Technique

The following points are fundamental to accurate formation flying.

• All changes must be anticipated, to reduce reaction time.
• Only small control movements should be used, particularly in the case of aileron.
• Always ensure that your wings have exactly the same angle of bank as your Lead when in station.
• Continue to trim and get the utmost out of the inherent stability of the aircraft (do not trim in turns).
• Beware of over use of rudder to achieve lateral spacing (in line astern, gentle use of rudder can assist in maintaining lateral position).
• Never forget that when altering station laterally, you must eventually turn back to the Lead's heading.
• Continually scan all reference points, as it is easy to fixate on one reference line only, which makes it difficult to assess closure.
• Keep physically relaxed, but mentally alert so that the slightest tendency to lose station is noticed and corrected immediately.