Formation flights

newtoatc Newcomer

Hello, I am a newbe ATCer and want to know the differences between a standard and non-standard formation flight. If you have any resources I would
greatly appreciate them. Thanks

polo708 Epic Member tower

A standard formation flight is within 1 mile laterally and 100 ft vertically of the flight lead. non-standard is anything other than that...

newtoatc Newcomer

So although unlikely, is it conceivable that you may have up to 10 aircraft in the same 1000ft altitude block while controlling a standard formation flight?

djmodifyd Senior Member

yes...or just add 1 mile to your normal separation....
so if you usually need 3 miles/1000ft, you need 4 miles/1000ft if a standard flight (of whatever number...largest i've seen is 6, i don't know how large they actually go)

newtoatc Newcomer

Okay, so what I gather is that you can have multiple aircraft within a standard formation flight assigned to one altitude. If it is one flight of however many you would add 1 mile to standard radar separation from any other traffic. Typically standard flights fly in a V-type configuration. Are there times that they will fly in a longitudinal type pattern as long as they are within one mile of the leading flight member who may not necessarily be the flight lead? Or would this be considered a non-standard formation?

djmodifyd Senior Member

yes you are correct..

and the latter part to that question is beyond me...they just tell me either standard or non-standard...i don't know where they get that from

newtoatc Newcomer

It's beyond me too. I guess it's whatever they want to call it? Thanks for the info.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

they don't always fly in a V-formation. they sometimes fly in a left or right echelon formation. 1st guy in the front left/right position, then back and to the left/right they go behind the leader. they'll set them up so the leader is in the position to make their next turn without turning in front of number 2. ie: the next turn is gonna be a right turn, the wingmen will be back and left of the leader.

if u have 2 standard formations then add 2 miles. 1 mile for each formation.

vm2152 Senior Member

newtoatc...

you may be "new to atc" but perhaps you should just look in the 7110.65. it clearly states in the P/CG.

lesmiserables1 Newcomer Texas

Can someone tell me if you still are required to use the word "flight" when controlling a flight of aircraft?