

Question 51

Line-of-sight rate ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 51

* Forward LOS: Reference a/c is moving FWD in canopy twoard your nose. They are overtaking. * Aft LOS: Reference a/c is moving AFT in canopy twoard your tail. You are overtaking.

Question 52

Straight Ahead Overshoot ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 52

Maintain parallel or diverging vector. Reduce power and apply speed brake as necessary. If visual can be maintained and flight paths are not converging, no need to b/o. When 0 LOS observed, retract SB and set power to match 1.

Question 53

Turning Rejoin Overshoot ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 53

ALWAYS maintain 2 ship nose tail seperation AND correct stack. Reduce power and apply speed brake as required. Roll wings level (requires DECREASING bank and rolling opposite of 1's AOB) or as required to move to outside of turn, no higher than route etchelon position. When 0 LOS, retract SB, set power approximately to match 1, and crossunder to fingertip.

Question 54

Lost Sight Procedures (Blind) ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 54

Goal: Achieve vertical sepertaion to re-establish visual and rejoin * Always call blind w altitude "Roll 2, blind, 9,500" * If no timely response from 1, 2 should manuver away from 1s last known location, ading hdg or turn info to call * 1 will be directive to maintain alt seperation (Consider reference heading) "Roll 1, descend 9,000, Roll 2 is climbing 10,000, reference heading 270" * Continue to coordinate over coms: "Roll 1 established 10,000, Roll 2 turn reference heading 270" "Roll 2 established 9,000, 270" * A/c who makes visual contact will transmit position relative to blind a/c "Roll 2, visual, 4 o'clock low" * When blind, 1 may direct a rejoin no closer than route position "Roll 2, rejoin route left" "2" * Once visual, one should transmit as such and may direct reform to fingertip "Roll 1 visual"

Question 55

Rejoin vs Reform ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 55

Reform: move 2 from one formation to another Rejoin: * Bringing the band back together, i.e. after pitchout, lost wingman ex, inst trail departure, or blind ex * 1 can initiate w wing rocks or via comms * All rejoins are to fingertip unless otherwise specified * Rejoin speed is 180 unless otherwise briefed, 1 will call a/s if more than 10 KIAS off

Question 56

Straight ahead rejoin ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 56

1: Direct rejoin, inform 2, clear * turn away from 2 if turn into will exceed their ability 2: Rejoin on left unless otherwise directed * Increas a/s to 20-30 KIAS of closure * Be slightly below 1 with a vector twoard 1's low 6 * Place 1 slightly above horizon and avoid wake * Drive up to about 500' behind them and bid out 2-3 ships from 1's wingtip, intersect 4.5 aspect * Decrease power, plan to arrive in route and transition to fingertip

Question 57

Turning rejoin ## Footnote 11-248

Answer 57

1: Direct rejoin with wing rock in specified direction (i.e. for left, 60L-45R-30L) * 30 AOB in turn direction * Hold level or VSI less than or equal to 500 for area planning if needed * Be ready to take evasive action 2: Set 20-30 KIAS of closure, bid to INSIDE of turn circle, low or high yo-yo as required * Stack: place 1 two ship widths above horizon, maintain this stack * Line, intersect 4.5 aspect, "Star" or "SA" in the "saddle" between rear canopy and vert stab * Reduce smash as you see the XL clearly (1000' ref) and be at 180 KIAS by the time you see the tail # clearly (300'-500' refrence) * Once inside 500', transfer to normal fingertip refrence * If too much smash and unable to arrest, reduce power and overshoot by rolling wings level or INTO one, (maintaing stack) SB as required

Question 58

Min WX and RWY for wing T/O ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 58

* Ceiling and vis >= circling min or 500/1 and 1/2 whichever is higher * No RWY with standing water, ice, slush, or snow * 150 min width

Question 59

Min WX and rwy width for interval T/O ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 59

1500/3 Min 75 ft width

Question 60

Min WX for formation approach and landing ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 60

* 500/1 and 1/2 or approach mins, whichever is higher *with the exception of form appch req for emergencies* * Do not land on rwy with standing water, ice, slush, or snow Cannot initiate Descent or execute approach without suitable minimums

Question 61

Crosswind limits ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 61

15 KT

Question 62

Low approaches, min alt ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 62

Min alt to initiate a G/A is 300' AGL to prevent accidental touchdown (1400' MSL at KDLF)

Question 63

Manuver limits: Fingertip ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 63

* 120 KIAS min * Approx 90 AOB * 2-3 Gs (Think WW lvl 3)

Question 64

Manuver Limits: Route/Echelon ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 64

Max 60 AOB

Question 65

Manuver Limits: Close trail ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 65

* 120 KIAS min * Approx 90 AOB * 2-3 Gs * Modified lazy 8s

Question 66

Manuver Limits: Extended Trail ## Footnote 11-2T-6V3

Answer 66

* Limited to 2 ship * Accomplish GX prior to * 100 KIAS min * May accomplish turns, loops, modified barrel rolls, modified lazy 8s, modified cuban 8s, modified clover leafs * No abrubt turn reversals or unanticipated rolls to opp direction

Question 67

When does 2 Aknowledge

Answer 67

FRAG **F**light checks "Rock Ops Check" **R**ejoins "Rock rejoin route left" **A**cknowledge "cleared route left, Acknowledge" **G**o "go ET level 3"

Question 68

When is the lead offered to 2 during an emergency/in flight malfunction?

Answer 68

The number 1 position should be offered three times: (1) when the emergency occurs, (2) on recovery when below the weather and able to navigate VFR to the field, and (3) when on final with the field in sight. Except in IMC, avoid flying closer than route formation as number 2. If number 2 refuses the number 1 position at any time, offer it at each successive point as described above. Except in very unusual circumstances, do not attempt to land in formation with a disabled aircraft.