Formation flying in Canada

[fleet16b]

We all know that in the US one must have a F.A.S.T. to be eligible to fly formation during airshows.
However, I am told that in Canada there is no such rule and that all that is needed is log book entries stating that you have c/out 10 hrs practice within a certain time frame.
Apparently this "proves proficiency".
I find this hard to believe.
Does anyone here know the steps that actually have to be taken ?

Thanks

[AEROBAT]

We all know that in the US one must have a F.A.S.T. to be eligible to fly formation during airshows.
However, I am told that in Canada there is no such rule and that all that is needed is log book entries stating that you have c/out 10 hrs practice within a certain time frame.
Apparently this "proves proficiency".
I find this hard to believe.
Does anyone here know the steps that actually have to be taken ?

Thanks

I have never heard of any rule about flying formation other than the fact the pilot you form up on must be aware that you are doing it and agree to it. Another thing about flying in formation is that only one of the parties involved has to do the radio work. IE " Muni Advisory flight of three 10 miles south at 5000' ". Everyone does it all the time. I think that you are refering to formation aerobatics in the US.

All that being said there is a LOT of people I would not fly formation with. If you are going to go out and try it with a buddy for the first time I suggest sit down for a while and plan what you will do when/if you loose contact. Joe climbs and Bob drops sort of thing. What do you do when you loose radio com. What do you do when you enter the circuit ect.

It can be very dangerous if approached wrong but it is a hell of a lot of fun if both parties keep their cool. I have flown formation with planes that cruised maybe 25 percent over my stall speed. That gets your attention.

If you are going to do it, do it with similar planes like two 150's or whatever at first. The best advice I could give you is to get some dual doing it but I am unaware of anyone giving training in it other than the military.


Once you have done it it sure gives you an appreciation for the Snowbirds acts.

In Canada you need an ACE card for airshow work.