|
|
Posted for "jkezele@juno.com" <jkezele@juno.com>:
Posted for jmacknig <jmacknig@cisco.com>:
thanks for the tip. Also a good mid-range reference is center the pilot's
head in rear co-pilots window (right side).
[ hmm, as lead I'd want you more forward so I could
pass a hand signal. local stds trump. -Rob ]
In close formation, I put the aileron/flap gap at the base of the spinner.
jim...
N1222K
WG103
Thanks for the tips but with all due respect, I would like to comment.
My experience with formation has taught me that good reference points are
critical for good formation station keeping skills. I do not have any
formation experience with Lancair’s and thus my earlier question about
reference points. These references should be the same whether you are flying
the left or right wing. You need a forward and aft reference point that is
airframe standard. For example if you were to use the horizontal tail leading
outboard edge, you would find that you would be in a different fixed position
in “space” if you were flying wing with a MK II tail verses the standard tail.
A forward reference needs to be likewise identifiable with all airplanes…long
engine mount verses standard and so forth. Angle off should be the standard
30 to 45 degrees. What works best is where all wingman can see leads hand
signals, appropriate nose to tail separation, and appropriate step down or up.
That brings up another question… what standard are you using for hand
signals? I have had problems with this in the jet warbird community where we
fly with pilots from different military branches. A universal agreed standard
will be helpful, cover those in your brief to make sure everyone is on the
same page.
Enclosed is a picture of what we use for reference on the T-33. We use the
wing tip tank nav light placed in-line with canopy bow, then the top of the
tip tank is placed in between the bottom canopy rail and the intake boundary
fins (in the old days they split the USAF). This gives us our angle off and
step down. For rear reference we use the horizontal/elevator hinge line. If I
am ahead of that reference but on my forward reference then I will have to
much wing overlap. To see what I mean make a couple of photocopies of a three
view if you don't have real models and experiment, but you need a triangle of
reference points.
In the Lancair you want something similar that gives you nose to tail
separation with appropriate step down. As you know it is all about not
rubbing paint or grinding Lead’s tail!
Since I haven’t heard a standard reference yet I will work one up in the
simulator and give my opinion.
Best Regards
John Kezele
|
|