RV Formation at AirVenture 2006 Oshkosh

[dan]

Originally Posted by Bob Collins

Could you guys give us a sense of what happens at a debriefing session?

The debriefing session consists of the flight lead recapping the entire flight in detail, from engine start to shutdown. Any discrepancies or issues that came up are noted. Stu in particular has eyes on the back of his head, a photographic memory, and a knack for recalling everything he hears on the radio...he doesn't miss much if anything. Mistakes are highlighted constructively, so as to learn from them and to show improvement on the next flight.

Flying formation at this level, you need to "check your ego at the door," because there will be criticism, and you need to be able to accept it. We try to be, but nobody is perfect.

[David-aviator]

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

Here are a few photos of the 15 ship RV Formation that flew Tuesday 25 July 2006 at AirVenture.

http://members3.clubphoto.com/socal2...09/guest.phtml

Next year is Van's 35 year. We need to start training so that we have 35 EXPERIENCED RV FFI Flyers in the air to celebrate.

When I arrived on Sunday, the 23rd, and was inbound at 1800' between Ripon and Fisk, a flight of 16 RV's flew overhead at 2300'. The controller directed the flight to runway 36, and about a minute later sent me to 36 also, so I ended up #17 and tail end Charley to the group. There were 2 airplanes yet on the runway when I landed.

Was that your group? It was about 2pm.

The flight was well planned and flown. Good job. I was a little p.o. when you-all appeared to cut me off, and a trip around Rush Lake was expected, but it worked out well.

David Domeier
Troy, Missouri
RV-7A N707DD

[David-aviator]

Originally Posted by dan

The debriefing session consists of the flight lead recapping the entire flight in detail, from engine start to shutdown. Any discrepancies or issues that came up are noted. Stu in particular has eyes on the back of his head, a photographic memory, and a knack for recalling everything he hears on the radio...he doesn't miss much if anything. Mistakes are highlighted constructively, so as to learn from them and to show improvement on the next flight.

Flying formation at this level, you need to "check your ego at the door," because there will be criticism, and you need to be able to accept it. We try to be, but nobody is perfect.

I saw the flight on Tuesday. It was as good as the T-6's.

Good formation begins with a SMOOTH leader. Next is relative position and absolute concentration. Pick a spot, a batch of rivets, N number, nav light, whatever, and keep it constant. The stick and throttle are constantly moving, ever so slighly.

Easier said than done, but the challenge is fun.

dd

[Kahuna]

Originally Posted by David-aviator

When I arrived on Sunday, the 23rd, and was inbound at 1800' between Ripon and Fisk, a flight of 16 RV's flew overhead at 2300'. The controller directed the flight to runway 36, and about a minute later sent me to 36 also, so I ended up #17 and tail end Charley to the group. There were 2 airplanes yet on the runway when I landed.

Was that your group? It was about 2pm.

The flight was well planned and flown. Good job. I was a little p.o. when you-all appeared to cut me off, and a trip around Rush Lake was expected, but it worked out well.

David Domeier
Troy, Missouri
RV-7A N707DD

Yes that was us.