Grumman Cathouse Gang Formation Flying Standards
So, you wanna learn how to fly formation with the Cathouse Gang? Excellent! We'd love to have more talented pilots flying with us.
Where to start? Reading! It's imperative that everyone know the standards by which we fly together. When someone makes a request, or makes a move, or does anything, you need to know how to react. You cannot take the time to think, "OK, what does that hand signal mean...?" You gotta know.
So, the place to start is with the T-34 Formation Flight Manual (T-34 FFM). This manual is the standard which most civilian formation groups use, including those with FAST certification. It is available from the EAA store (go to Main Store, then Warbirds/books). It is also included in a package with the Darden video, “Formation Flying, The Art” at Sporty’s (product #M632A, $69.95). Viewing the video is a prerequisite for all first-time attendees of any training clinic.
Next, learn the the Cathouse Formation Standards. The CFS is a series of standards developed in 1992 by the Lunken Cathouse Gang and has been finely honed based on recent experience. Learn these standards as this is by which we fly. The Cathouse standards are consistent with the T-34 FFM as it applies to Grumman aircraft. Any conflicts in procedures between the two will defer to the T-34 FFM!
You'll also need to have a copy of the Formation Briefing Guide when you fly.
Finally, the "Cheat Sheet" is designed to give everyone a quick review of the role of each position and provide some tips on the most common mistakes made in that position.
For newbies, go through the Formation Flying Email Series. In the summer of 2000, we organized our first "clinic" prior to the AYA's 2000 Convention at Laconia NH. It was a resounding success and led to this Cathouse program. Prior to that event all prospective attendees were sent this series of email describing this clinic and offering basic information, as well as informative photographs. While some of this information may be out of date (it was developed prior to the evolution of the above standards) the basic information and the photographs are still helpful. It’ll give you the basic sight pictures in Grumman 4-seaters.
For those of you that would like to be Flight Lead or Wingman qualified be approved to fly in airshows (FAA “waivered airspace”), you will need to meet all the requirements for your position according to the Formation Standards and Proficiency Program and FFI Paperwork. The criteria for both qualifications are virtually identical.
Formation Flying Clinic Information
The Gang holds formation flying training clinics and practice sessions at various times and places around the country. The training clinics are for learning how to fly formation, using our own experienced formation pilots as right-seat safety pilots. The practice sessions are for sharpening our skills and generally do not include safety pilots. For more information on any individual clinic, please contact the person listed; to get on the email list contact Gregg Wilson at gregg.wilson@wilsonmanagement.com
Scheduled Clinics
None Currently Scheduled
Previous Clinic Reports
The Airmen Inc Formation Seminar May 2001 - During the first week of May, a group of Grumman owners attended a formation flying seminar at The Airmen, Inc. This group has formed the core to further others' training in flying our cats in formation.
Laconia NH Formation Flying Seminar, June 2000 - The one that started it all. In the days prior to the AYA 2000 Convention in Laconia NH we held a Formation Flying Seminar. It was a resounding success and led to the AYA considering approving formal sanctioned training program.
All web pages, information, photographs, compilations, and procedures are Copyright © 1999-2002 Gregg Wilson and the Cathouse Gang. No information from these pages may be copied or reprinted without express written permission