Formation Stations

Identifying the correct formation station requires assessment of alignment in three planes:
  • vertical
  • longtitudinal
  • lateral

The bearing line is the imaginary line from the lead aircraft along which following aircraft formate. For echelon, the bearing line is 45o from the centre of the lead aircraft's cockpit. For right echelon, the bearing line is to the right; for left echelon, to the left. For line astern and line abreast, the bearing line is 180o and 90o respectively.

The bearing line helps establish position in the lateral and longtitudal planes, but doesn't establish the correct distance from the lead aircraft.

Figure 1. Bearing Line (Right Echelon)

Diagram showing the bearing line from the lead aircraft (for right echelon)