Question 1

Why should I attend a formation clinic?

Accepted Answer

Easy, it's fun. If you have never flown close formation you are in for an experience. Everyone who participates will enhance their flying skills and learn more about their aircraft. Safety and camaraderie are our goal. You will absolutely leave a much better stick and rudder pilot!

Question 2

Do I get certified to fly formation after attending a clinic?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide any type of certification. Our Safety Pilots are there to assist, you will be the PIC. You will self-assess your skills at the end of each formation flight and determine when you are ready to fly solo.

Question 3

Can I bring a non flying friend with me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We call them JAFO's (Just Another 'Fun' Observer). There is a smaller fee for non-flying participants to help cover food/transportation etc. It's a great opportunity to get some good photo's and get some exposure to formation flying.

Question 4

What if I have an SR-20 and everyone else has an SR-22?

Accepted Answer

No problem with dissimilar aircraft. Almost every clinic has a mix of SR-20, SR-22, SR-22T, SR-22TN. On a few occasions, we have Mooneys and other aircraft participate.

Question 5

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We offer refunds up to 2 weeks before a clinic. If for some reason you have to cancel inside that window, we will apply your registration to a future clinic.

Question 6

What happens if the weather is bad?

Accepted Answer

If the weather is not conducive to formation flying, we will reschedule the clinic. We normally make the weather call about 3-4 days out, allowing refunds of hotel reservations etc. We will coordinate with all participants on the rescheduled date.

Question 7

What if I don't have the skill to fly formation?

Accepted Answer

Trust us, nobody has the skill to fly formation on their first day. We don't expect you to fly perfect the first day. Even the most seasoned instructor pilots will require a safety pilot. Every skill level is welcomed. You will have the opportunity to see each maneuver demonstrated first. If required, your Safety Pilot can provide as many demonstrations as you desire. After your second or third flight the skills will sink in and you will start to fly with confidence.

Question 8

Are there any prerequisites or skill levels for attending a clinic?

Accepted Answer

No prerequisites. We will query the participants for experience level just to mitigate risk as we pair you with Safety Pilots.

Question 9

Can I attend and share an aircraft with a partner or co-owner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, two people can attend a clinic with one aircraft. We often pair two new students with one safety pilot. We will rotate who flies in the front and who sits in the back to observe. You can learn a lot while observing from the back seat (less stress, so you can absorb more).

Question 10

What does registration cost and what is included?

Accepted Answer

The registration fee pays mainly for Safety Pilot transportation and half their hotel fee. We often fly Safety Pilots commercial to support a clinic. We also provide transportation (rental vehicles) and on occasion have to pay for briefing rooms. We do our best to keep costs minimal, and Safety Pilots usually pay a lot of expenses out of pocket.

Question 11

What are your safety standards?

Accepted Answer

Our primary goal is to SAFELY conduct formation flights. Any flight will be scrubbed or aborted if it cannot be conducted safely. To assist in decision making, our Safety Committee has determined a set of 'minimums' that must be met in order to conduct formation flights. These 'minimums' take into account ceilings, visibility, winds, the size of the formation, along with other factors. You will be indoctrinated to these 'minimums' during any clinic you attend.

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