Until you hurt someone and/or bend metal, then it's "Careless or wreckless operation."

The aim is not regulatory. Until someone gets hurt.

 

If it was in formation, it would probably be condusive to normal operations, and not careless and wreckless unless you were doing something like 90 AOB @ 300kts

- The overhead is actually recommended; part of the FAST 'PTS':

AREA OF OPERATION: TRAFFIC PATTERNS
TASK: OVERHEAD 360º TRAFFIC PATERN
Objective: To determine that the applicant:

Configures the flight for the echelon formation appropriate to the direction of break
Maneuvers the flight to an initial approach for the landing runway
Makes the appropriate ATC or traffic advisory radio calls
Monitors other traffic in the pattern and de-conflicts as necessary
Gives the appropriate pitch-out radio calls for the break and interval
Flies the pattern as briefed using the appropriate altitude and airspeeds
Flies a stabilized final approach
Lands on the appropriate portion of the runway
Monitors the wingmen and ensures all have cleared the runway and are ready to taxi

 

Brother....

Check your PM's.


USMC, not the fastest I've seen but a nice one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1IGj...ext=1&index=49

 

What is the FAST PTS?
Sounds like a formation lead PTS.

Grumble - that was a nice approach. Those crazy guys out in Japan!

USMCFLYR

 

If you watch, you'll see someone rolling out in the groove, then he gets a "very nice" after the break. Where's the comm discipline with a guy on the ball?!?! I say that in jest, that was a sweet break and pass.

 

Although civilian formation flying (except for in waivered airspace) requires little more than a brief among the pilots on what's going to happen, organizations like FAST (comprised of 17 organizations) allow a standard of training that's been approved by the FAA to operate formation (and formation aerobatics) in waivered airspace. There's time requirements, training (ground and air), and a checkride for wing, lead, etc.

That part of the PTS was a little part of the lead checkride PTS, there's also one for wing, etc.

Of course these '360 overhead patterns' are a lot different than your average F/A-18 carrier break.

In waivered airspace though, with an ACE and FAST card, a civilian can pretty much do a 400kt, 5g, 90 AOB break (if the aircraft can do it) with no adverse consequences.

 

Ryan... how's your L-39 acquisition coming? That's a great airplane for a civilian. I know flight schools with them, and the prices seem to be under 100k now, although the per hour operating expenses are still pretty high.

 

I recenty saw a picture of the L-29 and I've seen the L-39 many times, but I must say - if I had to chose - that L-39 is the MUCH better looking aircraft!

Ryan - you said
We had one for the wing too - it said "DON'T HIT YOUR LEAD!"
It didn't always work I wouldn't mind getting some time in a L-39.

USMCFLYR

 

Well....... I was working on something that's not really for me. I'm not a high-roller. If you've heard of any in reasonable condition under $100K (that are in the US) please let me know. There certainly have been a lot of fire-sales going on right now.

Yeah the engines have a TBO of 1000hrs, T/O fuel flow usually results in around 330gph - so it can be kinda pricey. It seems like a lot of people that get them are in the 'more money than brains' club... guess it's sorta like the 'doctor killer' Baron/Bonanzas

 

Only things for a wingman to say, "2, you're on fire, I'll take the fat chick." Anything else is extraneous comm.