9.22. Route Formation.

p. 196

9.22.1. Objective. Increase flight maneuverability while enhancing clearing and visual lookout.

p. 196

9.22.2. Description. Route (Figure 9.18) is flown to enhance clearing and visual lookout, increase flight maneuverability, and ease the completion of in-flight checks, radio changes, other cockpit tasks, or simply to allow number 2 to relax. Number 1 sends number 2 to route with a radio call or visual signal. With the formation in route, number 1 should restrict maneuvering to moderate turns and pitch changes. Maximum bank angle in route is approximately 60 degrees.

p. 197

9.22.3. Route Spacing. Route spacing is from two-ship widths to no further than approximately 500 feet. Route is flown no further forward than Line a Breast (LAB) and no further aft than the extended 30-degree fingertip line. When not in a turn, number 2 generally maintains a position level with number 1 (a level stack) by keeping the helmet of number 1’s FCP pilot on the horizon. Although the formal definition of the route position has fairly wide tolerances, number 2 should strive to maintain a specific position when in route. Number 2 should exercise judgment when selecting a route position. If weather is a factor or a reform to fingertip is anticipated, select a position toward two ship widths. If weather is not a factor and a long cruise is anticipated, select a position toward 500 feet and LAB to aid in clearing and performing cockpit duties.

p. 197

9.22.4. Route LAB. When LAB, strive to remain between the extended 3/9 line and approximately 10 degrees aft of LAB. Typically, route is flown LAB and out toward the 500- foot limit when weather conditions are not a factor, and when visual clearing, flight path deconfliction and maneuvering are formation priorities. LAB at 2-4 ship widths is typically flown when anticipating a turn away while in route (echelon turn).

p. 197

9.22.5. Turns In Route. When inside a turn, number 2 maneuvers below number 1’s POM only as necessary to keep number 1 in sight just above the canopy rail. On the outside of a turn, number 2 maintains the same vertical references used in echelon turns. As in fingertip, number 2 will not cross to the opposite side unless specifically directed to do so verbally or by a crossunder signal from number 1.

p. 198

9.22.6. Procedure. Number 2 stabilizes in route before diverting attention to change radio channels, accomplish in-flight checks, or execute other cockpit tasks.

p. 198