In article ,
"Paul Sengupta" wrote:

"Orval Fairbairn" wrote in message
news
In article ,
"Paul Sengupta" wrote:

"William W. Plummer" wrote in message
news:9E4Tc.301121$XM6.76668@attbi_s53...
I can't imagine what being 3' away from
another airplane would be like.

Scary!

Mind you, 3' would be rather too scary.

Not when both pilots know what they are doing! Normal close formation
discipline is 3' down (wingtip to wingtip), 3' outside (wingtip to
wingtip) and 45 degrees back for wingmen.

Doesn't that make it more than 3' away then?

It is a lot easier to maintain close formation than more spread out.

If you're confident and skillful enough to do it yes, especially in steep
turns.

That's where it helps to keep it in tight, as it requires less power on
the outside of turns. Remember, the throttle is your most important
control! It also requires less throttle reduction on the inside of turns.



Do not try it until you review a good formation manual

Got the RAF manual.

Good!



review the hand signals

You want me to fly close formation AND make/watch for hand
signals? :-)


You ALWAYS keep your Lead's head in sight! That way you can see the
signals. Every plane has some references to use for formation flight.
On T-34s and Bonanzas it is the intersection of the aileron/flap
trailing edge and the rear cowl fastener.




and get some formation instructors.

Got some of those. All current/ex-RAF/red arrows/display pilots.

All itt takes is brief, practice, debrief; brief, practice, debrief, etc.

Phew. Yes.


Sounds as if you are on the right track!