This 5-Day 10-Mission customized course of training is broken down into two phases; Basic Formation Training and Advanced / Customized Formation Training. Combined, the outlines below gives a general overview of what to expect during a week of formation flying at APS. This can be a demanding program both mentally and physically. Please be sure to allow sufficient time for rest and study after each flying day.
Day 1, 2 & 3
As a formation pilot, training must include extensive academic preparation and practical experience under the guidance of expert instructors. At APS, our team prepares each participant with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely participate in pre-briefed 2-ship formation exercises and operational mission profiles. Each day includes dedicated ground instruction pertinent to preparing each participant for the day's mission profile. All flight profiles are pre-briefed and flown in strict accordance with the planned mission. An important aspect of formation training is ensuring each participating pilot is afforded adequate hands-on practical experience in all training areas. The APS program is specially designed to develop the formation pilot's skills, situational awareness, knowledge and safety awareness consistently and continually throughout the program. Phase 1 is focused on the principles of Safety First and Building Block Methodology to guarantee client satisfaction and to provide a fun, rewarding experience to each participant.
Phase 1 includes ground and flight instruction in the following areas:
* Formation Safety, Protocols and FAA Regulations
* Staggered Single-Ship Take-off & Rejoin
* 2-Ship Echelon, Route & Trail Formations
* Station Keeping, Station Changes & Wing Work
* Basic Close & Route Maneuvering
* Underruns / Overshoots
* Lead & Wingman Responsibilities
* Lost Wingman Procedures
* Formation Emergencies
* Hand Signals & Comm Discipline
* Extended Trail
* Pitch & Out to Straight Ahead & Turning Rejoins
* Circling Rejoins
* Overhead Break to Landing
Day 4 & 5
With basic formation training complete, participants now move into more advanced formation maneuvers and develop leadership and planning skills necessary to safely execute a variety of formation profiles. Throughout Phase 2, each participant continues to practice and develop basic formation skills. The advanced portion of the training course can be designed by the APS instructor staff exclusively, however, we prefer to have direct input from the participating pilots to ensure Phase 2 meets their specific training needs. Phase 2 can include any or all of the following training areas.
* Basic Formation Review
* Formation Leader: Mission Planning & Briefing
* 2-Ship Formation Take-off
* Formation Overhead Break
* 2-Ship Formation Approach, Go Around & Landing
* Formation Lazy 8s
* Formation Steep Turns
* 60 & 2 Turns & Flat Turns
* 120 & 3 Wing-Overs
* Aerobatic Formation Introduction & Demonstration
* Additions as Requested
The goal during the final 2-days of the advanced formation training course at APS is to ensure participants gain skills and knowledge in accordance with their specific operational needs. Additionally, each participating formation pilot will be required to plan, brief, lead and execute at least one formation mission profile. A few examples of customized add-on training are as follows:
* Photo Shoot Profiles
* Extended Basic Formation Proficiency Flying
* 2-Ship Shadowing Techniques for Airborne Target Monitoring
* Fly-By Techniques and Parade Formations
* 4-Ship Formation Operations
* Tactical Formation Flying Techniques (NATO Standard)
For more info contact Faye Hamilton at 480-279-1881
www.apstraining.com