Advanced Formation Resources

The Elements in becoming an "Element Lead"

Excellent article submitted by Larry "Joker" Brennan, addressing skills and commitment to become an Element Lead in the Caravan to Oshkosh.

Lead Pilot Guidelines

All Element Lead pilots review your duties and responsibilities.

Considerations for Caravan Element Leaders

Flying in the Mooney Caravan mass formation from Madison to Oshkosh requires additional diligence specific to maintaining position in a long formation. If you're an element lead in the Mooney Caravan, read this document.

Safety Observer Guidelines

All Safety Observers review your duties and responsibilities.

Mooney Caravan Safety Observer checklist (2025)

The Mooney Caravan Safety Observer checklist lists the competencies that Mooney Caravan pilots must demonstrate to be considered for the role of Safety Observer. These checklists are intended as a reference for current Mooney Caravan Safety Observers and as informative material for Safety Observer candidates.

Reticle for Caravan Element Leads

Caravan Element leaders: Review of use of Reticle for maintaining proper spacing. It is imperative to use geometry for spacing and not throttle adjustments. The Reticle augments depth perception to maintain proper element spacing.

Additional formation flying guides

• FFI Formation Guide
• Mooney FFI Supplement
• T-34 Formation Knowledge and Training Guide (PDF)
• Darton International - Formation Flying Set (DVD)

Websites for formation flying organizations

• FFI: www.ffi.aero
• FAST: www.flyfast.org
• NATA: www.flynata.org
• Red Star Pilots Assn: www.flyredstar.org
• B2OSH: www.b2osh.org
• Cessnas2OSH: www.cessnas2oshkosh.com
• Cherokees2OSH: www.cherokees2osh.com
• Cirrus2OSH: www.c2a.club