9.15. Formation Breakout.

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9.15.1. Objective. Ensure immediate separation and avoid midair collision.

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9.15.2. Description. The HITS acronym describes when a breakout is required. Perform a breakout immediately when: number 2 constitutes a Hazard to the formation, is In front of or under number 1, is Told to break out, and/or loses Situational awareness of the aircraft’s position relative to number 1.

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9.15.3. Procedure. When breaking out, the wingman clears in the direction of the break and maneuvers away from number 1’s last known position (or in the direction that ensures immediate separation). Use power and speed brake as required to maintain safe maneuvering airspeed to expedite separation. After beginning execution of appropriate breakout maneuver, the wingman informs number 1. For example, “Texan 2, breaking out” when self-initiating the breakout, or simply”2” when complying with a directive from number 1. Number 2 should notify lead, if required, when conditions permit. Number 1 continues to fly predictably and, if the wingman is in sight, maneuvers to maintain sight and deconflict flight paths. Number 1 should direct a rollout when safe separation is achieved; however, if visual with number 1 the wingman may roll out regardless of who initiates the breakout. The aircraft breaking out should anticipate disorientation and must use caution if passing under number 1 or viewing number 1 through the top of the canopy.

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9.15.3.1. On final approach, use caution as a rapid increase in back stick pressure can quickly result in a stall. Also, abrupt application of excessive rudder or abrupt application of MAX power can cause the aircraft to roll past the desired bank angle, which can further aggravate the slow speed condition and reduce the chances of a successful recovery.

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9.15.3.2. During a breakout, it is possible to lose sight. All flight members must remain vigilant to ensure deconfliction. A breakout does not always require an abrupt, high-G turn away from number 1.

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9.15.3.3. If a wingman initiates the breakout, it is that aircraft’s responsibility to maintain safe separation until number 1 acknowledges the breakout, confirms visual contact, or establishes altitude separation. If number 1 directs the breakout, number 1 is responsible for safe separation and deconfliction until acknowledgement, visual contact, or altitude separation.

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9.15.3.4. After number 2 achieves safe separation and visual contact with number 1, a radio call is made to advise number 1: “Texan 2, visual.” Number 1 then directs a rejoin as appropriate. Do not rejoin until directed by number 1, however number 2 may parallel number 1’s flight path to control a divergent vector (i.e., “align the fuselages”).

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