Warbird Information Exchange

For the record - as a Constitutionally minded individual, who tends to think that persons should be self-governing, and that if something is not immoral according to Biblical standards it should be allowed, I think that passengers who are properly informed of the risks, should be allowed to request or participate in formation flights. I'm also a bit uncomfortable with the FAA having the right to regulate stupidity - because they really can't prevent that - as evidenced by the amount of crashes that can still be attributed to pilot error.
On the other hand, as a pilot, who willingly has submitted to the current system, and understanding the current legal situation, I think that one should strictly avoid formation flight where any money has changed hands by anyone other than the pilot. This is a bit more personal to me as the squadron I'm in suffered quite a blow a number of years back (before I joined) in a formation accident (collision) that claimed the life of 4 individuals. It's taken them a long time to recover from the various effects.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

I think it should only be avoid if it hasn't been throughly briefed before hand or when when the individuals aren't familar with or comfortable with the others in their proposed formation.
I remember at the Fresno B-25 reunion on the form flights the last a/c was Gen Lyon's and the pilot didn't feel comfortable with formation so he flew a solo tail end charlie. That decision was very respected by the other crews!

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Don't touch my junk!!

As viable as it ever was. And yes, the meeting was in Oshkosh
last October.

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-Bill
B-17E 41-2595 "Desert Rat" Restoration Team

I guess it really depends on how one defines a passenger and if the aircraft is being operated for compensation or hire. Believe me, I don't see anything morally wrong with what you are saying - only that the FAA's interpretation might differ. I wonder if someone like the Collins group has more information, and if anyone has ever been able to get a waiver. On the other hand, I'm sure that there are flights that just aren't discussed... but there's no way a B-17 group could sneak a formation flight for paying customers... it's just be too visible, and obvious.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.