To those unfamiliar with formation flying, flight within a wingspan’s distance of another airplane looks eerily similar to an imminent collision. And collisions in airplanes generally don’t end well. But, in some cases, formation flying actually presents a lower risk than flying alone. And besides that, it is some of the most fun and rewarding flying a pilot will ever experience. Like all flying, formation flight was invented by birds. During a bird migration, these long-distance travelers generally form an organized pattern; I assume they do so for support and to protect each other from potential enemies, just as military pilots who fly in formation do. In studies of what motivates people to keep flying once they get their private pilot certificates, one of the biggest factors is a sense of community. There is no question that the bonds between pilots who participate in formation flying are very strong. It’s a great source of motivation for continuous improvement, and it’s an enjoyable way to hone your skills.
Learn to Fly Formation like the Pros
Key Takeaways:
- Formation flying is a highly rewarding activity that fosters a strong sense of community among pilots and demands continuous development of precision flying skills.
- Though perceived as risky, organized formation flight can actually enhance safety in situations like mass air show arrivals by standardizing procedures, aircraft types, and pilot proficiency.
- While not requiring a specific FAA endorsement, specialized formation flying for airshow waivers necessitates rigorous training and sign-off by accredited organizations such as FAST or FFI.
- Accessible to various aircraft types, becoming proficient in formation flying relies on dedicated training, readily available through group clinics and pilot associations.
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