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1. Always start a maneuver smoothly and never
more quickly than the proficiency of your flight
warrants.
2. Emphasize proficiency and smoothness in all
your flying. Violent or erratic movements, excessive use
of the throttle, and lack of consideration for the man
behind you cause the men in the formation to lose their
respect for your leadership.
3. Always leave a reserve of power and speed
for your wingmen. For example, with the flight in
echelon, reduce throttle before turning steeply away from
the flight.
4. Use the radio sparingly. Employ visual
signals as much as possible.
5. Don't baby your formation. As the
proficiency of your wingmen develops, make your maneuvers
more difficult. Remember, anything
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that can be done in a single airplane can be done,
with proper handling, in a formation. Aimless cruising
around and timid maneuvering are wastes of time.
6. Don't exceed the capabilities of your wingmen. Don't try to show the flight that you are a hot pilot.
7. Don't look for trouble. You are responsible for every man in the formation, as well as for yourself. Let that responsibility guide all your actions.
8. Then leading a formation composed of more than two flights, make a 45' turn away from the direction of your assembly turn immediately after the takeoff; then make your assembly turn.
9. Always hold a critique immediately after the formation lands.
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If your tachometer should fail while you are flying
formation, and -you want to know what rpm you are using,
sight through the arc of your propeller at the propeller
of the lead airplane.
Note the shadow of the propeller. If the shadow
rotates clockwise, your propeller is turning slower than
the 'lead airplane's propeller.
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If the shadow rotates counter- clockwise, your
propeller is turning faster.
If the shadow is stopped, you are perfectly
synchronized with the lead airplane.
When the shadow is rotating in either direction, vary
the pitch of your propeller until the shadow stops.
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