Formation Fundamentals (2 Hours Flight Minimum)

This block transitions from Block 2 IFR proficiency to basic formation flying in the T-38 Talon at Sheppard AFB (KSPS), emphasizing wingman responsibilities only—no lead roles during core training sorties. The curriculum covers standard communications, procedures, and formations per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3, including fingertip, close trail, extended trail, route, fighting wing, echelon turns, G-awareness exercises (G-X), breakouts, rejoins, practice lost wingman, and battle damage checks (BDA).

All maneuvers are flown as wingman, focusing on sight maintenance, deconfliction, visual/radio integration, and safety. Lead certification sorties follow successful wingman checkride.

Prerequisite: UPT Block 2

Successful completion of Block 2 (IFR Foundations) checkride is required before starting Block 3.

FORM

Focus Area

T-38

Aircraft

Objectives

KSPS

Home Base

Course Objectives

✓ Master formation communications, including brevity codes, visual signals, radio procedures, and emergency calls per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3
✓ Execute key formation procedures as wingman: join-ups, rejoins, breakouts, lead changes (observation), lost wingman, and BDA
✓ Achieve proficiency in basic formations (fingertip, close trail, extended trail, route, fighting wing, echelon turns)
✓ Perform G-awareness exercises (G-X), breakouts, and rejoins safely as wingman
✓ Practice lost wingman and BDA procedures in VMC, integrating prior IFR skills
✓ Emphasize wingman responsibilities: collision avoidance, visual lookout, timely responses
✓ Prepare for lead certification upon wingman proficiency demonstration

Completion Standards

±100 ft

Altitude Tolerance

±10°

Heading Tolerance

±10 kts

Airspeed Tolerance

FORMATION SPECIFIC

Formation spacing tolerances per AFMAN 11-2T-38V3; timely responses to lead and visual signals

• Proficiency in each wingman sortie
• Pass wingman integrated checkride
• Complete lead certification sorties
• No major safety violations

Reference Documents

• AFMAN 11-2T-38V3 (T-38 Operations)
• T-38 Flight Manual
• AETCMAN 11-251 (T-38 Training)
• Multi-Command Handbook 11-F16V3

Wingman Responsibilities

• Collision avoidance - PRIMARY duty
• Maintain visual on lead at all times
• Timely radio/visual signal responses
• Report deviations and anomalies

Curriculum

Block 3 includes 3 ground lessons for foundational academics and 7 flight sorties (all as wingman), followed by a wingman checkride. After successful checkride completion, 2 additional lead certification sorties are conducted for progression eligibility.

Training Requirements

Ground Training: Recommended but not mandatory. Self-study reference materials to prepare for flight training.
Flight Training: Mandatory. All flight lessons must be completed with an instructor. Flight lessons cover the same topics as ground training through practical application.