Formation Flying: Ensuring Safety with Helicopters and Beyond
It’s a common belief that flying two helicopters next to each other could result in crashes due to air turbulence. However, this is not the case when it's done through a process known as formation flying. Formation flying involves two helicopters flying in close proximity to each other with strict coordination and instruction. When pilots receive proper briefing and training, this method can be incredibly safe and efficient.
Understanding Formation Flying
Formation flying requires intense focus and advanced skills from the pilots involved. This technique is widely used in various scenarios, such as military operations and special missions where precise navigation and coordination are crucial. Pilots must undergo thorough training to ensure that they can handle the challenges and complexities that arise during formation flying.
Formation Flying vs. Air Turbulence
The fear of air turbulence causing a collision is a common misconception. In reality, helicopters positioned in formation can effectively manage and mitigate the effects of blade turbulence. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, the tip vortices generated by helicopter blades are directed downwards, minimizing the risk of interference between the two helicopters.
Commercial Aviation: Sky Roads and Traffic Collision Avoidance
In commercial aviation, the principle behind keeping aircraft safe is equally robust but slightly different. At an altitude of at least 1,000 feet, there's a concept known as "sky roads," where each flight path is pre-approved by air traffic control (ATC). This ensures that each aircraft has a clear and distinct route through the airspace.
Each commercial aircraft is equipped with a Traffic Collision and Avoidance System (TCAS), which constantly scans the surrounding airspace for any potential conflicts. If a TCAS alert is triggered, the system generates audible warnings to the pilots, guiding them to take the necessary actions to avoid a collision. These warnings are crucial as they help pilots adapt their flight path in real-time to prevent accidents.
While ATC is responsible for directing the general flow of traffic, TCAS supersedes these instructions when a dangerous situation is identified. This balance between ATC and TCAS ensures that safety is paramount, even in situations where one aircraft might be on a "crash course" with another. The alerts provided by TCAS are designed to be effective and clear, with the typical warning sequence of "TRAFFIC go up” or “TRAFFIC go down” helping pilots to act quickly.
Lessons from Military Aviation
Military pilots are well-versed in formation flying, and their skills are often applicable in landing operations where rapid dismounts of troops are required. However, they are also taught to consider specific safety protocols. For instance, when landing in a confined location (LZ), the downward-directed blade turbulence is managed effectively, minimizing the risk of interference between helicopters during takeoffs and landings.
Similar to civil aviation, military pilots must always prioritize safety. While ATC commands are important, the overarching principle is to obey TCAS at all times. This ensures that pilots are always in the best position to avoid collisions, even when ATC instructions may seem contradictory to the TCAS alerts.
Conclusion
Formation flying, whether with helicopters or in the larger context of commercial aviation, is all about managing and minimizing risks. With proper training, coordination, and adherence to safety protocols, these operations can be conducted safely and efficiently. The combination of human expertise, advanced technology like TCAS, and rigorous training ensures that the principles of safe flight are always prioritized, even in the most challenging scenarios.