Stream Take-off

Stream take-offs (sometimes called interval take-offs) are flown when existing conditions would make a close formation take-off hazardous, eg. strong crosswind, wet or narrow runway, short runway, very high OAT or FOD on the runway.

Line up is carried out as for a standard element take-off. When ready to commence the take-off, the Lead will ask the formation to check-in. Each member of the formation, when ready, will make the call [Callsign] Ready in formation sequence. (If radio calls are being minimised, the Lead might alternatively look for a thumbs up from others in the formation.)

Lead will run up to full power individually, check the engine, then release brakes and carry out an individual take-off. Lead is to reduce power by 2" MAP (instead of setting 26" MAP) during the after take-off checks.

Stream take-offs are carried out with a minimum spacing of three seconds between aircraft. The Wing will see the nose of their Lead's aircraft dip as Lead sets power. The Wing will conduct their own run-up and be ready to release brakes after counting out the three second (or briefed interval) split. The same procedure continues for all following aircraft in the formation.

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. The following aircraft should raise the flaps when comfortably clear of the ground.

Important: During the briefing, the geometry for the rejoin following a stream 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. Lead will climb straight ahead to at least 800-900 ft AGL before turning (at this stage their Number 2 should be climbing through 500 ft AGL). Lead 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 aircraft have rejoined; if this occurs, following aircraft not yet in position should transition to the straight rejoin line.

The Wing must ensure that they turn upon reaching 500 ft AGL so that he or she can intercept the rejoin line. Failure to do this will result in the rejoin becoming a tailchase. Leave full power set until ready to join up.

Note: There may be an occasion where Lead needs to continue climbing and doesn't level off for the rejoin. If this occurs, Lead should ensure that throttle position is maintained for the climb and maintains 80 KIAS (or 500 ft/min, as briefed) and the following aircraft should leave full power set until establishing 10-15 kts of overtake. The Wing should try to maintain a normal rejoin workcycle and hold Lead in a constant position reference the horizon.