How do pilots fly in formation?

formation flying, two or more aircraft traveling and maneuvering together in a disciplined, synchronized, predetermined manner. In a tight formation, such as is typically seen at an air show, aircraft may fly less than three feet (one metre) apart and must move in complete harmony, as if they are joined together.

How do jets stay in formation?

In a formation, a pilot must keep one hand on the throttle to make very minute adjustments to stay at the exact speed with other aircraft. One slight variation in throttle, bearing or attitude of an aircraft endangers the complete formation as they may crash into each other.

What keeps the plane level?

Altimeter. The altimeter uses barometric pressure obtained from the static port to display the aircraft’s approximate altitude or height above mean sea level (MSL) in feet. Three pointers provide the altitude information in 100, 1,000 and 10,000 foot increments.

Why do planes fly out of formation?

The aircraft fly in a V-shape with the flight leader at the point and their wingman on their left. In all cases, the aircraft performing the pull-up, split off, or missing from the formation is honoring the person (or persons) who has died, and is representing their departure.

How do the Blue Angels fly so close?

The Blue Angels can fly close together due to the air pressure created by each jet. The air creates a bubble of pressure around the aircraft. When the planes start to travel too close, the pilot may feel resistance from the air pressure created by the adjacent aircraft.

Who is the final authority as to the operation of an aircraft?

The pilot-in-command of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of that aircraft.

What is the greatest risk during open line Refuelling?

The risk of fire is a very real one during refuelling and every precaution must be taken to prevent igni- tion. Sparks from static electricity are eliminated by bonding, linking metal parts with a conductor.

What is a formation flight?

Formation flight is when more than one aircraft which, by prior arrangement between the pilots, operate as a single aircraft with regard to navigation and position reporting

When to give an order for joining formation in the air?

The order for joining formation in the air shall be given prior to takeoff of the aircraft concerned or by radio, and the leader of the formation to be joined shall be informed that the order has been given Exceptions to this paragraph may be made when the leader of a formation signals another aircraft to join the formation

What should be included in a preflight brief?

Pilots involved should perform a preflight brief delineating all aspects of the pending formation flight Items to be briefed, in addition to those identified above, shall include items peculiar to either aircraft community (e.g., limitations/capabilities/hazards affecting the flight/rendezvous/join-up/separation)

What is a transition period in aviation?

This includes transition periods when aircraft within the formation are maneuvering to attain separation from each other to effect individual control and during join-up and breakaway