Formation flight
Formation flight = aircraft deliberately operating close together. Allowed only by pre-arrangement.
Pre-arrangement required (CAR 602.24):
| Where | Who must agree | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Anywhere | Pilots-in-command of the aircraft involved | CAR 602.24(a) |
| Inside a control zone | PICs plus the appropriate air traffic control unit | CAR 602.24(b) |
Related rules (separate from CAR 602.24):
| Rule | Ref | Covers | Pre-arrangement needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avoidance of collision | CAR 602.21 | Bans proximity creating a risk of collision | No |
| Right-of-way | CAR 602.19 | Priority between converging or overtaking aircraft | No |
| Formation flight | CAR 602.24 | Makes deliberate close-proximity flying legal | Yes |
Trap: In a control zone, ATC clearance alone does not satisfy CAR 602.24; ATC is added to the PICs' pre-arrangement, not substituted.
References
- CARs 602.24(a)
- CARs 602.24(b)