P1103
IP EVAL
UPT
1.5 hours
Basic Formation Sortie
IP Course Evaluation - UPT Block 3 Formation Skills
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the IP candidate's ability to demonstrate and teach basic formation flying as both lead and wing. The candidate must execute formation maneuvers to standard while providing clear instructional commentary on position references, common student errors, safety considerations, and corrective techniques for fingertip, route, rejoins, and lead changes.
EVALUATION AREAS
Formation Positions
- • Fingertip: Close formation, 3-foot wingtip reference, bearing line
- • Route: Extended trail, 500-1000 ft spacing, power management
- • Position references: Canopy bow, wingtip alignment, fuselage references
- • Formation turns: Inside/outside techniques, G-awareness
Formation Maneuvers
- • Rejoins: Straight-in, turning, overshoot management
- • Lead changes: In-place, cross-under, communication
- • Breakup & rendezvous: Interval takeoff, radar trail, visual pickup
- • Formation approach: Pitchout, interval, spacing
Flight Lead Duties
- • Predictable flying: Smooth inputs, power changes, bank limits
- • Formation briefing: Signals, contingencies, lost wingman
- • Visual signals: Kiss-off, breakup, rejoin
- • Radio discipline: Brevity, flight coordination
Instructional Demonstration
- • Position coaching: Talk student into proper position
- • Common errors: Sucked position, acute angles, power fixation
- • Safety: Collision avoidance, lost sight procedures, abort criteria
- • Building blocks: Progressive skill development approach
FORMATION TOLERANCES
±3 ft
Fingertip Position
±100 ft
Route Spacing
Smooth
Lead Flying
Safe
Separation
IP candidates must demonstrate rock-solid formation position and predictable lead flying.
COMPLETION STANDARDS
IP candidates must demonstrate:
- • Fly fingertip and route positions to standard as wing
- • Execute minimum 2 rejoins (straight-in and turning)
- • Execute minimum 2 lead changes with proper communication
- • Demonstrate predictable, smooth lead flying techniques
- • Provide clear position coaching and instructional commentary
- • Identify common wing errors and demonstrate corrections
Pass: Demonstrate expert formation flying with effective instructional delivery