9.44. Formation Takeoff Abnormalities.

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9.44.1. Number 2 Passing Number 1. It may be difficult for number 2 to determine if number 1 is experiencing a problem (e.g., loss of power, etc.) that requires an abort. If number 2 overruns number 1, number 2 selects MAX power and makes a separate takeoff while maintaining their side of the runway. Follow number 1’s directions.

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9.44.2. Number 2 Falling Behind Number 1. If number 2 falls behind on takeoff, number 2 may not have sufficient airspeed to rotate with number 1. In this case, number 2 cross-checks engine instruments and the airspeed indicator, and aborts (if there is a problem) or performs a separate takeoff. For a separate takeoff, number 2 assumes proper formation position after becoming safely airborne.

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9.44.3. Formation Takeoff Abort (One Aircraft). If an abort becomes necessary, maintain aircraft control, ensure separation from the other aircraft (maintain the respective side of the runway), and make a radio call as soon as practical (“Texan 2 aborting”). During an abort situation, the aircraft continuing the takeoff maintains its side of the runway and executes a normal single-ship takeoff in MAX power.

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9.44.4. Interval Takeoff Abort. If number 1 aborts, make a radio call when practical. It may be difficult for number 2 to recognize an abort using only visual cues. If number 2 has not released brakes, number 2 reduces power and holds position until number 1 clears the runway. If number 2 is rolling but below abort speed, an abort should be considered as there may not be sufficient spacing to takeoff behind number 1. If number 2 is above abort speed, continue the takeoff only if able to safely deconflict with number 1.

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9.44.5. Element Abort. During a formation takeoff, there are normally no sympathetic aborts after brake release. Sympathetic aborts can create situations in which the good aircraft risks making the situation worse by adding another aircraft into the high-speed abort situation when risk of collision, hot brakes, or blown tires increases. If it is necessary for the formation to abort, each aircraft must maintain its respective side of the runway (“treat centerline like a brick wall”) and make every effort to stop prior to the end of the runway. Number 1 directs a formation abort with a radio call, “Texan Flight: abort, abort, abort!” The operative word “flight” indicates both aircraft should abort.

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