We fly "spread" (or line abreast) because it is an excellent balance between offensive firepower, ease of maneuver, and defensive properties. It allows both elements of the section to check each others blind spots equally and get their nose on a threat quickly, while still allowing both fighters unobstructed ability to launch at targets downrange. The correct position is 1 to 2 turn radii or slightly more away from lead at lead’s direct 3 or 9 o’clock position.

This is referred to at the 90-degree bearing. This position allows either aircraft to bring its nose to bear on a bandit closing on the other member of the flight. The higher or faster your formation is, the wider it should be because true airspeed is greater and sustained g lower, resulting in larger turn radii. Typically it’s about .75 - 1.5 miles, but variations abound. The correct bearing of 90 degrees is directly abeam lead and is easy to see by noting the location on the canopy of an AI wingman when he’s in spread. Alternately, you can center the lead/wingman in the 2d cockpit when looking 90 degrees left or right (I use Virtual Cockpit almost exclusively to look around, however). A wingman altitude advantage is desirable to allow him more energy than lead; 1,000-3,000’ is fine but may be disregarded online, as it’s tough to do in simulators and still maintain sight. When flying online, you should be checking visually (using padlock and virtual cockpits) your wingman’s six and your side of the formation often (about once every 30 seconds at a minimum). Pan around in virtual cockpit and hit the padlock key to see if anyone is sneaking in on you. After each turn, both pilots will normally check each other’s six on the new heading and report "six clear."

The lead is critical to ensuring the formation is maintainable. He must be reasonably smooth, fly accurately, and inform his flight of critical information such as changes in headings, airspeeds and altitudes. The most important thing in online flying is for both members to always fly the agreed-upon heading and airspeed. This will make life much easier for everyone. The onus is on the lead in general to call the turns and changes in heading, but wing can do it if the tactical situation dictates. Communication is key, otherwise section mutual support will disintegrate. If both guys just fly the heading and airspeeds agreed upon, this thing gets pretty easy. Note your power setting when at the appropriate airspeed. After each maneuver, establish the agreed upon tactical airspeed if you’ve strayed, then set the previously noted power setting and fly the agreed upon heading. Just cruising along, lead should strive for no more than about 2-3 degrees of slop in heading and less than 10-15 knots in airspeed; less is better and you should find it easier as you go along. You may see larger airspeed deviations during some of the maneuvers below, but strive to keep them less than 20 knots. Some basic information about leading a flight needs to be understood. Lead must always give his wingmen "some." This means not going to full AB and leaving his wingman sucking jetwash 5,000’ in trail. A wingman will require 1-4% reduced power from lead during takeoffs, climbs, and in cruise while in any formation, tactical or otherwise. If the lead is at Military power (%100 or MIL), the wingy will likely not be able to maintain formation for long, as any error or deviation that requires a correction will leave him no room to do so without use of AB. AB should be avoided as a formation-keeping tool due to fuel conservation issues. So, for example, lead briefs that after separate 6-second interval takeoffs, he will accelerate to 350Kias for the climb. Once he reaches 350, he’d need to pull the power back. Just pulling power to MIL would likely require AB from the wingmen, so lead must give him "some" and pull his power to, say, 97%. He then adjusts his nose to maintain 350Kias. In general, any time lead is at or near MIL, he’ll force the wingman to use AB, so don’t leave your wingy in the dust, and give him a couple already! Similarly, in a descent, lead should avoid going to Idle to keep from forcing the wingman out in front. Give him a couple the other way by adding 2 - 4 %. A smooth and predictable lead is critical.

NOTE: Don’t