T-38 Fingertip Formation Wingover

When the download is complete, you will see a short video clip taken from lead aircraft during close formation (fingertip) practice in the T-38. The specific maneuver is called a wingover. Fingertip is very demanding in the T-38 due to control sensitivity and general aircraft responsiveness. The correct position is 30 degrees aft of line abreast, and with 3 feet of wingtip clearance. The vertical position is about right if the wingman's canopy is level with the plane of the wing on the lead aircraft. The wingover maneuver is a climbing turn with bank increasing to 90 degrees as the nose falls through the horizon. This clip depicts a left wingover near the apex of the maneuver, and at about the point of maximum bank. The wingman is struggling to hold good position, but is hampered by having the sun almost in his direct line of sight. This is evidenced by the shadow of lead aircraft passing across the fuselage of #2. Note: Clip size 432 kb. If the video is not downloading, and the small window is blank, you may need to upgrade your Quicktime plugin at the Quicktime website. Also be sure to enable Plug-Ins in your Browser Preferences.