APS Formation Training | Formation Maneuvers | Echelon Formation | Parade Position

This 5-Day 10-Mission customized course of training is broken down into two phases; Basic Formation Training and Advanced / Customized Formation Training. Combined, the outlines below gives a general overview of what to expect during a week of formation flying at APS. This can be a demanding program both mentally and physically. Please be sure to allow sufficient time for rest and study after each flying day. View Basic Formation Guidelines.

PHASE

OVERVIEW OF TRANING MODULES

PHASE 1: BASIC FORMATION TRAINING

Days: 1, 2 & 3
3-Day 6-Mission Basic Course:

As a formation pilot, training must include extensive academic preparation and practical experience under the guidance of expert instructors. At APS, our team prepares each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely participate in pre-briefed 2-ship formation exercises and operational mission profiles. Each day includes dedicated ground instruction pertinent to preparing each participant for the day's mission profile. All flight profiles are pre-briefed and flown in strict accordance with the planned mission. An important aspect of formation training is ensuring each participating pilot is afforded adequate hands-on practical experience in all training areas. The APS program is specially designed to develop the formation pilot's skills, situational awareness, knowledge and safety awareness consistently and continually throughout the program. Phase 1 is focused on the principles of Safety First and Building Block Methodology to guarantee client satisfaction and to provide a fun, rewarding experience to each participant. Intuitive Formation Training - Click Here.

Phase 1 includes ground and flight instruction in the following areas:

Formation Safety, Protocols and FAA Regulations
Staggered Single-Ship Take-off & Rejoin
2-Ship Echelon, Route & Trail Formations
Station Keeping, Station Changes & Wing Work
Basic Close & Route Maneuvering
Underruns / Overshoots

Lead & Wingman Responsibilities
Lost Wingman Procedures
Formation Emergencies
Hand Signals & Comm Discipline
Extended Trail
Pitch & Out to Straight Ahead & Turning Rejoins
Circling Rejoins
Overhead Break to Landing

PHASE 2: ADVANCED / CUSTOMIZED FORMATION TRAINING

Days: 4 & 5
2-Day 4-Mission Advanced Formation

With basic formation training complete, participants now move into more advanced formation maneuvers and develop leadership and planning skills necessary to safely execute a variety of formation profiles. Throughout Phase 2, each participant continues to practice and develop basic formation skills. The advanced portion of the training course can be designed by the APS instructor staff exclusively, however, we prefer to have direct input from the participating pilots to ensure Phase 2 meets their specific training needs. Phase 2 can include any or all of the following training areas.

Basic Formation Review
Formation Leader: Mission Planning & Briefing
2-Ship Formation Take-off
Formation Overhead Break
2-Ship Formation Approach, Go Around & Landing

Formation Lazy 8s
Formation Steep Turns
60 & 2 Turns & Flat Turns
120 & 3 Wing-Overs
Aerobatic Formation Introduction & Demonstration
Additions as Requested

The goal during the final 2-days of the advanced formation training course at APS is to ensure participants gain skills and knowledge in accordance with their specific operational needs. Additionally, each participating formation pilot will be required to plan, brief, lead and execute at least one formation mission profile.

A few examples of customized add-on training are as follows:

Photo Shoot Profiles
Extended Basic Formation Proficiency Flying
2-Ship Shadowing Techniques for Airborne Target Monitoring
Fly-By Techniques and Parade Formations
4-Ship Formation Operations
Tactical Formation Flying Techniques (NATO Standard)

Each Mission Includes:

The following summary represents our minimum-expected training breakdown per training mission:

Ground Pre-flight Theory/Briefing: 1.0 hours
Flight Time: 1.0 hours
Air Time: 0.8 hours (typically a minimum)
Ground Post-flight Debriefing/Tape Review: 0.5 hours
Cockpit Video
Certificate of Completion