Airspeed/Mach Indicator

[Florida]

Okay, I'm learning how to fly in formation, and maintaining the right airspeed is critical. The F-14B has a dial with a 200-knot line, and Mach readouts above that. When I'm flying and my lead asks me to keep it at 350 knots, I have no idea where that is on the Mach dial. Especially since the Mach readout changes with altitude.

 

SO - whenI'm supposed to drop my airspeed to 225-250 kts. coming into the landing loop, I'm guessing approx. where that is on the dial, but I can guess that a lot closer than the 350 kts. speed. What do the "pros" do in these cases? Above 200 kts. there is only the Mach readout!

[Lightswitch]

The airspeed indicator has an inner dial. The inside needle will show indicated airspeed and the outside needle will show Mach.

[Victory205]

Use The Force...

[Emmy]

Your eyes should be on your lead and not your airspeed indicator.

[Jabbers_]

Ya when flying formation I never give speed callouts as lead. Typically if I need to press something I'll tell them im brining in the power, or out, but typically I assume wing is watching and keeping pace. Ideally I dont call anything, not even turns, and I don't expect those call outs when im flying wing.

[Chaogen]

Yes. Please would someone explain to me why the airspeed is so crucial? Never, in all my formation flights (and I'm talking 10 ft separation) and AAR, have I ever looked at my ASI. Its 80% Eyeballing the lead and 10% Communication from your lead about his intentions and 10% having a lead that doesn't jerk his plane around. If your lead is telling you what speed to fly something's wrong.

 

 

For landing on the windowed inner circle 300 kts is at 6 o'clock. The major line to the left is 350 (7 o'clock) for the overhead and major line to the right (5 o'clock) is 250 for gear and flaps. After that its AOA all the way.

[Jabbers_]

Well ya, airspeed is something you reference under 10k and mach over 10k or something like that, but ya typically just reference mach number anyway, its easier to do calculations with if need be, but in formation, airspeed is irrelevant

[Florida]

Oaky, guys! I got it! I was under the impression I had to maintain some magical number, but following the lead just makes sense. My situation here is that I've never really flown on a server with other guys, so I have to learn. In all my years of simming, this is the first time I've had to interact with others in real time. And it ain't as easy as it looks!:huh:

 

But I'm learning. I'm learning. All of your advice is well-taken and appreciated. I will do better!:thumbup: