Pre-Flight, Start and Taxi

The Le Mans method is preferred for starting formation flights. This requires formation members to complete their aircraft walk-around and then stand in front of the aircraft in view of the formation Lead. Once all members are ready, a thumbs-up signal will be passed to the Lead, and when the Lead signals, all members will walk directly to their aircraft and strap in.

An alternative is to commence the formation flight with all members in their respective aircraft.

When each Wing has completed the pre­start checks, he/she will look at the Lead to indicate that they are ready to start. The Lead will then check the formation in on the appropriate frequency before starting engines. If the aircraft are positioned such that Lead cannot see all the Wingmates, the check in will be called when Lead is ready to start. If you are not ready for start, call, [Callsign], standby. then, [Callsign], ready. when you're ready to start.

After all aircraft have started and the after-start checks have been completed, the Lead will again check-in the formation prior to taxiing. The formation will taxi as a unit with a spacing of around 15 metres between aircraft. As a guide for distance estimation, for CT-4s, align the outer edges of the elevator with the outboard flap hinges (Taxi Spacing Sight Picture), and for Airtourers, align the outer edges of the elevator with a spot from the fuselage two thirds along the flap.

The formation will position for run-ups together (typically in echelon, but always as briefed). All run-up checks are done independently. When requested by the Lead, confirmation of completion is made by the call [Callsign] Ready. Wingmates should respond in sequence. If checks are not complete when asked, the call is [Callsign] Standby.

In small formations where all following aircraft are visible to the Lead, completion of checks may be signalled by looking at the Lead and if necessary giving a thumbs-up sign.