Formidable !
Magnifique, ça !
..... and led by Frank Chapman, a Brit!
RAF 1980–1996, which included four years on exchange with USAF (F-16) and ETPS.
A350 XWB Project Lead Test Pilot.
Extract from an interview about the flight:
How much planning went into the five-formation flight?
CHAPMAN:
The most difficult part of organizing was getting 5 prototype aircraft ready for flight together.
I chose ex-military pilots as they would be very familiar with formation flying (as it is normal military procedure).
The preparation and briefing was done by me and required some thought and planning, but no more. The briefing had to be clearly understood by everyone, so the preparation for this part was critical. Everyone has to know exactly what to do in a large formation so that there is no misunderstanding.
We also had to liaise with the photo chase aircraft that carried not only the photographer but also one of our ex-military Test Pilots. They were the “Whipper In,” which meant he could call the fine adjustments to formation position over the radio to ensure that we were all in the correct position.
Based on the vantage point of the photos and video, the planes look extremely close to each other. How did Airbus ensure a safe flight for everyone?
CHAPMAN:
The aircraft look close but this is perfectly normal formation flight and is perfectly safe, provided a carefully prepared briefing is made.
If you look at Air-to Air refueling, the aircraft are much closer together and there is still no issue.