Brianflys - A Pilot's Blog » formation

Passed the Wingman level Formation Flying Checkride!

brianflys — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 03:50:27 +0000

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!

Formation Flying on a Beautiful Weekend

brianflys — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:51:02 +0000

Beautiful 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).

Learning Formation Flying – Grumman Style

brianflys — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:06:47 +0000

Spring 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!