Training Guide-line . Contact Formation
We require flyers specially trained for good grip/dock work on their FRONT, BACK, or both.
The main necessity in this flight is to be able to arrive quickly to the slot and be able to fly the grip/dock formation until break off, making the necessary adjustments when the formation becomes bigger.
Main rules for linked formations :
- From the exit dive very quickly to the formation in a straight line of flight (crossing trajectory is not allowed), keeping a visual on the base and around on the others divers at all times.
- End the dive close (2-3 M) to the correct “stand-by zone”. This zone is situated right above and forward of the formation…. Keeping the assigned side of the formation and the assigned slot is mandatory.
- Approach the formation from above and make a good stop in the “dock zone” at perfect head level.
- Fly for a moment the slot and then take a grip/dock in a very gentle way without disturbing the formation.
- FLYING THE FORMATION: Right after taking the grip the formation needs to "be flown"! Keep the head level with visual contact towards the center. Anticipate tension and level variations.
- Avoid the tendency to “relax” or going flatter after taking the grip. This will slow down the formation. Remember also that as the formation becomes bigger more lift is created. Always keep a good steep angle synchronized with the navigator.
- If you present the foot to the docking back flyers, be careful not to lose synchronicity with the formation by slowing down or changing angles. For better training of the back flyers and to make the building of the big formation easier, it is important that the front flyers do not present their foot, but rather keep it still and wait for the back flyers to arrive at that point.
- Head level of the flyer in the front base is fundamental! Another good tip to make the formation solid is to fly the line with the arms stretched and not bent.
- For the back flyers, fly with your head very close to the gripping point and then take the dock with your hands at the altitude of your eyes. Never “pull” the gripped person. Instead, to be able to fly the grip for a long time , think about keeping a little pressure high and forward on the grip point, as If you want to push (a little bit) the formation high and forward.
- For both orientations, fly the slot very closely in the correct “stand by” zone and choose the right moment when the base is perfectly still for the final approach and the dock. Make this final approach very slowly, minimizing the movement, and do not move even minutely the docked/gripped point.