Up, Forward, In - The Definitive Guide to Formation Flying by Jeremy Miller

$85.00

inc GST

Product Description

Up, Forward, In: The definitive guide to the art of Formation Flying

This comprehensive guide by Jeremy Miller, with a foreword by Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall, delves into the intricacies of formation flying, providing a detailed and practical approach for pilots of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned aviator looking to refine your techniques or a newcomer eager to learn the basics, this book offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Fundamental Concepts & Safety

The book begins by establishing a strong foundation in safety and fundamental principles. It emphasizes the importance of formation discipline, trust among pilots, and thorough briefings before every flight. Clear definitions of crucial formation concepts are provided, including:

Formation contracts: The book outlines the specific responsibilities of the Lead and Wing pilots, emphasizing communication, collision avoidance, and the priorities in decision-making.
Basic formation concepts: Detailed explanations of close formation positions (echelon & line astern) are provided, along with precise instructions on maintaining vertical, lateral, and longitudinal positions. Visual and radio communication protocols are meticulously described.
Formation turns and station changes: The book offers step-by-step guidance on maintaining formation during turns and smoothly executing station changes, emphasizing the importance of appropriate power management and timing.
Break-offs and re-joins: Essential procedures for safe break-offs and re-joins are explained in detail, with illustrations and emphasis on maintaining visual contact with the lead aircraft, safe closure rates, and timely communication.

Advanced Techniques and Beyond

Moving beyond the basics, "Up, Forward, In" explores advanced topics, including:

Formation Lead changes: The book outlines safe procedures for lead changes using radio or visual signals, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and maintaining overall responsibility for the formation.
Larger formations: The concepts are extended to larger formations, with discussions on common formations and the increased planning and coordination required.
Dissimilar aircraft: Practical guidance is provided for formation flying with dissimilar aircraft, considering variations in performance characteristics, propeller types, and the challenges involved.
Air-to-air photoshoots: Essential advice on safely conducting air-to-air photoshoots is given, including planning, communication, and maintaining safety throughout the process.

Real-World Stories & Practical Advice

The book is enriched with real-world anecdotes from the author’s extensive experience in formation flying, including both exhilarating successes and near-misses. These accounts emphasize the importance of adhering to procedures and highlight critical decision-making in challenging situations. "Up, Forward, In" also provides handy tips and techniques for improving pilot skills, addressing common mistakes, and building confidence in formation flying.

Appendices & Resources:

The book includes valuable appendices:

Formation Briefing Sheet: A standardized checklist to ensure all essential aspects are addressed during the pre-flight briefing.
Formation Knee Pad Card: A concise reference card for pilots to easily access key information during flight.

This book is not simply a theoretical manual, but a practical guide backed by real-world experience and a deep understanding of formation flying's complexities and challenges. Its commitment to safety, combined with detailed instructions and insightful anecdotes, makes it an invaluable resource for any pilot seeking to master the art of formation flying.

About The Author

Growing up in South East Queensland, Australia, Jeremy’s earliest memories all involve aviation. With a grandfather who flew fighters in Europe in World War 2, and two uncles who are pilots, Jeremy was destined to enter aviation. For his 14th birthday, Jeremy was given an aerobatic joy flight, was immediately hooked, and came back the following week for his first lesson, culminating in his first solo on his 16th birthday, and his GFPT (RPL) prior to graduating High School.

Jeremy attained both his Commercial Pilots License, and Instructor Rating at the age of 18. Having an interest in Warbirds, Vintage Aircraft and aerobatics, Jeremy pursued a job with the Darling Downs Aero Club in Toowoomba and volunteered on his days off at Aerotec Warbirds. Jeremy completed his Aerobatic, Spin and Formation endorsements, and his Instrument Rating before moving to Perth, Western Australia in 2004.

In 2006 Jeremy was offered a position with Fighter Combat International flying the CJ-6A Nanchang, and established Attitude Aerobatics, a specialist aerobatic and tailwheel training school flying the Super Decathlon and Extra 300L. Jeremy also assisted with the Perth Red Bull Air Race’s between 2006 and 2010.

In 2010 Jeremy moved to Victoria to establish his own business, Skythrills; which he still owns and runs today. Based at Lethbridge Airpark west of Melbourne, Skythrills became a successful specialist aerobatic school and grew to operate 7 aircraft. Jeremy has also held the Vice President and Chief Judge position of the Australian Aerobatic Club, and actively ran club competitions and events.

In 2015 Jeremy was given the opportunity to follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps and fly with the prestigious Royal Flying Doctor Service from Broken Hill.

In 2017, Jeremy was approached to lead the AOPA Freedom to Fly display team in a Sukhoi 26, and a Pitts S-2C. In 2018, Jeremy and Paul established The Airshow Company, and began to organize and run airshows in Australia, and have continued to display in China.

Jeremy has conducted FAR 23 spin certification testing on a Chinese aircraft, and also spin testing of the Australian designed Brumby 610 for Chinese certification.

Jeremy has held Head of Operations, Chief Flying Instructor and Chief Pilot roles for numerous organisations since 2005, and is a CASA Flight Examiner. He has flown most aerobatic types in Australia, is one of few instructors approved to teach Formation Aerobatics, and is one of only a handful of Flight Examiners approved to test instructors for the addition of Aerobatic, Spin, Formation and Formation Aerobatic teaching endorsements. He has logged over 12,500 hours flight time with 8,000 hours instructing and has more than 120 different aircraft types in his logbook.

When Jeremy is not instructing, he is often working on, or training in, his Yak-55 for the next airshow or aerobatic competition.

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