Good Day

Had an absolutely great day today. I absolutely love flying formation. It is the most difficult flying that we do, but it is the most invigorating thing in the entire planet. Flying ten feet from another aircraft and doing the things that we do is a life changing experience. Today, we spent a little time working on just staying in good position while maneuvering both planes at up to 90 degrees of bank. That is probably the hardest thing that we do and it shows, but even it is fun. Then we do some other formations that resemble some of the types of missions that other airframes actually do on the active duty side. The thing that we do that is the most fun is called extended trail. This type of flying is extremely physical and very taxing. We chase the other aircraft through some of the more difficult aerobatics while trying to maintain a "cone" of airspace around the back of the lead aircraft. We do loops, barrel rolls, clover leafs, cuban 8s, and alot of moves that just teach us to maintain a safe aspect angle to the other aircraft. Once you do all of this stuff following another aircraft you actually trade places and then you have to lead all the same things that you just went through. In many ways that is harder than flying in the wing position. You have to consider where you are in the working area and what is going on with your wingman. Today, I had an exceptionaly good day with flying and all of the little things that have to happen to make a great day. Formation really is the best flying we do around here.