LINE ABREAST FORMATION
Line abreast is like any other line formation (echelon, line astern, etc.), The leader flies straight and level and the pilot next in line lines up known formation reference points to ensure the correct angle – and also flies the correct separation. The next pilot in the line merely has to line up the head of the No2 and the lead’s head , and he is also in the right place. And so on for any more on the end of the line. The longer the line and the more turbulent the air, the more difficult it gets as the line bounces around in the air currents. If the guys on the inside of the line fly roughly then it becomes very difficult for the people on the end.
If the leader wants to start manoeuvring then the fun really starts! If the lead turns into the line then the poor suckers on the end have to push down hard to keep the line straight. I was once nearly flown into the Caribbean by a poor leader who turned into the echelon when we were very low over the sea doing a flyby of a ship.