Kevin Horton
Well Known Member
This post is triggered by Steve Raddatz's accident, but it is not meant to be a comment on the abilities or professionalism of either of the pilots, not is it intended to be speculation on the exact cause of the accident.
There are a large number of RVers who really enjoy flying in formation. I fully understand that, as it is a very enjoyable way to challenge your skills to get ever better. Done properly, it can be quite safe. Done improperly, it can be extremely dangerous.
Every formation flight should start with a detailed formation briefing, following a checklist of items that need to be agreed and understood by all in the formation. Lost sight procedures should be discussed during every formation brief. The greater the number of aircraft, and the greater the complexity of the planned manoeuvres, the more complicated the lost sight procedures become. But the basic procedure remains the same. Each pilot has specified responsibilities. In a two ship, the wingman is responsible to keep lead in sight. If number two loses sight of lead, he must pull hard away from lead's last known position, and immediately broadcast that he has lost sight. Lead must immediately establish straight and level flight, and broadcast his altitude. Number two establishes adequate altitude separation (how much that is should be agreed in the briefing), and then the two pilots can start to discuss exactly where each of them are, which way they are headed, and how they will get back in the same area. They must maintain altitude separation until they have each other in sight, then they can do a rejoin. Altitude separation guarantees no risk of collision with each other. Of course there are other aircraft in the sky, so keep that head on a swivel.
We should honour Steve's memory by reflecting on how we fly formation. Have we gotten lazy, and cut a few corners? Have we skipped a few formation briefs, because we always fly with the same guys? Let's get back to basics, and focus on how to do things properly, and safely. Do it for your wife and children. Do it for Steve.
Anyone who flies formation should undergo period training with a recognized formation training organization. Always do a good formation brief. Use a formation brief checklist, so you don't forget a point. Fly the formation as briefed. After landing, have a debrief, so you can identify and learn from things that went well, and things that went less well.
Fly safe. Have fun.
There are a large number of RVers who really enjoy flying in formation. I fully understand that, as it is a very enjoyable way to challenge your skills to get ever better. Done properly, it can be quite safe. Done improperly, it can be extremely dangerous.
Every formation flight should start with a detailed formation briefing, following a checklist of items that need to be agreed and understood by all in the formation. Lost sight procedures should be discussed during every formation brief. The greater the number of aircraft, and the greater the complexity of the planned manoeuvres, the more complicated the lost sight procedures become. But the basic procedure remains the same. Each pilot has specified responsibilities. In a two ship, the wingman is responsible to keep lead in sight. If number two loses sight of lead, he must pull hard away from lead's last known position, and immediately broadcast that he has lost sight. Lead must immediately establish straight and level flight, and broadcast his altitude. Number two establishes adequate altitude separation (how much that is should be agreed in the briefing), and then the two pilots can start to discuss exactly where each of them are, which way they are headed, and how they will get back in the same area. They must maintain altitude separation until they have each other in sight, then they can do a rejoin. Altitude separation guarantees no risk of collision with each other. Of course there are other aircraft in the sky, so keep that head on a swivel.
We should honour Steve's memory by reflecting on how we fly formation. Have we gotten lazy, and cut a few corners? Have we skipped a few formation briefs, because we always fly with the same guys? Let's get back to basics, and focus on how to do things properly, and safely. Do it for your wife and children. Do it for Steve.
Anyone who flies formation should undergo period training with a recognized formation training organization. Always do a good formation brief. Use a formation brief checklist, so you don't forget a point. Fly the formation as briefed. After landing, have a debrief, so you can identify and learn from things that went well, and things that went less well.
Fly safe. Have fun.