Element Take-off

An element take-off is also known as a formation take-off or a pairs take-off. An element take-off begins with an element of two aircraft aligned on the runway with the second aircraft in echelon position with a minimum of three metres lateral wingtip spacing. For formations of more than two aircraft, and where there is sufficient space on the runway, following aircraft will also line up in pairs behind the first pair, as briefed.

Important: There may be multiple elements of two behind the first pair, who will follow the same take-off procedure as the first pair, but following three to five seconds later.

When the Wings have completed their line-up checks and are ready, they will look at the Lead. The Lead will give the run-up signal for full power on the brakes by twirling a raised finger. Both aircraft in an element will run-up to full power, check engine instruments, then, the element lead aircraft only is to reduce power by 2" MAP (or to 21") or as briefed. Be sure to check outside the cockpit during the run-up to detect any movement of your aircraft.

The Lead will then give the brakes release command by tilting his/her head back, then smoothly, but quickly, nod the head so that the chin touches the chest. The time that leads chin touches the chest is the signal to release brakes. (Alternatively, the brakes release can be signalled through a CTAF radio [Callsign], rolling in three, two, one, go call.

The second aircraft in the pair will roll with the first aircraft in the pair. If there is more than one pair, intervals between pairs must be decided in the briefing (typically, three to five bananas).

Lead must remember to smoothly rotate to the after take-off attitude as rotating too rapidly will cause the Wing to be well below the plane on initial climb out.

The Wing should rotate and lift-off with the Lead, keeping the Lead's head on the horizon and maintaining the wide station on the extended echelon line. Directional control is aided by occasional reference to the runway. The Lead should check that Wing is in position early in the roll.

Due to the lower power setting, the after take-off and climb out attitude will be slightly shallower than for a normal full power individual take-off. When comfortably clear of the ground, the Lead will raise the flaps. In a pair, the second aircraft will raise flaps when he/she sees the flaps of the first aircraft begin to move to the up position. The second aircraft in the pair moves into the briefed station (typically echelon) after the after take-off checks have been completed.

Important: During the briefing, the geometry for the rejoin following a multiple element take-off must be planned. Careful consideration should be given to the direction of turn with regards to departure track, operating area, terrain and cloud base, and the departure briefed accordingly. Typically, a standard turning or straight rejoin should be used. The leading element will climb straight ahead to at least 800-900 ft AGL before turning, and should level off at a pre-briefed height and set 21" MAP or Full Throttle minus 2" MAP, whichever is the lowest. This enables the following aircraft to carry out a turning rejoin. In some cases Lead may need to roll wings level before all following elements have rejoined; if this occurs, following elements not yet in position should transition to the straight rejoin line.

Following aircraft should ensure that the preceding aircraft are in a clean configuration. If not, an advisory radio call should be made. However, it is each pilot's responsibility to ensure that their own checks have been completed.