Procedure vs. Technique to Reform Right After Tanking

[Bearfoot]

"reform right" is what I understand I should do after topping up in the air.

 

Is there a specific procedure for this or is it all "technique"?

 

E.g., do you drop back so many feet/plan lengths, then slide right?

 

Or climb so many feet before sliding right?

 

Or some combination?

 

I often cannot just slide right because of the tanker in my way, so either have to change altitude or drop back.

[kreisch]

You drop back and lower a bit so you clear the area right behind the tanker. Afterwards you slightly push right, you can and should use your rudder for this and you rejoin the reformation area.

 

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[Creepy]

Additional considerations for realism:

 

For both port observation and starboard reform, you’ll want to be level with or slightly stepped up on the tanker (the receiver(s) own down and aft for emergency disconnect considerations).

 

In general/the standard is closest to the tanker in port observation is next in line to receive and once done with tanking, you slide all the way to the right if there are already aircraft in starboard reform. Of course, you can always use the radios to deconflict real-time/deviate from normal operations.

[Bearfoot]

Thanks, all!

[Emmy]

One advantage to having jets “Step Up” on the reform side is that it allows the jet coming off the pipe to not have to descend at all. You only have to do a simple Cross Under to rejoin on the outside. If you happen to top off while the tanker is turning, the cross under happens naturally by just leveling your wings. Easy Peasey.