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Sport ClassFAST Ground School

Sport Class Formation Ground School Overview

•Part I: Basic Positions Defined•Part II: The Core Maneuvers & Procedures•Part III: Pitchout and Rejoins•Part IV: Flying Extended Trail•Part V: Safety

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BASIC CONCEPTS OF CLOSE FORMATION

PART I

The Formation Concept

• Challenging and Rewarding way to fly

• Based on Trust and Confidence

• Requires Discipline and Focus

• Know “The Contract” and Your Responsibilities

“The Contract”• Flight Lead• Brief / Debrief• Fly stable platform• Control the flight maneuvers• Monitor flight • Terminate maneuvers if flight

safety is compromised• Navigate• Communicate

“The Contract”

• Wingman• Attend/understand briefing• Always maintain visual contact• Immediately advise lead if you do lose sight• Don’t hit flight lead (or anyone else either)• Follow briefed formations/positions• Maintain listening watch• Advise lead if traffic is observed• Have exit plan ready

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TAILORED TRAINING NOTE

• Sport Class FAST Course is Tailored to Reno Air Race OPS

• Training Charter:• Familiarization with FAST

Procedures• View-ahead Brief

• Specific Procedures To Support Racing

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Formation Composition2-Ship

• 2-Ship = 1 Element• Basic building block

• #1, Lead• #2, Wing

• Proximity• Fingertip / Parade - Close• Route – More Space

Note: “Parade” and “Fingertip” are used interchangeably by many

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The Bearing Line vs.Sightlines (Visual Reference Points)

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The Bearing Line

• Measured off of the nose of the lead aircraft

• 45° for most aircraft

• Bearing line deviation

• Acute = forward of the bearing line

• Sucked = aft of the bearing line

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2

Example, RVs:

RV Primary line of reference:Outboard aileron hinge on spinner

Secondary reference:Tip of oppositeelevator behind the rudder

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1

• Primary reference provides “bearing” and “step down”

• Secondary reference sets spacing

Sample Reference PointsSample Reference Points

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The Bearing Line

You won’t see your desired sightlines, i.o.w…

…your visual reference points will not be lined up

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Fingertip: “Finger Four”

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Formation Composition,4-Ship

• 4-Ship – (2 elements)• #1 Lead• #2 Wing• #3 Deputy Lead• #4 Wing

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Formation Composition: Qualifications

• Flight Lead: Most experienced, Lead qualified.• #2: Wingman• #3: Deputy Lead (Lead Capable)• #4: Wingman• Do notDo not put non-formation qualified pilot or

inexperienced pilot as Flight Lead

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4-Ship ConfigurationsFingertip

Strong Left

Close Trail

DiamondEchelon

FingertipStrong Right

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SCARA RULE ON CONFIGURATION CHANGES

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PART II

The Core Formation Events and Maneuvers

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PART II - Format

• Will discuss each maneuver in the normal flight sequence

• Will cover• Position References • Radio Calls

– Visual/Aircraft Signals for Pitchouts and Rejoins)

• How to perform the maneuver• How Sport Class Tailors the procedures (where applicable)

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Typical Training Profile• Interval Takeoff

• Takeoff Rejoin

• Route Formation

• Parade/Fingertip Formation

• Wing-work (station-keeping)

• Crossunders

• Echelon turns

• Pitch-out & Rejoins

• Extended Trail

• RTB

• Recovery (overhead)

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• Critical to success of the flight• Sets the tone for the whole flight• Lead will use the Sport Class Briefing ChecklistBriefing Checklist• Brief the plan• Listen Up / Ask Questions

• No one mans up without clear picture of expectations

• Fly the plan

Flight Briefing

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• Time Hack• Establish Mission Objectives• Weather & Environmentals• Sequence of Events and standards to be used• Mission Specifics• Details on how to achieve the training objectives.

• Contingencies• Wrap Up & Final Questions

Mission Briefing: 7 step briefing format: Manual Appendix C

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Briefing Highlight:Communications

• Always brief a communication plan

• Brief all frequencies if local flying

• Initial check-in after engine start is generally on CTAF

• During FAST (Ground for PRS)

• Frequency change protocol

• Use of Use of ““GoGo””:: Acknowledge in sequence (“check out”)

• Use of Use of ““PushPush””:: Switch without acknowledgment

• Lead will check flight in on new frequency in either caseLead will check flight in on new frequency in either case

• Sport Class Standard for FAST and PRS – Always use “GO”

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Engine Start Hand Signals

• Be ready to start at briefed start time• Ensure area is clear of all but crew• Lead points skyward and rotates finger• Wingmen repeat signal as heads-up to others

• Start when lead starts• If everyone in flight is turning, fire-it-up!

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Check-in / Taxi

• Pull forward 5 feet when ready to taxi

• Check In on CTAF with Race Number (during FAST)

• Check in on Ground if Tower goes live Tuesday• This will be standard during PRS

• Taxi In Sequence

• Spacing:

• In trail: 4 Ship Lengths4 Ship Lengths

• Staggered: 2 Ship Lengths2 Ship Lengths

• Tail Dragger: Extend & Weave as required. BRIEF THIS!

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Run-up• Position Aircraft to line up heads

• May need to make “arc” in Run-up Area

• Conduct Run-up

• Check over aircraft to L & R• Look to aircraft behind when ready

• Pass Thumbs up from Back to Front• Now true for FAST and PRSNow true for FAST and PRS

• Lead announces departure on CTAF and leads flight out

• If tower in operation:• Lead will switch flight (“GO”) to Tower when thumbs up gets to him

• Sport Class Standard for FAST/PRS: No “auto switch” to Tower/Race Cntrl

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Line Up Options

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Tailored Line Up Procedures

• Mirrors PRS, but no Pace aircraft• Lead rolls first when all wingmen on runway• Roll and go OK if needed to accommodate traffic

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Interval Takeoff

• Lead call 60 kts

• Racers roll in order when previous racer is 1000 ft down the runway

• Last Aircraft call airborneLast Aircraft call airborne

• Takeoff on Hot side, Abort to Cold side• Hot side is away from stands (N side)• Cold side is turnoff side (S side, towards stands)• Control the Aircraft• Call the Abort• Call Cold

Hot Side / Cold Side

N

S

Revised March 2015

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Rejoins After Interval Takeoff

• Straight ahead or turning• Which side?

• Tailored: ALL Rejoins in Sport Class FAST / PRS will be “EVERYONE JOINS TO THE OUTSIDE”

• Rejoins in Part III of this Ground School

• Typical FAST• #2 always joins on inside of turn• #3 and #4 always join to outside• Straight ahead – as briefed

• Standard is #2 on left, #3 and #4 on right

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BREAK

Parade Station KeepingParade Station Keeping

• Find “the bearing line” & stay on it• Scan and maintain sightlines / visual references• Wings level with lead• Constant Corrections:

– Stick: slight finger pressure– Throttle: “Controlled Aggression”

• Don’t fixate – develop a scan

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Example, RVs:RV Primary line of reference:Outboard aileron hinge on spinner

Secondary reference:Tip of oppositeelevator behind the rudder

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• Primary reference provides “bearing” and “step down”

• Secondary reference sets spacing

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• Establish & Maintain your Sightlines

• Make constant, small corrections

• Relax the “Death Grip” & “Wiggle Your Toes”

• Generally correct position in a logical sequence:

• Correct to the bearing linebearing line

• Correct vertical stack / stepdownvertical stack / stepdown

• Correct lateral spacinglateral spacing

• Eventually corrections are 3D…but remember the basicsEventually corrections are 3D…but remember the basics

Station Keeping 101

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• Recognition: Continuously and quickly correct

back to THE LINE

• Think: “small, timely corrections”

• Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate

• Use trimtrim to your advantage

• Correct Hand PositionHand Position on stick/throttle

• Oh yeah…Relax, Relax, Relax…Breath!

Station Keeping 101

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Parade Turns

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Route Formation

2 – 4 ship widths…to 500 feet

““AbeamAbeam to no further aft than the bearing bearing lineline””

Trend Note: When sent to route, move out, not aft

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Route Formation

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Flying Route

• Turns• Wingman on the inside of the turn:

• Fly route welded wing welded wing references

• Wingman on the outside of the turn:• Fly echelonechelon references to avoid large power req• (Stack Level in turn away)

• Do not “creep” back to fingertip

• Use good scan of lead when doing ops checks• To avoid unrecognized closure

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Flying Route

Keep your 2-4 ship spacing until directed otherwise, and don’t slide

aft…

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Cross-Under

• Used to move aircraft from one side of Lead to the other side• Set up flight for pitch out maneuver• Get Wingman out of sun• Give Wingman a change on cross

country trip

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Cross-Under Signals

• Hand Signals• Cross-under #2

• Single, raised fist

• Notify #3 first

• Cross-under #3 & #4

• Fist held up & pumped twice

• Aircraft Signals

• Wing Dip

• Dip Direction indicates which wingman moves

Sport Class Standard is RADIO CALLSport Class Standard is RADIO CALL..

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Cross-Under Execution

Three part, primarily wings-level maneuver

1. Reduce power, move down and back• Add small amount of power to stop rearward movement

2. Change heading to move across to opposite side• SLIGHT aileron or rudder pressure to generate SLIGHT heading

change…NO LARGE BANK OR YAW (should be imperceptible)• Maintain nose to tail distance while crossing• SLIGHT aileron or rudder pressure to re-align heading and stop cross

3. Add power, move forward & up into position

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Cross-Under Execution

Cross Under

UP and in

DOWN and back

Controlled move ACROSS

Avoid rounding the corners!

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Echelon

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Echelon

• All aircraft on the same side of lead

• Used for:• Pitch outs• Traffic pattern• Airshow Display

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Turning In Echelon

• Only turns away from wingmen in echelon• All aircraft pivot on longitudinal axis• Fuselage of Lead aircraft and aircraft

ahead split the horizon• Do not unload in echelon• Training: Up to 45 Degrees AOB

Line Abreast Formation

• Flown in the Start Chute

• Will be practiced in the working area

• Flown on the 3/9 line (wingtip to wingtip)

• Lateral Spacing (in/out) is challenging

• Banking causes spacing difficulties

• Tendency is to roll where you look (so don’t!)

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Formation RecoveryOverhead Traffic Pattern

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Recovery Notes• Simplify Radio Calls for the overhead

• VFR (GA) pattern aircraft are not familiar with overhead terminology

• Race 22 Flight, 10 West, entering straight in overhead 8

• Race 22 Flight, 3 mile initial, runway 8

• Race 22 Flight, overhead, left break 8

• Race 22 Base / Gear

• Race 22 Cold

• Trend Items:Trend Items: • Do not report “Downwind” when setting up for the initial for overhead

– Use Bearing/Distance

» Race 22 Flight, 5 North, will enter straight in overhead 2-6

• “Pinching” Flight into a short initial

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• Lead configures flight in echelon.

• Lead points skyward & rotates finger

• Lead holds up number of fingers to signify break interval in seconds:

• Sport Class Standard is 5 seconds for Landing Pattern

• Only 2 Acknowledges (head nod, don’t pass signal)

• Creates 2000’ +/- interval on downwind

• Interval about 90º ahead in approach turn

• Know your interval and aircraft ahead of it

Overhead Pattern Execution

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Overhead Pattern Execution

• The Break from Echelon:• Lead pitches levellevel over or beyond the numbers, as required for

spacing, & reduces power

• Wing Pilots pitch levellevel at proper interval

• Lead drops gear on downwind abeam numbers• Sooner if needed

• Wing Pilots drop gear when wings level on downwind• Maintain spacing throughout pattern

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• Flaps at Vfe, or off the perch• Wing Pilots match aircraft ahead• Speed and configuration…aircraft type differences permitting

• Coming Off the Perch• Continuous descending turn to final at briefed speedat briefed speed• Use same turn point off perch• Do not descend early on downwind

• Don’t chase lead down…forces entire pattern down

• Keep interval(s) in sight• Adjust interval as needed with turn (lead/lag)• 90º behind aircraft ahead, 2000’ spacing +/-

Landing Pattern Execution

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• Lead lands long on hot side (or centerline of runway if conditions warrant), then moves to cold side (ramp exit side)

• Each Wing Pilot does the same• CONTROL YOUR CLOSURE ON INTERVAL BEFORE GOING COLD• 2000’ +/- spacing at threshold• <100 ft wide runway: No clear lane, increase interval

• RWY 18 @ RTS

• All aircraft roll to briefed exit to clear• No Early Turnoffs

Landing Pattern Hot-Cold Landing Procedure

Runway Exit Plan

A3 B

NO EARLY TURNOFFS!

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Recovery NotesCo-existing with Local Traffic

• Simple, Clear CommsSimple, Clear Comms

• Predictable, Consistent Overhead Entries and PatternsPredictable, Consistent Overhead Entries and Patterns

• Courtesy to slower and/or training aircraftCourtesy to slower and/or training aircraft

• When in doubt of traffic intervalWhen in doubt of traffic interval• Ask for interval’s positionAsk for interval’s position

• Fly-through (“spin it”) and re-enter, if neededFly-through (“spin it”) and re-enter, if needed

• Heads up for variety of skill levels and experienceHeads up for variety of skill levels and experience• Student Training commonStudent Training common

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Taxi In/Shutdown

• Lead assembles flight clear of runway, or• Individual Taxi OK – As briefed by lead

• CAUTION entering ramp!!• Other Flights and their crew• Do not taxi or coast across No Prop Turn Line

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Debrief

• Lead Pilot directs the debrief• Wingmen get their shot when called

• Critique all aspects of flight, as required• Examine the ““what, why and howwhat, why and how”” of the sortie

• Wingmen should not leave debrief with unanswered questions or concerns

• Remember: Egos checked at the door• Goals: Safety, Mutual Support and Constant

Improvement!

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Ops Checks and Fuel Management

• ““Ops CheckOps Check””• All in-flight checks performed in route formation

• Check fuel, fuel balance and engine parameters

• Report parameters as required.• Fuel State in minutes

• Include G meter if applicable to flight

• Flight Lead radio call and acknowledgment:

• “Sport 5 flight Ops Check, 5: 55”

• “22: 45” “2: 55” “39: 50”

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Fuel Management

• ““BingoBingo””• Fuel state at which flight must terminate to return with legal minimums or as briefed by the Flight Lead

• Day VFR: 30 Minutes Reserve

• Generally briefed in ‘Time’ - fuel remaining in minutes in dissimilar aircraft formations

• Example report: “Raven 3 is bingo plus 5”

• Do not overfly briefed bingo!Do not overfly briefed bingo!

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BREAK

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PART III:Pitch-Out and Rejoin

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The FormationPitch-Out

• Used to take spacing for• Rejoin practice• Extended Trail Maneuvering practice

• Overhead Pattern for landing

• Executed from echelon configuration

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The FormationPitch-Out

• Lead points skyward and rotates finger• Lead holds up number of fingers to indicate break

interval in seconds• Sport Class Standard – 3 seconds (for rejoin practice)• Only #2 acknowledges (head nod – don’t pass signal)• Lead “kisses” off• Subsequent aircraft use same intervalsame interval

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General Pitch-Out Execution

• Level, 60° bank, 2G, 180° turn

• 3 second interval• Match lead’s roll, G and flight path

• “4’s IN” Call• Rejoins: Last aircraft calls “in” when wings-level, directly

behind preceding aircraft.• At completion of 180° turn

Rejoin TechniquesRejoin Techniques

• Lead establishes a steady turn (20-25 deg nominal)

• Wingman turns inside to establish LEAD PURSUIT• “Rejoin line” = 45 deg – vertical stab on outside wing

• Once on the rejoin line, modulate bank to fly up the line• Expect to DECREASE bank upon reaching “the line”.

• Use angles, not throttle, to control closure (but manage airspeed)• If acute, DECREASE bank (giving you less lead/cutoff)• If sucked, INCREASE bank (giving you more lead/cutoff)

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• Stay LEVEL with lead – it’s an “in plane” maneuver• Lead ON Horizon

• Too much smash (closure)? UNDER-RUN!• Decrease AOB and G, lower nose• Go below, behind and outside• Stabilize, then slide back inside lead’s turn circle

• No big plays to catch overshoot!• Never go belly up to lead!

Rejoin TechniquesRejoin Techniques

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Managing Your Closure

• Bank angle controls your pursuit curve, and your pursuit curve changes your closure • Increase bank angle (or G) and pull lead pursuit =

Increased ClosureIncreased Closure• Reduce bank angle (or G) and ease to lag pursuit =

Decreased ClosureDecreased Closure

• Airspeed control with Throttle as requiredAirspeed control with Throttle as required• Try to minimize throttle useTry to minimize throttle use

Lead PursuitLead Pursuit

Nose AHEAD of the target

Closes the target QUICKLY

Pure PursuitPure Pursuit

Nose ON the target

Closes the target SLOWLY (if inside the circle), then Stagnates

No opening or closing

Lag PursuitLag Pursuit

Nose BEHIND the target

Opens from the target

Rejoin: Extended TrailRejoin: Extended Trail

Rejoin: Establishing CutoffRejoin: Establishing Cutoff

Rejoin: Proper Sight PictureRejoin: Proper Sight Picture

Rejoin: AcuteRejoin: Acute

Rejoin: SuckedRejoin: Sucked

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Rejoin: FinishRejoin: Finish

• Fly Bearing Line until positioned to cross• 2-3 ship-widths

• Cross smoothly to outside• Requires power as you move outside lead’s radius• No big plays to outside!• Ensure you have other wingmen in sight as you rejoin

• Too much closure or “smash” – Under-run!• NEVER GO BELLY UP TO LEAD• Ease AOB and g• Pass below and behind lead and entire flight• Work back inside…back to rejoin line• No big plays back to inside!

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PART IVExtended Trail

• Exercise to manage nose to tail with lead/lag• Use pursuit curves, not power to:• Control Nose to Tail• Control Closure• Manage Aspect

• Fluid position• 500’ - 1000’ Nose to Tail• No closer than 200 feet or KIO/breakout

• Evaluated using wingovers, max bank angle 90 degrees• Lead may brief and fly greater or lesser angles based on exp• Operational Applications:

• Rejoins and Landing Interval

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• Entered from Echelon• Flight Lead Brief procedures in detail• Use Voice call to initiate• Standard 3 second pitchout• “4’s In” Call• For Extended Trail: Last aircraft calls in when achieving

the desired interval and ready for maneuvering• Differs from PO/RJ in this respect

• (no need to wait for 180° of turn)

• Lead maneuvers on “4’s In” call

Entering (Separating to)Extended Trail

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FlyingExtended Trail

Lead

Lag

Pure

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Rejoin fromExtended Trail

• Flight Lead flies S&L for short period• Large Wingrock• Turn for rejoin• Standard Rejoin Procedures

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PART VSAFETY

• Collision Avoidance

• Knock It Off

• May-Day

• Hard Deck

• Safety Equipment

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SafetyCollision Avoidance

• Always keep lead in sight• Always closely monitor relative motion and closure• Always maintain separation• Always consider prop wash and wake turbulence • Never move ahead of your lead aircraft• Never go “belly up” to your lead aircraft

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Safety Calls

• ““Knock It OffKnock It Off”” (KIO) (KIO)

• When a safety issue is developing

• Not applicable to immediate hazards to flight

• Impending collision, etc.

• In those cases, be directive first

• Who can call a KIO?

• What do you do if you hear it?

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Safety Calls

• ““Knock It OffKnock It Off””

• Anyone can call KIO

•“Sport 5 Knock It Off, Altitude”

• Lead will acknowledge the call and all flight members will mirror his/her call”

• “22 Knock It Off”…“39 Knock It Off”, etc.

• Clear your flight path and await lead’s instructions – do not stop flying formation!

• Flight will ease maneuvering and increase spacing at KIO call

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Safety Calls

• ““MaydayMayday””

• Engine Failure, Critical Systems FailureEngine Failure, Critical Systems Failure

Structural Failure, MidairStructural Failure, Midair

• After Mayday call - Lead will Knock It Off and take control

• No echoed KIO call for a Mayday

• Only essential comms

• Clear your flight path and await lead’s instructions

• Do not stop flying formation!

• Flight will ease maneuvering / increase spacing at KIO call

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SafetyThe Hard Deck

• ““VirtualVirtual”” ground level ground level

• Minimum maneuvering altitude

• Should be derived from current charts

• High enough to allow reasonable chance of bailout or recovery from unusual attitude/aerobatic maneuver as applicable

• Must be briefed on every formation mission

• Call KIO if penetratedCall KIO if penetrated

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SafetyDivert Fields

Beckwourth/Nervino4900’ MSL

4600’ Runway122.8

Silver Springs4265’ MSL

6000’ Runway122.9

Dayton Valley4414’ MSL

5300’ Runway122.9

Reno INTL4415’ MSL MSL11000’ Runway

118.7

Truckee5901’ MSL MSL7000’ Runway

122.8Carson City4705’ MSL

6100’ Runway123.0

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Safety EquipmentReminder

• Helmet (required for PRS)• Gloves• Nomex flight suit

• Intercom system• Ability to transmit from rear/right seat• Fire Extinguisher

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Questions? – Let’s Fly!