Outstanding way to spend a weekend! Spent it formation flying with a great group of guys and gal in Stockton, CA. Mega thanks to Larry Gaines, leading his “Bonanzas to Oshkosh” formation flying clinic. And equal thanks to Wolfgang Polak, our steady Lead for the Grumman flights. Ended the weekend by passing the “Wingman” level FFI (Formation Flying Inc) checkride. Sierra Hotel!
Passed the Wingman level Formation Flying Checkride!
April 20, 2011
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Posted by brianflys
Formation Flying on a Beautiful Weekend
October 18, 2008Beautiful weather, and a beautiful location for some formation flying last weekend. Santa Maria, California (KSMX). Inland enough that there were no worries about the marine layer coming in to delay the day’s flying. But close enough to the central California coast to allow some great photo ops.
Formation Flying at Santa Maria, Oct 2008
Fun weekend for the West Coast Hepcats, an informal group of pilots flying Grumman light single aircraft. Informal, but very serious about our formation flying. We take this very seriously (with strong focus on safety), following FFI and Grumman formation flying standards. This weekend our training included 2-ship and 4-ship formations (I’m flying slot in the above photo) and even a 6-ship formation with a Delta configuration. If you are interested in flying formation, PLEASE get the appropriate training. It is intense, safe, and fun when the participants are properly trained, led, briefed, and can execute (good stick-and-rudder skills).
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Posted by brianflys
Learning Formation Flying – Grumman Style
March 30, 2008Spring is here. Time to learn a new skill. Just started to learn formation flying in my Grumman Tiger. Working with a group of other Grumman pilots, using the T-34 and FFI training procedures. I’m still a “nugget” (new guy).
This was one hell of a great weekend. I’ve still got a lot to learn with only a couple of flights under my belt so far. After so many years focusing on avoiding other aircraft, it’s quite a mental challenge joining up with other aircraft in flight. Requires lots of concentration and precise control, but the results are work it.
These guys are so far ahead of me….but I’ll get there.
Cheers!
4 Comments | Aviation | Tagged: FFI, flying, formation, Grumman, pilot, Tiger | Permalink
Posted by brianflys
