When does a NORDO lead become the wing in formation flying?

When does a NORDO lead become the wing in formation flying?

• A. When the flight reaches cruising altitude
• B. After troubleshooting to ensure that a good aircraft can take communications
• C. Once lead has recovered from the emergency
• D. After reaching the nearest airfield

Answer: (B)

In formation flying, a NORDO (No Radio) lead becomes the wing when the flight has confirmed that the lead has lost communication and has appropriately assessed the situation. This typically occurs after troubleshooting has been attempted to ensure that the lead aircraft is indeed unable to communicate, as well as verifying that the wingman has the capacity to maintain safe formation flying without direct communication with lead. It's essential that the flight crew takes the time to understand the issue with the lead's communication capability because proceeding without confirming this could lead to miscommunication and compromise safety. Once the situation is validated, and both the lead and wingman have a mutual understanding of the plan moving forward, the wingman can then assume control over the formation duties that would normally be carried out by the lead.

In formation flying, a NORDO (No Radio) lead becomes the wing when the flight has confirmed that the lead has lost communication and has appropriately assessed the situation. This typically occurs after troubleshooting has been attempted to ensure that the lead aircraft is indeed unable to communicate, as well as verifying that the wingman has the capacity to maintain safe formation flying without direct communication with lead.

It's essential that the flight crew takes the time to understand the issue with the lead's communication capability because proceeding without confirming this could lead to miscommunication and compromise safety. Once the situation is validated, and both the lead and wingman have a mutual understanding of the plan moving forward, the wingman can then assume control over the formation duties that would normally be carried out by the lead.