Filing a formation flight plan

[Sam Rutherford]

We have been using formation flight plans more and more over the last couple of years, which works very well.

One thing I have noticed is a huge variation in what controllers/Navigation Office personnel expect on there, particularly separation by aircraft (or not) for:

Callsigns, types, POB/aircraft, Endurance/colour etc:

Does anyone have the definitive guide for filing a VFR formation flight plan?

Thanks, Sam.

[hvogt]

It's in the AIP, section ENR 1.10.

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Hvogt,

It's not - at least, not in any sort of detail.

Everything gets very vague once you start dealing with formation flight plans.

Thanks, Sam.

[niknak]

I am pretty sure that unless you are flying one more of exactly the same type of aircraft in the formation along with an ICAO approved callsign, each aircraft has to have an individual flightplan filed.
This doesn't preclude you flying as a formation with one aircraft doing all the radio work, providing on each initial call to a new ATCU the pilot makes it clear you are doing so.

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Niknak,

I don't believe so - but where is it written/explained?

There's lots of vague information about, but there does not appear to be a definitive explanation anywhere which is interesting/annoying.

Safe flights, Sam.

[Mark 1]

CAP694 states the following:

NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT (2 characters)
INSERT the number of aircraft, only if more than one (e.g. 03).
c) TYPE OF AIRCRAFT (2 to 4 characters)
INSERT the appropriate Aircraft Type Designator as specified in ICAO DOC 8643
Aircraft Type Designators;
OR
if no such designator has been assigned or in case of formation flights comprising
more than one type, INSERT "ZZZZ" and specify in Item 18 the numbers and type(s)
of aircraft preceded by TYP/.

Not much more guidance it seems, like whether to include registrations of the other aircraft, how to complete the supplementary information etc.

[S-Works]

the general concept of a formation flight plan is where the aircraft maintain a CLOSE proximity flying as if they were a single aircraft for the flight. You put the details of the other aircraft in the remarks field.

However I would suggest that if you are flying under conditions where you need a flight plan than filing one per aircraft is a much simpler method.

I guess you are looking for a way of filing a flight plan when you are leading a bunch of aircraft on your trips? If that is the case then they are not a formation.

[sycamore]

Sam, I would look at splitting your `formation` into separate groups,as to be a `formation ` you should keep relatively close together,maintaining similar speeds; there should also be a nominated leader,deputy leader, air2air nominated frequencies,and each group having a separate c/sign,and separate txpdr codes(only leader squawking,deputy/ies on stby). It is rather difficult to control what one may have as a `gaggle`,as you probably have people of different abilities,experience,mil/ex-mil,all civvy,and everyone wanting to be leader,or be a sheep. You then have to have PLANS B-X if things go adrift,lost `sheep` comms, fuel plans etc. Then you`ll have to consider if it`s all VMC/VFR,if there`s any IFR,and finally IFR/IMC. Also consider that fuel may be a problem in that the `hangers-on will use more than the leader.
It`s a big undertaking /reponsibility to be the leader,so work on `KISS`...If I can offer any advice/help,send a PM.. The flight plan will be the least of your worries,but ,all the best!!!!,Brian..

[Sam Rutherford]

It is for our trips, and it works well.

The difference getting into Tripoli as a formation (even with an hour between first and last aircraft) than individually is huge.

We even tried it for the first time into Malta Luqa last week - again, much easier for everyone (not one tail number was used at any stage).

I'm just intrigued by the fact that, in an area (aviation) where there are instructions on absolutely everything, completing formation flight plans appear to be open to personal preferences...

For all the other valid points, we only do it in hard VMC conditions and everyone gets into the gist of things pretty quickly (even 'formation' take-offs). It's not rocket science, and all aircraft are heading for the same destination, by same route, at same time - so good comms are needed anyway (however the flight is filed).

Safe flights, Sam.

[Roffa]

AIP ENR 1.1.4.7

7 Civilian Formation Flights - ATC Procedures

7.1 General

7.1.1 ATC will consider formations to be a single unit for separation purposes provided that:

(a) The formation elements are contained within 1 nm laterally and longitudinally, and at the same level. Within Class F and G Airspace and subject to ATC approval, these limits may be increased to 3 nm and/or up to 1000 ft vertically.

(b) The formation, although operating outside the parameters above, has NSF approval.

7.1.2 The formation leader is responsible for ensuring safe separation between aircraft comprising the formation.

7.1.3 In making initial contact with the ATC unit, the formation leader shall clearly state the number of aircraft in the formation.

7.1.4 Where a flight plan is required, the identification of the formation leader and the number of aircraft in the formation must be shown.

7.1.5 All ATC instructions and clearances will be addressed to the leader.

7.2 Controlled Airspace

7.2.1 VFR formation flights by civilian aircraft transiting CTA/CTR/TMA are subject to the normal airspace requirements as detailed at ENR 1.4. All other civilian formation flights in Controlled Airspace are subject to NSF approval.

7.2.2 Formations in Controlled Airspace shall be contained within 1 nm laterally and longitudinally and at the same level. Where this is not possible, the formation must be split into individual elements before entering Controlled Airspace. In the event that aircraft within the formation are unable to maintain within these parameters, the formation leader must immediately inform ATC.

7.2.3 Prior to entering Controlled Airspace, the formation leader shall confirm that all aircraft within the formation are within 1 nm
laterally and longitudinally, and if in level flight, are at the same level.

7.2.4 When a formation has been cleared to climb or descend in Controlled Airspace, the formation leader shall confirm that all elements have reached the new assigned level.

7.2.5 All aircraft in the formation are to monitor the relevant ATC frequency.


As far as the UK is concerned you are perhaps pushing the boundaries of what is considered to be a formation with one hour spacing between first and last!

Re 7.1.4... try here (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/ga_srg_09webSSL20October.pdf) and here. (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP%20694.pdf)

[Sam Rutherford]

Hi Roffa,

Thanks for that, very interesting. The links I already had, and still say nothing about most controllers wanting a link between the 'formation number' and the actual aircraft registration. But good to see the separation requirements written down...

Does look as if our hour between first and last arrivals (the separation on departure is often less than 2 minutes!) is pushing things a little :ok:

Thanks for all the input, onward and upward... Sam.