The training is treated for this type of clinic exactly to the new guy. Experienced pilots share their time and enjoyment of formation for free to promote the hobby to new guys and advance their own skills. We have other clinics for advanced training only, but
this one in April one is tailored for everyone.
We have 3 buckets.
1. Beginners = not cleared for solo
2. Intermediate = cleared solo into a formation but keep an eye on em
3. Advanced = demonstrated competent formation and headed for check ride
The cat 1 guys we call 'red scary guys' cause on my formation planning spreadsheet, every pilot is color coded to ease the scheduling of pilots. Beginners are in the color of red on the spreadsheet which is beamed from the projector onto the wall for mission scheduling. 'Red scary guys' get handed an instructor and the instructor decides when the pilot is cleared solo and signs him off to move on to another group of intermediates. Might be first flight, might be never. If the beginner is completely new to formation altogether, he gets special handling. His first ride is as a GIB (guy in back) in a 4 ship so he can see first hand what it is supposed to look like. Then the instructor rides GIB with the student until he is cleared solo. Which as I mentioned, might be one flight many, or never.
Every pilot is a 'red scary guy' until they prove otherwise to one of the flight leads. You might be a veteran F-15 pilot with stars and bars and a resume a mile long, but until you prove you are safe and competent to one of our flight leads in your RV, your a 'red scary guy.'
This is how we transition pilots to more advanced training. Its a proven effective system and pilots can progress as slowly or as quickly as their skill and discipline allows.
I hope this answers your question. Feel free to ask more.
Best,
Formation Clinics n Formation Q's
Linear Mode
