Formation Flying

[piperboy84]

Is there anywhere in the U.K. that offers formation flying training for duffers, preferably using my own airplane? I had a crack at it today taking off and bimbling, really enjoyed it but was nervous as hell. Want to get proficient at it.

[Genghis the Engineer]

West London Aero Club at White Waltham offer training in Slingsby Fireflies.

It's generally best to do it in similar types, so unless that's what you have, I'd suggest you are better doing it in theirs, not yours.

G

[Tay Cough]

What type? It’s usually significantly easier to teach formation with two of the same type. The process can then be translated to a different type fairly easily.

If you can get hold of a second aircraft of the same type and someone else who wants to learn, try the North Weald Formation School run by the Air Ministry (google). It started off with Yak-52s but they will teach in other types. It usually runs in April and October.

Otherwise, try CRM Aviation at White Waltham who use the T-67. it’s them rather than WLAC who do the formation training.

[dont overfil]

DHH at Perth. The last course was a couple of years ago but if he can get a few like minded souls together would probably be glad to do another.

[squidie]

There is quite a few places that do this, where abouts is your aeroplane? It’s a good idea you’re looking for training firstly as formation flying is not easy without proper instruction.

[Camargue]

There are places but maybe not within easy location.

ideally you need to do it in the same type, and really ideally in something that is responsive to fly because done properly you are pretty close in.

and tail chasing is huge fun so aerobatic capability is useful

i've never flown a maule but if it handles like say a pa28 or 172 i wouldn't be that keen.....

[Bergerie1]

But better not to try this!!!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNaZCDhvh88

[OpenCirrus619]

Andrewsfield does courses: Formation ? Andrewsfield Aviation


I'm also sure that someone at the Tiger Club could help you out: The Tiger Club, Sport Aviation, Aerobatics, formation flying. air racing, air races. display flying

OC619

[dont overfil]

Originally Posted by Bergerie1

But better not to try this!!!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/pNaZCDhvh88

PB that suit is just so you!!

[piperboy84]

Originally Posted by dont overfil

PB that suit is just so you!!

I’d need a bigger wing and jet to counter Bernoulli’s effect from the large camber at the flight suit waistband.😀

[Bergerie1]

dont overfil,
I know - it's so fetching duckie!

[S-Works]

I do it for a living in the day job so would be happy to teach you.

[212man]

Originally Posted by OpenCirrus619

Andrewsfield does courses: Formation ? Andrewsfield Aviation


I'm also sure that someone at the Tiger Club could help you out: The Tiger Club, Sport Aviation, Aerobatics, formation flying. air racing, air races. display flying

OC619

Formation? I think that's "same way, same day"

[OpenCirrus619]

Originally Posted by 212man

Formation? I think that's "same way, same day"

You've got to start somewhere

OC619

[alex90]

OpenCirrus619,

Tiger club definitely does offer it, either in the cub, tiger or turbulent. If you have tailwheel experience, the turb would probably be the cheapest option at £75ph (per turb - you do need 2 really...!) it's kinda hard to beat...

They did a cool video not that long ago with the turb team: https://youtu.be/5rYo5vOVKL4 I still want do fly one of those - they look so cool!

[18greens]

If you have an RV there is a group that flies out of north weald. It think there is also a Yak group there as well.

Skysport at Kemble also offers formation training.

It depends what you fly and where you are.

Its great fun and worth getting good training rather than making it up as you go along.

[ralphos]

I wonder what frequency do pilots use during formation flying training? As it is critical to be able to start transmitting at any time with no waiting time, none of the official (and usually busy) frequencies seem suitable.

[Tay Cough]

There are some discreet frequencies which are known to the people who need to know.

[Basil]

If contact lost in reduced viz never, ever think "He must be just there, I'll move in a bit and try to regain visual contact"

(Not me but two aircraft on same RAF station )

[India Four Two]

There are some discreet frequencies which are known to the people who need to know.

During a trip in August, from Canada to Wyoming, to see the total eclipse, I was mystified when my pilot said to the aircraft accompanying us "See you on Cheap Suits". All became clear when he dialed in 129.95!

When I was first introduced to formation flying in Chipmunks, there was a procedure which had never occurred to me, but the reason became immediately obvious. When changing formation lead, the current lead would brief the new lead on where we were and what was our heading.

The reason of course is that the rest of the formation have no idea where they are - they were just concentrating on station keeping.