Well spaced company it is, and I meant to say.
Just to clarify, it is also what I meant. At the time of the first post I did not know the term "company" in this context, so I used the words "(loose) formation" instead.
Initially I was thinking about 25-75 meters separation. I now realise that that is still too little unless you've had specific formation flying training. I'm now thinking along the lines of 200 meter plus.
I'm trying to compile my own little briefing sheet here based on advise from you guys. All good points made. A few more questions:
- What is the typical procedure you agree upon in case of loss of visual contact? My idea would be that the lead aircraft continues as before (same level & speed), but the chase will *immediately* climb or descend 100 feet (depending on its last known position relative to the lead), then reduce speed by five knots for at least ten minutes and continue on his own. A rejoin should only be attempted over a clearly defined landmark in good weather.
- What is the typical procedure you agree upon in case of loss of radio contact? Get level, rock your wings and break away? Continue in the loose formation, without radio contact, until close to the destination, but with the option of either aircraft being able to signal the end of the formation by rocking its wings? (Note - comms failure highly unlikely since in my little scenario, both aircraft have dual comms and there will possibly some handhelds on board as well.)
- Is there a formal "collector" frequency available, or do you just use 123.45?
- What position do you prefer for the chase? 4.30 or 7.30? Same level, slightly higher, slightly lower?
- One or two flightplans? And if you submit only one, how do you indicate/negotiate the separate take-off and landing without endless discussions and explanations to ATC?
(Oh, and just to add. My flying club has a group of enthousiast *close* formation flyers. They are currently displaying with up to nine aircraft in formation at a time, and they're simply being limited by the number of more or less compatible planes we have, not by the number of people qualified to do so. It is already a heterogeneous bunch with at least three different aircraft types right now, and more if you also count the engine variants. So if I want to learn how to do close formation flying, I know where to go. Only problem is, they train at Sunday 8.30. Too early for me and conflicting with other interests.)