T-34 Formation References

1

Definitions and Explanations •This is NOT an official document of the T-34 Association. I developed this presentation to be used as a Pre-Flight Formation Instructional/Briefing tool.

•Number Two ALWAYS sets the spacing/interval.

•BL – (Bearing Line) This reference establishes the “Angle Off” between aircraft.

•RL – (Range Line) This reference establishes the spacing between aircraft.

•Spacing/interval criteria depicted in this presentation meets current T-34 Formation Flight Manual and F.A.S.T. Standards/Guidance.

2

Staggered Taxi Interval – Wide Taxiways •Center of Your Half of Taxiway •Tip of Horiz Stab in Line With aft tip of Aft Canopy Rail

3

4

Staggered Taxi Interval – Narrow Taxiways •Center of Your Half of Taxiway •Tip of Horiz Stab in Line With Handhold Below Center Canopy

3’

1

2

N/T Separation

BL

RL

Parade /Close (3’ Wingtip Spacing) • BL - Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Aft Cowl Latch • RL – Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Mid-Point of Filet

5

Parade /Close (3’ Wingtip Spacing) • BL - Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Aft Cowl Latch • RL - Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Mid-Point of Filet • Stack down so only the top part of the latch is visible

6

Route Formation •Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Aft Cowl Latch •Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Leading Edge of Filet

7

Route Formation •Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Aft Cowl Latch •Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Leading Edge of Filet

8

10’

Formation Take-Off / Landing •Center of your Half of Runway (Minimum 10’ Wingtip spacing) •Leading Edge of Wingtip in Line With Tip of Spinner (25° Sight Line) •Level Stack

9

Formation Take-Off / Landing •Center of your Half of Runway (Minimum 10’ Wingtip spacing) •Leading Edge of Wingtip in Line With Tip of Spinner (25° Sight Line) •Level Stack

10

Close Trail

11

Close Trail/Slot* References •On Trail Line (TL) with Lead •Stack down so the top of the wing is barely visible (can see a little of the top of Augmenter tubes) •Upper limit is “Burble” •Fore/Aft reference - Horizontal Stab touching your canopy bow

Canopy Bow

Top side of Augmenter Tubes

Top of wing barely visible

*Slot •Same as Close Trail, except… •Reference BL on #2 to check Fore/Aft position & symmetry

12

1

2 3 BL

RL

Three-Ship “Vic” •#2 ALWAYs sets the spacing •#3 uses same BL/RL as #2 •#3 “Dresses” abeam #2

13

Four-Ship “Fingertip-Strong Left” •#2 ALWAYs sets the spacing •#4 uses same BL/RL as #2 & 3 •#4 Lines up helmets of #3 and Lead

14

1

2 3

4

TL

BL

Four-Ship “Diamond” •#2 ALWAYs sets the spacing •#3 uses same BL/RL as #2 •#3 “Dresses” abeam #2 •#4 in Trail with Lead & use BL on #2 •Crosscheck BL/RL on #3 to Dress Flight (if requested)

15

Close Trail/Slot* References •On Trail Line (TL) with Lead •Stack down so the top of the wing is barely visible (can see a little of the top of Augmenter tubes) •Upper limit is “Burble” •Fore/Aft reference - Horizontal Stab touching your canopy bow

Canopy Bow

Top side of Augmenter Tubes

Top of wing barely visible

*Slot •Same as Close Trail, except… •Reference BL on #2 to check Fore/Aft position & symmetry

16

1

2

BL

RL

Parade /Close – Backseater Refs (3’ Wingtip Spacing) • BL - Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Center Cowl Latch • RL – Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Leading Edge of Filet

17

18

Parade /Close for Backseaters (3’ Wingtip Spacing) • BL - Aileron/Flap Junction in line with Center Cowl Latch • RL - Tip of Horiz Stab in line with Leading Edge of Filet • Stack down so only the top part of the latch is visible