Relay-Version: B 2.11 6/12/87; site scolex Path: uunet!cs.utexas.edu!ut-emx!myers From: myers@ut-emx.uucp (Eric Myers) Newsgroups: rec.aviation Subject: "Formation Flying" (this time a book review) Keywords: formation flying Message-ID: <44326@ut-emx.uucp> Date: Sun, 17 Feb 91 15:40:17 PST Organization: Center for Relativity, University of Texas Lines: 97 "FORMATION FLYING" by Mike Keedy I know the thread on formation flying has mostly run out, but this weekend I ran across a book on the subject at a local FBO, and since it seems to be a rather good book I thought I'd mention it for anybody else who is interested. It's called "Formation Flying" by Mike Keedy. The book is actually more of a pamphlet, being only 30 pages long, but the information in it seems very complete. While Mr. Keedy wrote the book the forward points out that the material was prepared for the Comanche Flyer Foundation by a committee of 5 of which he was the chairman. Although they don't mention it anywhere in the book, I don't doubt that the committee met at least once in the air -- in formation. The subtitle of the book is "A Manual for the Amateur," and it definitely starts from square one: Section 1 is a quote of the applicable FARs (91.65). But that only tells you what you can't do, not how to do what you *can* do. Immediately following is motivation for the book: if everybody agrees to certain standards then formation flying will be much safer and easier (a point I'm sure computer people will appreciate). But he also says that "the next pilot you fly with may have learned things somewhat differently, so talk to him before you go up!" Good point. [I can mention here that I made my first formation flight last week -- before I found this book -- and discovered the value of talking over *everything* with the other pilot. We planned the formation part of our flight on the ground ahead of time and there were no problems. But then we broke off and headed separately to Houston. After more than an hour on the ground waiting for each other we finally realized that we both thought we were going to a different airport!] The book is full of simple line drawings which are easy to read and understand. It lists common hand signals used when you are not using a radio, but also discusses radio communications and how to deal with ATC as a "flight of N." Special formations, such as the missing man formation or flying in trail, are treated at the end of the book, after the reader has had a chance to take in the basics. Formation takeoffs and landings are also saved for the end. The book emphasizes safety throughout, on the assumption that if you are going to fly formation (and people will) then you should do it right and be safe about it. Perhaps the most important part of the book is the list of "No-no's" scattered through the text. If any part of this book should make it out to the net it's this list: No-No 1: Never "drop in" on a plane or formation of planes for some friendly formation flying. At least phone first to see if anybody's home. No-No 2: Never attempt formation flying unless you have had proper instruction. No-No 3: Never attempt formation flight unless you are confident that the *other* pilots are competent. No-No 4: The leader must never do anything abruptly. No-No 5: The leader must never take the formation into dangerous conditions. No-No 6: Never lose sight of the leader! No-No 7: The pilot should never try to take a picture while flying formation. No-No 8: Never get ahead of the airplane on whose wing you are flying. Unfortunately you may have a hard time finding this little book at your local library, or even your local FBO. I can't exactly tell who the publisher is, although the copyright is in the name of the Comanche Flyer Foundation (1987). Maybe somebody on the net is associated with them and could help those who are interested obtain a copy? Mine cost me $5.95. Whether you go out and fly formation or not is up to you, and there are good arguments (discussed on this net) for both sides. But if those of us who do end up flying formation all read this little book it would be a step toward standardization of practices and improved safety. If you do it, do it right, and do it safely! -- Eric Myers "If God had intended for man to fly He would have given us the brains to build airplanes." Center for Relativity, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin myers@emx.utexas.edu | myers@utaphy.bitnet | myers@ut-emx.UUCP -- Eric Myers "If God had intended for man to fly He would have given us the brains to build airplanes." Center for Relativity, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin myers@emx.utexas.edu | myers@utaphy.bitnet | myers@ut-emx.UUCP