Training

The Path to a Formation Card

Formation qualification is a structured, standards-based process — the same whether you're earning your first Wing card or advancing to Lead. The training process is rigorous and intense. TRARON conducts all formation training activities in accordance with the guidance and standards of the Formation and Safety Team (FAST).

• Join CAF and TRARON. The first step is to become a member of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF). Once you are an active CAF member with a Colonel Number, you can then join TRARON. You must be a current member of both organizations to attend clinics and be issued a formation card. The CAF offers both yearly and life membership offerings. TRARON dues are paid yearly.
• Meet the prerequisites. Hold the pilot certificate and experience required for the rating you're pursuing. The exact requirements — total time, formation time, and recency — are listed in the Wing, Lead, and Check Pilot Qualifications sheet.
• Complete ground school. Learn the standardized procedures — briefings, hand and aircraft signals, station keeping, rejoins, and emergency actions — from the Formation Knowledge Guide and the ground school sessions below. This is knowledge, not a substitute for flying.
• Complete an evaluation ride. A short single-ship flight with a qualified instructor to assess your airmanship and readiness to begin formation training. It must be completed before your first formation flight at your first clinic; it is not required at subsequent clinics.
• Train with a qualified pilot. Fly dual formation training with a current Lead or Check Pilot, working each maneuver until you're proficient. Progress is logged sortie by sortie on the Formation Training Record.
• Earn a recommendation. When you're ready, a recommending pilot who has observed your flying completes the Recommendation for a Formation Checkride, attesting that you meet the standard.
• Pass the checkride. A Check Pilot administers the FAST Evaluation — an oral phase covering knowledge and a flight phase covering the maneuvers for your rating.
• Receive your FAST card. After a successful checkride, TRARON issues your FAST card at the qualified level — 2-ship or 4-ship, Wing or Lead.
• Stay proficient. Maintain your qualification through ongoing demonstration of proficiency. Each year, you must fly a formation flight observed by a qualified Lead or Check Pilot. After flying in accordance with FAST and TRARON standards, a Formation Proficiency Report (FPR) will be endorsed to certify your eligibility for continued formation qualification. If your qualification lapses, you must successfully complete a checkride to be reissued a formation card.

Qualification progresses in steps — first Wing, then Lead. Some pilots elect to complete a 2-ship card before obtaining a 4-ship qualification. Each step in the process has its own training, recommendation, and checkride requirements. Wherever you are on that path, start with the ground school below. It is a good idea to frequently review this material, especailly in advance of clinic attendance.