More Formation training today

Today was a great day of formation training.  Went up and practiced with Scott for the 4^th of July parade in Pottstown.  We will be starting off the parade with a two ship formation (smoke and all) above the parade route. 

After the initial briefing, we prepared to take off from Pottstown Muni and headed north as “Dragon Flight of 2”.  We both took off in formation using interval take offs and once in the air I joined up on Scott as the #2 plane in route.  Route formation is not as tight, but still close.  After route position was established we got into finger formation.   

As discussed in the briefing we worked on signals and maneuvers.   Our next maneuver was the cross under from the left to the right.  We practiced a few of those on each side. 

Next was close trail, down and back of his RV 8.  After a flying a little in close trail Scott called for Extended Trail and if not already the fun level got turned up.  In extended Trail  the lead will conduct large Lazy 8s to allow wingmen to use slight lead and lag on the aircraft in front to maintain 500 -1000' spacing in trail.  Simple terms follow the leader; my concentration level was very high as we gracefully danced through the sky. 

As we rapped up, he signaled me and put me back into finger formation and Return to Base (RTB) we headed back to KPTW Heritage field, our home.  We entered the pattern for an OVERHEAD PATTERN (BREAK / PITCHOUT) to a landing using the Hot and cold side method. 

Spacing was perfect and I could have asked for anything better other than video from the ground.  We taxied in while in formation,the turn in perfect Synchronization and shut off the engines.  (Way Cool).

Then the dreaded debriefing was next, Scott took it easy on me, but lots to work on and practice, practice, practice.  All in all I was happy, but as with everything the more you know the less you know. 

Till next time.

The bottom pictures are from my APRS tracking of the flight.  The last fight can be viewed and zoomed on by going to my website and under APRS pick ether one of the view for N25DV.