Hello all, I work for an ATC training academy in Europe . We have a simulator exercise coming up shortly that involves two F16s joining up with a KC135 at FL300 for refuelling.
We have the F16s approaching from the south at 400kt with the KC heading SW at 210kt.
The Distance starts at 100 miles.
They each receive vectors to meet up in a block of airspace.
The KC declares to ATC that he will lead the formation and conduct all comms, at about 30 miles separation.
ATC affirms.
KC declares ready for MARSA at 15 miles sep.
ATC clears them to formate.
F16s switch off transponders.
They formate and refuel.
After 10 mins, KC declares ready to break formation.
ATC affirms.
Formation breaks, then transponders back on.
ATC declares assuming responsibility for separation
All a/c route away
Is this more or less correct? If not, would someone mind spelling it out correctly?
What pattern does the formation fly whilst refuelling?
Is that pattern requested by the KC, or prearranged, or defined by ATC at the time?
Any more detail would be greatly appreciated
many thanks
Simon