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FAST FOUNDATION AND PRINCIPLES
(Operating Policies and Procedures)
Version 18.0 Aug 2005


President Michael Filucci
1st Vice President Jim Tobul
2nd Vice President Earl Walsh
Secretary/ Treasurer Stoney Stonich

SIGNATORIES:
Airpower West
Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association
Classic Jet Aircraft Association
Commemorative Air Force
EAA Warbirds of America
Fighter Group
Jet Warbird Squadron 23
Joint Liaison Formation Committee
New Zealand Warbird Association
North American Trainer Association
Red Star Pilots Association
T-34 Association
Valiant Air Command

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview 1
Mission Statement 2
FAST Foundation Principles 2
Formation Requirements 2
Wing Pilot Qualifications 3
Lead Pilot Qualifications 3
Check Pilot Qualifications 3
Check Rides 3
Waiver Policy 4
Currency 4
Currency Records 5
Organization Approvals 5
Appendix A: Signatory Resolution and Agreement 5
Appendix B: Policy Regarding Wing Pilots 6
Appendix C: Policy Regarding Lead Pilots 6
Appendix D: Policy for Check Pilots 7
Signatories’ Representatives 8

Overview
The Formation And Safety Team (FAST) National Standard Program was a product of perceived need within the warbird community to standardize and increase the safety of formation flying. Warbirds have flown formation for years, however, with the passage of time, the original military trained pilots retired from flying and non-military pilots began flying warbirds. They began a learning process for flying formation that was at times haphazard and occasionally without discipline. Further, each of the various warbird organizations created procedures and signals which were unique to their own requirements and based on the military experience of their membership.
In 1993, the first Warbird Operators Conference was held in Galveston and an historic event occurred; the various warbird organizations agreed to investigate and adopt a common national program for formation flying.
A committee was created composed of persons very interested in and skilled in formation flight. The ad-hoc committee investigated the information available and came to the realization that the T-34 Association had created the Formation Flight Manual which could serve as the common standard. Further, the Darton Video, Formation Flying, The Art was available which visualized and provided instruction using the Formation Flight Manual procedures.
A meeting was held in Oshkosh to discuss the concepts. The committee members agreed they had formation flight expertise in fighter type aircraft, and thus the program was initiated and limited to low-wing, bubble- canopy, warbird aircraft. Following the Oshkosh meeting, notices were sent to all the organizations present at the Galveston meeting asking for active formation programs.
Five organizations: Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, Confederate (now Commemorative) Air Force, EAA Warbirds Of America, North American Trainer Association, and T-34 Association responded with an agreement to participate. Two representatives from each of the five organizations were appointed by their management to serve on the permanent committee. The committee created an acronym, which became known as FAST and was charged with preparing the materials to implement the system of standardized formation flight.
Numerous check pilots were appointed throughout the United States and Canada, selected from the ranks of the signatories. They were tasked with providing a method to evaluate pilots and administer formation flight checks based on this new standard. Qualified committee members were selected to create the manuals needed and the entire committee thoroughly discussed and approved the final versions. A mission statement was prepared to serve as a focus for the committee. In 1995, the Valiant Air Command and the Yak Pilots Club (now the Red Star Pilots Association) joined FAST and adopted the program.
Throughout the FAST formative process, interested representatives of other organizations pursuing formation programs were invited and attended FAST committee meetings as guests. The liaison group, which became the “Joint Liaison Formation Committee,” was specifically approved to use copyrighted FAST documents and manuals in the creation of their formation program and was given formal signatory status in 1997. The Fighter Group was also brought under the FAST umbrella as defined by their manual 2000.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of FAST is to facilitate and promote safe formation flying for pilots operating warbird aircraft through a review of criteria to be utilized by its members to standardize formation flight performance evaluation.
Explicit in this process is the promulgation and use of adopted standard materials described as the T-34 Association Formation Flight Manual, the Darton Video Formation Flying The Art, and FAST Formation Flight Practical Test Guides.
FAST Foundation Principles
1. The FAST program encourages and the signatory organizations are committed to providing inclusive venues of learning for the aspiring warbird formation pilot.
2. Formation flight is demanding and must be approached with professionalism and a safety-first attitude.
3. Attitude and flight discipline are core concepts of safe formation flight.
4. FAST is dedicated to the promotion of safe formation flight. Unsafe formation flying practices negatively impact our warbird community. All FAST formation pilots are encouraged to impart constructive criticism and positive counsel to any among us who demonstrates unsafe formation flying.
5. The FAST committee has established the standards and described materials to enable pilot evaluation and competence. All the signatory organizations have adopted the FAST program.
6. The criteria used for pilot evaluation and credential issuance is demonstration of the knowledge contained in the T-34 Manual and the Darton Video. This demonstration is performed using FAST standard evaluation materials, the
Formation Flight Practical Test Guides, and the Flight Evaluation Form, appropriate to the competence level desired.
7. The committee has created the standards and the tests to show compliance. All the signatory organizations will accept the FAST approvals. A formation-rated pilot belonging to one signatory organization is approved by all the organizations with no further check rides needed. This does not eliminate the responsibility of the Leaders to assure currency and aircraft-type-specific airman competency in addition to compatibility with other flight members.
8. A Lead and a Check Pilot have an absolute right to determine who flies in a given flight.
9. Excepting forums and training flying, signatory organizations sponsoring or promoting flying events will require all participants to provide credentials of formation flight competence and currency in accordance with FAST guidelines.
10. The FAST program is based on voluntary compliance and integrity of all member formation pilots.
11. The JLFC manual retains the final authority for formation training of accepted JLFC aircraft.
Formation Requirements
In order to participate in FAST formation flight, a pilot must be able to comply with the formation requirements. There are three levels of competence: Wing Pilot level, Lead Pilot level, and Check Pilot level.
The Wing Pilot level is available to anyone who qualifies. The Lead Pilot level requires extensive experience as a Wing Pilot, as well as ability and aeronautical knowledge. The Check Pilot level will be dictated by need as determined by the signatory organizations. Check Pilots are subject to review by the FAST committee for purposes of standardization, compliance and adherence to policy. Any Check Pilot may be decertified by the Check Pilot’s signatory organization or the FAST committee for good cause.






Wing Pilot Qualifications:
 Private pilot minimum (preferably Commercial)
 500 hours total time
 Current 3rd class medical with limited waivers (specify)
 Minimum 100 hours complex time, i.e., retractable gear, constant speed prop, etc.
 Flight test recommendation by a current Lead Pilot
 Member of at least one signatory organization that has a formal training program
 Pass the check ride
Lead Pilot Qualifications:
 Commercial pilot or equivalent* – CFI, military, or air carrier flight instructor is highly recommended
 1000 hours total time
 Current 3rd class medical with limited waivers (specify)
 Minimum 300 hours complex aircraft time, i.e., retractable gear, constant speed prop, etc.
 75 hours logged in formation flight
 Fully qualified and experienced as a FAST Wing Pilot for at least one year
 15 hours and a minimum of 10 flights in four-ship formation
 Qualified and logged formation take-off and landings (Landing optional on conventional-gear aircraft)
 Flight test recommendation by current Lead or Check Pilot
 Applicant must lead a four-ship formation during the flight test
 Member of at least one signatory organization
 Pass the check ride
*(Note: Commercial equivalent requires a waiver)
Check Pilot Qualifications:
 Commercial Pilot plus one of the following ratings:
o FAA Examiner
o Military Check Pilot
o Current or Former Airline Check Pilot
o Current or Former CFI
 Current 3rd class medical
 2000 hours minimum flight time
 100 hours minimum formation time
 500 hours logged warbird/fighter time
 Minimum 5 years formation rating, at least 3 years as a Lead Pilot
 Member of at least one signatory organization who maintains a formation-training program
 Recommendation of one signatory organization
 Recommendation of two other FAST Check Pilots
 Commitment to volunteer and serve the formation flying community
 Agree to abide by all FAST policies, and procedures
 Pass check ride
Check Rides
The scheduling procedures for taking or giving a check ride are relatively simple. There are only a few steps in the process:
1. Review the recommendation ride document and determine if all the requirements have been met. If so, the check ride can proceed at the convenience of the Check Pilot and the Applicant. (Note: the recommending pilot and the Check Pilot cannot be the same individual).
2. The Applicant and the Check Pilot perform the check ride. The Check Pilot will use the FAST Flight Evaluation form with the recommendation signed by a Lead or Check Pilot and the release/hold harmless clause signed by the applicant. If the check ride is unsuccessful, the Check Pilot will decline to sign the Flight Evaluation form. If the check ride is successful, the Check Pilot will endorse the form. The applicant will mail the FAST Flight Evaluation form to the appropriate signatory.
3. In all check rides, the Check Pilot will ride with the Applicant. There will be no externally observed check rides, except in the case of a single-place aircraft. In that case, the requirements as written in the Wingman Flight Guide for the “Single Seat, Single Control” check ride will be used. It is anticipated the Applicant will demonstrate a basic ability in a dual-control aircraft prior to using the single-seat, single-control check ride.
4. All Lead Pilot check rides will be performed in a four-ship flight (No exceptions or waivers).
5. All check ride flight members will be at least FAST Wing qualified (No exceptions or waivers).
6. The successful evaluation forms are to be mailed to the appropriate persons listed. The choice of who to send the form to will depend on the TYPE OF AIRCRAFT in which the check ride is given and/or the Applicant’s signatory organization. Each organization will honor other signatories FAST Check Pilots and therefore provide type-specific formation pilot patches, provided the Applicant is a member of the organization from which the patch will be provided.
Waiver Policy
A waiver is an exception to the rule and is normally considered only if there is a compelling reason to do so.
If all the requirements for a check ride have not been met, and the Check Pilot feels the Applicant is qualified, the Check Pilot can request, prior to conducting the check ride, a waiver of some of the requirements.
The waiver application will contain the Applicant’s qualifications and describe the premise of good cause. The waiver request will first go to the Applicant’s signatory organization for review/approval. If approved at the signatory level, the application will then be forwarded to the chairman of FAST. The chairman will confer with at least two other members of the review committee before granting or denying the request. The chairman of FAST will communicate the decision to the Check Pilot. Upon approval of the waiver, the check ride can be performed.
Currency
Formation flight is an art that deteriorates without practice. Thus, there is a requirement for currency for formation flight. The signatory organizations are responsible for determining currency of their formation rated pilots and WILL NOT ISSUE ANNUAL FAST FORMATION CREDENTIALS TO A PILOT UNLESS THAT PILOT IS DETERMINED TO BE CURRENT.
A Wing Pilot can maintain continuous currency by flying at least once during each calendar year on the wing of a Lead or Check Pilot, and documenting the flight by submitting a Formation Proficiency Report. The FAA requires that all pilots flying formation in waivered airspace be proficient and current. To show currency the FAA requires these pilots to possess a current FAST Formation Card. Military pilots remain current and proficient by flying formation on most of their missions. In that light, FAST recommends that all pilots fly formation as much and a frequently as possible to maintain their proficiency.
When a Wing Pilot submits a Formation Proficiency Report endorsed by a Lead or Check Pilot during any given calendar year, the Wing Pilot’s currency, and FAST credentials will expire on December 31st of the year following submittal of the FPR. As an example, an FPR submitted in April of 2003 will establish currency for the pilot through December 31, 2004, and his/her FAST card credential would expire on that date as well. Once a Wing Pilot’s currency has expired, a check ride with a FAST Check Pilot will be required to reestablish currency.
A Lead Pilot can maintain continuous currency by leading a flight at least once during each calendar year with either a Lead or Check Pilot flying in the formation. The Lead Pilot wishing to maintain currency must be endorsed by the other Lead or Check Pilot in the flight on a separate Proficiency Report. An FPR submitted during any given calendar year will establish currency for the Lead Pilot through December 31st of the year following submittal of the FPR. As an example, an FPR submitted in April of 2003 will establish currency for the pilot through December 31, 2004, and his/her FAST card credential would expire on that date as well. Once a Lead Pilot’s currency has expired, a check ride with a FAST Check Pilot will be required to reestablish currency. A Lead pilot reverts to Wing Pilot status if formation flight currency has only been in the wing position.
Check Pilots must stay current as well. A Check Pilot’s currency and credentials will expire at the end of the calendar month, two years after the month in which he/she last attended a Check Pilot meeting. Once a Check Pilot’s currency has lapsed, the pilot must have a check ride from a current Check Pilot to restore his/her Check Pilot status.
There will be at least one and possibly as many as three Check Pilot meetings scheduled by the FAST President each year. These scheduled meetings will be held at any or all of the following venues: Sun-N-Fun, Oshkosh, or the National Warbird Operators Conference. The standardization meeting will generally concern itself with assuring that the Check Pilots are adhering to the current standards and policies. It will also provide a discussion arena for improving check rides and problem solving.
Other Check Pilot meetings may be scheduled by any signatory organization, but they must meet the following criteria:
1. There must be at least six (6) Check Pilots (from any FAST signatory organization) present.
2. The agenda must include, but is not limited to, a discussion of the latest version of the “FAST Foundation and Principles”
3. Minutes or notes of the meeting, including an attendance roster, must be forwarded through the Check Pilot’s signatory organization to the First Vice-President of FAST.

Currency Records
The Formation Proficiency Report (FPR) is the reporting form that Lead and Wing Pilots use to record that they meet the FAST standard for safe, competent formation flight throughout the complete range of maneuvers, from takeoff to landing. Lead or Check Pilots are responsible for completing and endorsing the FPR for Wing Pilots. The Wing Pilot is responsible for forwarding the completed FPR to his/her signatory organization. To complete an FPR, Lead Pilots must lead a flight with another Lead or Check Pilot in the flight. The Lead or Check Pilot flying in the wing position can endorse the FPR for the reporting Lead Pilot. As with Wing Pilots, the Lead Pilot is responsible for forwarding the completed FPR to his/her signatory organization. If a Lead or Wing Pilot does not meet the FAST criteria for safe, competent formation flight, training is recommended and an FPR is not submitted for that pilot. As previously noted, formation currency continues through to the end of the following calendar year after the date of the FPR.
Organization Approvals
Membership to FAST is open to all who meet the following conditions:
a. The organization should have a defined formation training program.
b. The organization must agree to the FAST program by adhering to the “FAST Signatory Resolution and Agreement.”
c. The organization must represent the type aircraft encompassed within the FAST program.
d. The organization must elect two individuals to act as representatives to the FAST Committee.
e. The elected representatives must attend at least one FAST Committee meeting per year.


Appendix A

FAST SIGNATORY RESOLUTION AND AGREEMENT
Our organization;
The _________________________________ ; is dedicated to safe standardized formation flying in the warbird community and toward that goal we endorse and agree to the following policy set forth by the FAST Committee.
1) Formation flying credentials are a requirement for any pilot to perform or engage in formation flying in any event sponsored by our organization required to be conducted in waivered airspace as defied by FAA order 8700-1 described in Chapter 49.
2) Any Formation Flight Pilot Card issued by any signatory to FAST which is current will be considered acceptable to meet the requirement of formation flying competency and credentials. However, formation pilot credentials do not mandate or require that the individual be allowed to fly in an event or otherwise overrule the responsibility and jurisdiction of event management and policy or Lead Pilot’s choices.
3) All training endorsed, sponsored or otherwise influenced by the:________________________________ will be conducted utilizing the FAST syllabus, curriculum and documents.
4) All ______________________________ Check Pilots will adhere to the FAST curriculum and agree to conduct formation pilot evaluations using the current FAST standard.
5) The ______________________________ agrees to maintain accurate and complete formation pilot records for their own membership and incorporate within that system a process to accommodate the filing of notices of pilot currency for their members from other FAST pilots outside their organization authorized to submit such notices.
6) The ______________________________ agrees to appoint two qualified individuals from our organization to represent us on the FAST Committee.
7) The ______________________________ agrees to issue a type-specific formation pilot patch and credential to an applicant who successfully completes the necessary evaluation, by any FAST check pilot, provided the applicant is a member of _________________________and performed the evaluation in the aircraft type. The cost of the patch and extra patches including FAST patches is to be borne by the applicant.
8) Membership in FAST is voluntary and may be rescinded at any time with 30 days written notice given to the current chairman of FAST.
Signatory Organization ___________________________________
Authorized Representative Signature____________________________
Title________________________________
Date____________________
Appendix B
POLICY REGARDING WING PILOTS
The Wing Pilot is the primary focus of the formation program. As such, it is up to the Wing Pilot to maintain currency and strive to improve. The primary emphasis of the FAST program is to improve and maintain a high level of competency. While the check ride indicates an acceptable level of performance, the Wing Pilot should remember that the check ride is the MINIMUM level of performance.
The spirit of the Wing Pilot has been captured by the following list of attributes. This list was taken from a Korean War combat squadron ready-room. It has been adapted to civilian use by deleting the direct combat reference. The new Wing Pilot should use this as a departure point for learning about formation.
I’m a new guy and I don’t know enough to be anything else. I go where my leader goes. I do what my leader does. I do what I’m told to do. When the going gets tough, I move in a little closer and press on. If my leader gets in trouble, I stick with him. I watch him and try to learn from him because some day I want to be a leader.
I expect my leader to be experienced and capable. I expect him to go to the right place. I expect him to do the right thing. I expect him to let me know what I‘m supposed to do.
When the going gets tough, I expect him to take care of me. When it’s time to break, I expect him to break. If I’m in trouble, I expect him to stick with me. I expect him to teach me because I must learn to lead.
I AM GOING TO BE THE BEST POSSIBLE WING PILOT I CAN, AND SOME DAY, WITH HELP, I‘M GOING TO BE THE BEST POSSIBLE LEADER.
Appendix C
POLICY REGARDING LEAD PILOTS
Responsibilities, general: Under the FAST program, the Lead Pilot is responsible for the safe conduct of all formation flight under his/her control. He/she is responsible for the selection of the Wing Pilots to fly in his/her flight. This implies that the Lead Pilot is familiar with the Wing Pilot’s qualifications and experience level with respect to the mission to be accomplished, whether it be a local training flight or a demanding airshow. The Lead Pilot is charged with verifying his/her Wing Pilot’s credentials (licenses, medical, and FAST Wing Pilot qualification and currency) as well as their condition to fly and their currency and competency in type.
The FAST program has qualified all formation pilots to one set of standards, regardless of the aircraft in which the pilot performs the check ride. It is then incumbent upon the Lead Pilot to determine if a Wing Pilot is qualified and current to fly in the Lead Pilot’s flight, in what might be a different type aircraft.
Airshow promoters will rely heavily on the individual Lead Pilots to select only properly qualified pilots to fly in their shows, again demonstrating the importance of well qualified, responsible Lead Pilots.
TRAINING
For the national formation program to succeed and continue, it is critical that there be a system to both train new formation pilots and to provide for maintaining the proficiency of all formation pilots. The Lead Pilots must provide this. While not required, it is desirable that a Lead Pilot have a background in flight training, such as a CFI, military flight lead, air carrier flight instructor, or a civil or military check airman.
Lead Pilots are responsible for providing additional training as required, for recommending re-certification of Wing Pilots if necessary, and for recommending Wing Pilot and Lead Pilot applicants for flight tests.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership ability is the most important quality that must be evaluated in each FAST Lead Pilot. It is to this standard that all maneuvers and briefings will be evaluated. To qualify for a Lead Pilot, it is not enough to be a good Wing Pilot (although it certainly helps) or a good pilot. The Lead Pilot must possess those qualities which communicate to his/her Wing Pilots that he/she is both qualified and proficient in the Lead Pilot position as well as in all the piloting skills necessary for the aircraft type being flown and the mission of the flight. The Lead Pilot must be able to demonstrate that he/she is not only in charge and responsible, but that he/she is also an individual that Wing Pilots are confident and comfortable in following and from whom they will readily obey directions and orders.
Decisions made by a Lead Pilot can literally involve life or death. Decisions that affect the safety of a flight of multiple aircraft must be made rapidly, and be based on a sound foundation of aeronautical experience and knowledge. To this end, the FAST requirements for a Lead Pilot have been made noticeably more stringent. To safely lead a formation of aircraft for which one is totally responsible, implies above average knowledge of the aircraft, its systems and performance. A Lead Pilot must have a solid knowledge of the airspace, and ATC environment, the Wing Pilots and their limitations and qualifications, all formation hand signals and procedures. He/she must possess exceptional situational awareness and apply operational techniques to smoothly and safely lead a flight.
The true test of a Lead Pilot is the application of leadership techniques and the ability to fly the aircraft in a manner which can easily and safely be followed by his/her Wing Pilots.
Appendix D
POLICY FOR CHECK PILOTS
The Check Pilot is the standard-bearer of FAST policy. Check Pilots should be formation pilots of the highest standards, experience, qualifications and skills who are committed to the FAST program. They should have a strong background in flight instruction, formation and the operation of warbird-type aircraft.
SELECTION
Check Pilots are selected on the basis of their qualifications and geographical need by the various flight organizations who are signatories to FAST. The application and selection process will be initiated by a FAST signatory which determines that it needs additional Check Pilots to cover specific geographical areas. The organization instructs its Check Pilots to recommend a candidate for the position, determines if the candidate is qualified and interested in serving and then administers a standardization check ride. The check ride may be administered by either the organization’s Check Pilots or Check Pilots from other organizations.
The position of the Check Pilot is NOT to be considered an additional “merit badge” that a formation pilot aspires to after becoming a flight lead. It is also not an honorary position that is bestowed upon formation pilots.
The Check Pilot must sign a statement that he will conduct ALL check rides in accordance with FAST guidelines.
Furthermore, he/she must have in his/her possession all the current FAST materials to include: the T-34 Formation Flight Manual, the Darton Formation video, Formation Flying The Art, the FAST Lead and Wing Pilot flight test guides and all FAST policy guides, check ride forms, etc.
The check ride will be primarily a standardization type test. In this concept, the ride should include observation of flight in a formation, as a Lead Pilot and then in the capacity of giving a check ride.
The Check Pilots may be called upon to give rides in a variety of aircraft, and for a variety of organizations. This is considered to be a part of the process of improving the safety and ability to fly formation.
Check Pilots are expected to be available to the community for the purpose of performing check rides, currency checks and other training services. It is the individual’s choice with respect to charging for their services or donating their time.
For Check Pilots to maintain their credentials they must attend one standardization Check Pilot meeting every two years as sponsored by the FAST Committee or in accordance with the protocol detailed in the “Currency” section, above. They must also provide a reasonable level of service to the formation flying community. Inactivity, lack of attendance at standardization meetings and or not adhering to FAST policies, procedures and standards will result in individual Check Pilots being removed from the Check Pilot roster of their own organization and the National FAST Registry.


Organization Aircraft Types Representative Updated: Aug 05


Airpower West various Ed Huber* 24961 Kolstad Loop, Elbert, CO 80106-9512
Dick Jones

CAF/Traron various Bob Mitchell* 10057 Cedar Falls Rd., Hazelhurst, WI 54521, fax 715-358-7802
Rick Hosking

CHAA T-6 (Harvards) W. R. (Bill) Long* 1232 Tyandaga Park Dr., Burlington, ON L7P1M8, Canada
Norm Beckham

CJAA jets Dan Schiffer* PO Box 1330, Edgewater, MD 21037, fax 410-571-1780
Doug Gilliss

EAA / WOA various Dave Clinton
Jim Tobul

FIGHTERS various Vlado Lenoch


JLFC “L” Birds David Burroughs
John Rettick
Records: Tom Gordon*, 3210 South Country Rd. 23, Loveland, CO 80537

NATA T-6, T-28, BT-13 Stoney Stonich* 25801 NE Hinness Rd., Brush Prairie, WA 98606
Jack Mitchard

T-34 Assoc. T-34 Bill Cherwin
Skip Aldous
Records: Dan Thomas* 751 Center Dr., Palo Alto, CA 94301

VAC various Earl Walsh
Ken Terry* FAST Records, 6600 Tico Road, Titusville, FL 32780

RPA Yak, CJ, various Drew Blahnick
Mike Filucci* 517 Magnolia Avenue, Frederick, MD 21701-8503


Jet Squadron 23 jets Vincent T. Borst* 303 East Wacker Dr., Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60601
Sid Snedeker

NZWA various Darryl J. McEvedy
Frank Parker

NOTES. Completed forms are to be sent to the asterisk (*) denoted individual.
EAA Warbirds is a signatory organization, but does not have Check Pilots nor keeps records.
Formation flight is ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE!