Formation flying is a demanding, disciplined, and rewarding activity. It demands both knowledge of proper procedures and skill piloting the aircraft. Formation flying should not be attempted without proper training. This clinic will give you all the basics you need to be safe and continue the learning process. In order to be prepared for this clinic you will need to A) comply with the requirements detailed below, B) be familiar with the written reference material detailed below, and B) have the requisite flying skills.

Requirements

• Completed event registration.
• Current medical and BFR.
• Proof of Insurance with standard $1M policy.
• Aircraft in perfect working order: in annual, the ability to transmit on the radio from both front/rear or left/right seats, properly functioning intercom. (Note: Instructors always reserve the right to not fly in any airplane for any reason)
• No vernier throttles! They are not conducive to formation flying.
• Conversant in the T-34 Formation manual and hand signals and the RV Supplement.
• Ensure that you have EXCELLENT stick and rudder skills. We are teaching formation, not basic flying skills.
• Good attitude! Ability to accept criticism in a positive manner, all egos are checked at the door... you can pick 'em back up on the way to the bar!

• Kneeboard to write briefing notes, frequencies, etc. on.
• Fire extinguisher
• Proficiency in stall/spin recovery and unusual attitudes... at the very least you should be comfortable maneuvering your airplane up to 60 degrees in roll and 30 degrees in pitch

Reference materials
Below are the reference materials you'll need to acquire and study BEFORE the clinic.

• T-34 manual
• RV supplement to T-34 manual
• FFI manual
• TeamRV Training Guide

The T-34 Formation Flight Manual is required for participation in this clinic. It is available from EAA (catalogue #W39266), at www.t-34.com, or at www.buildersbooks.com. This manual provides basic information about formation flying and standardized hand signals. Also, all participants interested in getting their FFI rating must thoroughly read the FFI Program Manual. Even if not seeking the FFI card, the manual is a good source of formation procedure and information.

Flying skills
Although there will be varying formation expertise in attendance, all participants should have EXCELLENT stick and rudder skills. We are teaching formation, not basic flying skills. We accept new formation pilots, we do cannot accept new pilots with low flying skills simply for safety reasons.

Experience levels - In order to correctly structure the flights we'll need to know your experience/skill level. Please take the the time to objectively rate your skills as one of the following four classes and note it on your registration form.

Beginner – This group will be comprised of those pilots who have never had any real formal formation training. Please note that "gaggle" flying doesn't count (unsafe!). You will be given the full spectrum of knowledge required to begin your training safely and smartly. By the end of the course you will have been given the tools to go out and practice formation flight, and you will have flown formation with another plane using the proper methods. You will be assigned an instructor and be able to fly with him, and he with you.

Intermediate – This group is for those who may have had some formal training in the past, but most certainly have flown formation before. You may lack the knowledge of the formalities, but you have the experience and stick skills to brush up during the seminar and be somewhat proficient. You've probably spent some time in a few four ships, but mostly 2 ship formations with your buds. You feel comfortable as a wingman and you don't make your lead nervous. You feel confident that with a few days day of formal training, you could fly safely and comfortable in formation in a flight of 4 and be in there.

Advanced – For those pilots with extensive formation flying experience, probably with 50 hours or more formation time. You may be qualified for your FFI card and might like to take care of while you are here. You have experience as both wingman and flight lead. You feel confident you could mentor a newbee, and would if asked. You recognize unsafe flight conditions before they occur and are prepared to call off a flight if it becomes unsafe in your judgement. Your experience and talent could be beneficial to other pilots who are learning. You would like to go up in a large formation during the seminar, and work some more aggressive formation maneuvers.

FFI – Already hold a current FFI card, Wing or Lead.

If you are not sure which group you fit into, just send us an e-mail and we'll point you in the right direction.

Clinic materials

• FOA map (formation operating areas) (.pdf)