Discipline is the most important quality a pilot can posses and leads to success in the aerial environment. Discipline is executing self-control, maturity, and judgment in this high stress, emotionally charged, fun environment. Teamwork is the foundation of the flying element. If all flight members know and perform their respective duties with discipline, they work together as an effective team.

Discipline within a formation starts with communications, whether by radio or visual signals. If communicating by radio, it is important to have a discrete frequency. If this is not possible, then visual signals should be used to prevent using the ATC frequency. All communications must be clearly understood by every flight member. Radio discipline requires not only clarity and brevity in the message itself, but limiting unnecessary transmissions as well. Just as if you were speaking to a controlling agency, the first part of the radio transmission should always be the “call sign”. This alerts the listener that a message is coming (attention step) and to specify to whom it is directed (i.e. “Combat 2 say fuel”). For acknowledgement immediately following a radio call from lead, flight number with the appropriate response should be used (i.e. “2 has 18”). For all initiated calls or a response that is delayed, full call signs should be used (i.e. "Combat 2, has 18”). Briefed brevity words enhance situational awareness between and within flights; improper use of those brevity words (poor discipline) will quickly degrade situation awareness, which could lead invariably to disastrous results. Limit radio use within the flight to essential calls only (i.e. Combat 1, descend, traffic left 11, level, 2000 feet.”) Only standard visual signals should be used unless the flight leader specifically briefs non-standard signals.

Before you can master formation flying as a wingman you must know what position you are supposed to be in. Formation references depend on the type of aircraft you are flying and what position you are flying. You most likely will have a wing-line reference and a longitudinal reference. Along with these references you will need to maintain wingtip/nose-tail separation. Some basic formations are; close (see Fig. 1) normally 3 to 10 feet of lateral separation, Route (See Fig. 2) – greater then 10 ft to 3 wingspans separation, close trail –below lead’s prop/jet wash and directly behind the leader with nose/tail separation. Regardless of which formation position you are in you must always continue to scan all references. Keep checking your wing-line and longitudinal references to ensure safe separation. In close formation these references should intersect right through the base of you neck in all attitudes and throughout all maneuvers.