Formation flight
A formation flight is a geometric arrangement (figure) of aircraft during flight . The objects fly close to one another, that is, one above the other, one behind the other and / or next to one another.
Formation flights are a flight maneuver and are common in military aviation and aerobatics . Whoever takes part in the formation must keep the same speed and the same direction (including course ). The formation flight takes place either at the same altitude or offset. Maneuvers are carried out in a coordinated manner (often at the same time); they will be discussed in advance by radio . There is always a (participating) pilot who leads the formation.
Formation flight is also used in civil aviation , for example to make it easier for air traffic controllers to work with several aircraft with the same destination in visual flight. This is discussed by the pilots concerned. All communication with the tower or flight information service is then carried out by only one aircraft in the formation.
military
In the military , fighter planes sometimes fly in formation, very often in ranks .
In formation flight, military operations can improve ( defense , attack , reconnaissance and / or fire protection ).
For security reasons, aircraft without on-board weapons are accompanied by armed aircraft or helicopters in crisis areas (“ escorted ” - see illustration).
Aerobatics
In aerobatics , formations are flown to demonstrate the art of synchronous flying and / or aerobatic maneuvers are demonstrated. The formations shown here are unusual in normal aviation.