2.4 Military Aircraft

2.4.1 Military aircraft operating in controlled airspace and at civil aerodromes will comply with civil air traffic procedures and ATCs shall provide them with normal air traffic services and facilities.

FORMATION FLIGHTS

2.4.2 Flights of military aircraft operating as a formation on the same flight plan, and flying or intending to fly in IMC, may request ATC clearance for flights within controlled airspace.

In order to avoid undue delay to military or civil traffic, clearance may be granted for such flights provided the aircraft of such formations can maintain separation from each other visually, and are able to communicate with the formation leader.

2.4.3 The identification of the leader of the formation must be shown on the flight plan, together with the number of aircraft in the flight, and all ATC communications and clearances should be addressed to the leader.

2.4.4 If the weather conditions encountered are such that the aircraft of the formation are unable to maintain separation visually, the leader will inform ATC. On receipt of such a message ATC will:-

  1. If practical, take action to obtain normal separation standards between all aircraft in the formation as quickly as possible, using radar if available;
  2. If normal separation cannot be obtained, the aircraft shall be given as much separation from each other as is possible and the formation given directions to enable it to leave the controlled airspace by the shortest possible route.

2.4.4 In all cases where such clearances are requested, the ATC concerned is to ensure the leader of the formation is aware of the conditions of the clearance as detailed above.

2.4.5 The ATC concerned is to ensure that the issuance of such clearances will not delay or in any way adversely affect normal civil flying operations.