1. Before the flight, be sure you know exactly what is expected of you in your particular position. 2. Start the engine on a pre-arranged signal. 3. Don't taxi dangerously close to other aircraft. 4. Immediately after takeoff, turn the radio volume up. Maintain constant radio contact with the flight. 5. After the takeoff, join formation in a left or right climbing turn. Cut across the circle to expedite assembly. Don't lag behind or try to overhaul by use of power only. Locate every ship in the formation ahead of you. Come in from slightly below, smoothly instead of with a burst of speed. 6. Always slide to the outside of the turn after assembling if there are others to assemble behind you.

Rules for flying formation: a. The cleanness and high speed of the P-40 cause you to over-run particularly in closing up on the flight commander's airplane. When you over-run, ease well out to the side on a level with the rest of the formation and slow the airplane down. Do not get directly below, above, or in front of the formation when you over-run because you will lose sight of the flight. b. Make all changes of position smoothly and slowly. Remember, there are other airplanes behind you. c. The P-40 moves sideways much more readily than trainer airplanes. You must be alert against the danger of skidding into a lead ship. d. Overcontrolling, improper use of the throttle, and failure to anticipate maneuvers are the basic causes of poor formation flying.