The formation training Chris Good received was through FFI. FFI using the T-6 training manual as a basis for formation training. It is very usual for someone to have well in excess of two years of training before they are able to pass a checkride. Flying close together is not formation flying. Matter of fact, close can be a reason for failing the checkride.
At the time time Formation Flying Inc. was started only warbirds and aerobatic show pilots were allowed to fly formation is waivered airspace. Remember, anybody can fly formation as long as there is a formal bried held prior to the flight. The big thing is waivered airspace, ie., Sun & Fun, Oshkosh for the two biggees. Stu McCurdy, a retired fighter pilot, started FFI at the request of the FAA. It originally was to go through EAA but when finalization of the training manual was at hand, the EAA dropped the ball and said they didn't want to accept the liability exposure even though they were inherently involved since inception. FFI cardholders are trained and sanctioned at the same level as this T-6 guy, they are very, very good. Stu travels around the county in his RV-8, Falcon Flight (guess what he used to drive) training and acting as check pilot. It is very serious flying, if you are thin skinned you will not make it through the training. This carries on after every flight in the debrief. The debrief is very straight to the point and any, and I mean any, variation from perfection is pointed out. Again, it is very serious and thin skin make you a spectator. I have got some emails about Chris's crash. They were not part of the airshow but were authorized to fly in waivered airspace. They were simply inbound for static display and transitioning to land when all hell broke loose. Accidents happen and when you fly formation it doesn't take much. That is why the FFI pilots are so well trained. Chris was a very accomplished pilot. By seeing crash wreckage, Chris obviously died instantly. That is the only thing good about this. I knew Chris and just like John Monday, this hurts. Be trained and be safe, we are a limited quantity. Dana Overall 1999 & 2000 National KR Gathering host Richmond, KY i39 RV-7 slider, Imron black, "Black Magic" O 360 A1A, C/S C2YK-1BF/F7666A4 http://rvflying.tripod.com/id30.html do not archive _________________________________________________________________ Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/
