I'm looking to eventually do some formation hops with a buddy of mine in PA28-140 Cherokee's.
I have yet to do such in an aircraft (besides being a backseater in RV-8's), however I have hundreds of hours on top of the line military flight simulators flying formation. I understand the physics of formation flying more than most people, not trying to brag on myself.
Any words of wisdom? I know the Van's guys like to do plenty of formation but I have not seen much attempts out there in Cherokees.
I'd assume if we are working in controlled airspace, we would just let them know "flight of two", and the wing aircraft has his transponder off and ATC would just work the leader's aircraft, knowing we are a flight of two. We'd likely "practice" for a lack of a better term, at altitude straight and level in uncontrolled airspace. Lead being the only one transmitting a VFR code and myself following on a wing.
My question is - should we use hand signals, or have our own frequency? I know several formation organizations do hand signals, such of which I am foreign to but would like to learn.
I am very safety conscious especially thinking about flying formation, so I just wanted to get any extra pointers or words of advice from members here before we plan on going out and attempting a "formation".
Thanks,
I have yet to do such in an aircraft (besides being a backseater in RV-8's), however I have hundreds of hours on top of the line military flight simulators flying formation. I understand the physics of formation flying more than most people, not trying to brag on myself.
Any words of wisdom? I know the Van's guys like to do plenty of formation but I have not seen much attempts out there in Cherokees.
I'd assume if we are working in controlled airspace, we would just let them know "flight of two", and the wing aircraft has his transponder off and ATC would just work the leader's aircraft, knowing we are a flight of two. We'd likely "practice" for a lack of a better term, at altitude straight and level in uncontrolled airspace. Lead being the only one transmitting a VFR code and myself following on a wing.
My question is - should we use hand signals, or have our own frequency? I know several formation organizations do hand signals, such of which I am foreign to but would like to learn.
I am very safety conscious especially thinking about flying formation, so I just wanted to get any extra pointers or words of advice from members here before we plan on going out and attempting a "formation".
Thanks,