Lateral Position

When flying straight and level, heading is used to adjust lateral spacing. A few degrees of difference between aircraft headings will cause pronounced convergence or divergence. The technique used is to roll on a small amount of bank for a moment and then select wings level again (ie. bank on, bank off, in about the time it takes to say it). It is important to remember that a degree or so of heading change is all that is required. Your heading relative to the Lead's will continually change while your bank is different from the Lead's. Converge or diverge slowly. Approaching the desired position, adjust your heading to parallel the Lead.

When turning, angle of bank is used to adjust lateral spacing. Again, a few degrees of difference between the aircraft's angles of bank will cause pronounced convergence or divergence. The technique is to roll on/off a small amount of bank with reference to Lead. Converge or diverge slowly. Approaching the desired position, adjust your angle of bank to match the Lead. Excessive use of bank is the biggest factor causing tense, rough formation flying. Rudder should be used to achieve balanced flight and its use is acceptable for damping in close line astern.