Changing Station

Echelon to Echelon (Two Ship)

From echelon left or right, reduce power slightly and move down and back until you are directly behind the echelon position and exactly abeam the line astern position (see Changing Station from Echelon Left to Echelon Right). Stabilise momentarily in this position using power (match the Lead's speed) and then alter heading slightly (bank on, bank off) to move across, below and behind the Lead, passing through the line astern position. Remember that to be able to match the speed with the Lead as you move across and behind the Lead, you will have to add power or you will fall behind. Approaching a position directly behind the new echelon position, resume the Lead's heading (bank on, bank off), stabilising momentarily abeam the line astern position and directly behind the new echelon position.

Remember, you will now have to reduce power slightly to prevent yourself from moving forward until you are ready to move up to the echelon position. Complete the station change by moving up and forward to maintain the new echelon position.

To Line Astern (Two Ship)

From echelon left or right, reduce power slightly and move down and back until you are directly behind the echelon position and exactly abeam the line astern position. Stabilise momentarily in this position using power (match the Lead's speed) and then alter heading slightly (bank on, bank off) to move across to below and behind the Lead. Remember that to be able to match the speed with the Lead as you reach the line astern position you will have to add power or you will fall behind. Complete the station change by moving up and forward to maintain the line astern position.

Larger Formations

Station changes in formations of more than two aircraft must be carefully briefed. Before moving into a new position, Wing pilots must be certain that other Wings are clear.

Initiating Station Changes

The Lead may initiate station changes by radio, eg "[Callsign], line astern, go.", or by visual signal. The Wing will acknowledge by immediately complying with the instruction. A Wing may request a station change by radio, eg "[Callsign], request echelon left". Movement will not commence until cleared by the Lead by radio acknowledgment or thumbs up.