Formation flying

For formation flight in migratory birds, see V - formation.

A formation flight is a geometric arrangement ( figure) of aircraft during the flight. In this case, the objects flying close together, that is, one above the other, one behind the other and / or next to each other.

Formation flights are a flight maneuvers and common in military aviation and aerobatics. Who participates in the formation, must keep the same speed and the same direction (including price ). The formation flying takes place either at the same altitude or offset instead. Maneuvers (often simultaneously ) executed coordinated; they are discussed on radio before. There is always a ( participating ) pilot who leads the formation.

Even in civil aviation is the formation flight application in order to facilitate, for example, air traffic controllers working at several aircraft with the same goal in visual flight. This is denied by the pilots concerned. All communication with the tower or flight information service will be carried out by a pilot.

In the military, sometimes flying fighter planes in formation, very common in Rotte strength.

Flying in formation, the military surgery can improve ( defense, attack, reconnaissance and / or fire protection).

Aircraft without onboard weapons are in crisis areas for safety by armed airplanes or helicopters accompanied ( " escorted " - see illustration).

Aerobatics

When aerobatic formations are flown to demonstrate the art of synchronous flight, and / or demonstrated aerobatics. The formations shown here are unusual in normal flying.