There's an interesting point that this reminds me of. If you have a formation in the V shape it cuts down on lift induced drag. This happens because the wingtip behind the wingtip of the aircraft in front has its vortices effectively cancelled or reduced.
Apparantly this is why migratory birds fly in this formation . Every now and again they change the leading bird as he is the only one feeling the full effects of induced drag on both wings.
How jolly interesting What What!!!!