Formation flying

[Guest colt_pa22]

I?m hoping to do some formation flying this summer with a J1/N Auster to get some air to air shots of it, and also FUO. The owner of the Auster has limited formation experience. I have no formal formation flying training so is this such a good idea? Or is there nothing to it and its easy?

 

colt

 

 

[TAA Student Pilot]

Get an endorsment, there's a bit to it. It's great fun, a bit harder with different Aircraft types. It will help your general flying, but only have a go if your comfortable with your Aircraft. I would suggest having a bit of general flying expirence before you get a formation endorsment.

 

 

[Guest colt_pa22]

I had my first taste of formation flying yesturday with a C172RG and the Tomahawk on the way back from Tyabb. Probably not the ideal setup but it was a lot of fun and we got some great air to air photos and video apart from some window reflection. I'll have another go next time with an aircraft of a similar cruise speed.

 

 

 

 

 

colt

 

 

[Guest Jag75]

I would get proper training first. Formation flying is a lot more difficult than it initially appears, and requires a fair bit of experience to get good at.

 

Once you learn to master it, your precision flying skills improve out of sight and you develop excellent situational awareness skills.

 

Update - just had a look at your pics. Very nice!

 

How did you find it?

 

 

[Guest colt_pa22]

How did you find it?

Bloody scary. Maybe just a bit too close for comfort, with myself and the other pilot having no formation experience. A PA-38 and a 172RG is not a very good match either.

 

colt