This morning we will fly an evaluation ride to demonstrate our ability to hold formation while maneuvering as a wingman. We will head to the Military Operations Area (MOA) and join up on our instructor and attempt to stay on his wing throughout a series of basic maneuvers.
As usual, a cold & dark cockpit with a graded start-up procedure is used - “don’t forget any steps Cadet…!”
Although I know it isn’t true, it sure seems like my aircraft is getting dirtier and dirtier…
After a few minutes, we are blasting off toward the MOA…
I follow the assigned headings, altitudes, and airspeeds and make the rendezvous with the instructor. As instructed, I join his wing on the right side. Technically, I should be further forward, putting his wingtip near the bottom of of canopy rail, but this position actually lets me see him a bit better and react. The AI instructor isn’t the smoothest flying cat on the base after all…
We make some turns, climbs, descents and I pretty much stay where I’m supposed to. I drift out twice and get admonished that I’m out of formation, which will count against me in the evaluation…
Soon our circuitous route brings us back on the downwind at Batumi and I’m released to land and receive my evaluation…
I was just happy to pass - if I hadn’t slipped back a bit too far on two occasions, I would have gotten a Qualified rating instead of Qualified Minus, but I was OK with the dings…
So only one more mission awaits and I will graduate from the Basic Flight Training course!