CHECK TURNS

Used for small heading changes.

Comm’s
Lead: “One, check 30 right, reference 220.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
The reference heading is optional, and only required if Lead wants an exact heading. Lead and wing turn at the same time and the procedure is the same for left and
right turns. Not normally used for heading changes greater than 30°
DELAYED 45° TURNS
This tactical turn is used for heading changes between 30° and 45°.

Comm’s
Lead: “One, 45 right, reference 220.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
If the direction of turn is away from the Wingman, the Wingman will initiate the turn as soon as the Lead makes the radio call. The Leader will delay the turn until
the Wingman's heading approaches the new desired heading, then Lead will bank into the Wingman as a signal to roll out of the turn. The Lead will then maneuver
to the other side of the flight by crossing over or under Wing and turning to the new heading. The Wingman will make the initial turn for no more than 45 degrees
of heading change. Once Lead is established on the new heading, the Wingman will reestablish the tactical position. If the turn is into the Wingman, the Wing
should maneuver as required to achieve the tactical position on the other side of Lead, either by delaying the turn until Lead crosses behind the Wingman, or
maneuvering to the opposite side once the Flight Lead rolls out.
DELAYED 90° TURNS
This tactical turn is used for heading changes between of around 90°.

Comm’s
Lead: “One, 90 right, reference 220.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
The 90° Tactical turn can be done either into or away from the wingman. The turn is initiated by the aircraft on the outside of the turn as soon as the lead makes the
radio call. The other aircraft delays the turn until the other aircraft crosses behind. Lead is responsible for the heading of the flight and the Wingman is responsible
for flight path deconfliction, the Wingman normally goes high.
IN-PLACE 180° TURNS
The 180° tactical turn is called a Hook. When the Hook turn is executed both aircraft turn in the same
direction at the same time.

Comm’s
Lead: “One, Hook right.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
Lead is responsible for heading, Wing is responsible for flight path deconfliction. The aircraft that is on the side the formation is turning to will execute a Tactical
hard turn to the 180-degree heading. The aircraft that is on the side away from the turn will make sure that when the formation is 90 degrees through the turn, the
two aircraft are right behind each other. The aircraft that is on the side opposite the turn direction will be temporarily responsible for flight path deconfliction and
setting formation spacing until the formation is rolled out on the new heading, whether that aircraft is Lead or Wing.
THE CROSS TURN
The Cross Turn provides a 180° degree reversal option while resetting formation spacing. Flight path deconfliction is
key in the Cross Turn and this will be the Wingman's primary responsibility. Two will maintain relative vertical
positioning unless Lead directs otherwise, for example:

Comm’s
Lead: “One, Cross Turn, Two go high/low.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
Once the Cross Turn is commanded by Lead, unless otherwise directed, Wing maintains relative positioning above or below Lead's turn plane. Both aircraft will
execute a Tactical turn for 180 degrees, Two will keep sight of Lead and is responsible for flight path deconfliction, Lead is responsible for heading. Two will pick
up Tactical Formation on the appropriate side once the formation rolls out in the opposite direction. Due to turn radius the lateral separation at rollout may be wide
if the original spacing was correct. The Lead may direct a Shackle to correct spacing as shown in the next knee board.
THE SHACKLE
The Shackle is used to have both aircraft swap sides and end up in Tactical Formation. The Shackle is also commonly
used by Flight Leads who want to reset the formation if Two is having a hard time staying in position or if the flight is
just coming out of a turn that has put Two in an awkward position.
The Shackle is a good way to reset the formation into a good
Tactical position.

Comm’s
Lead: “One, Shackle.”
Wing: “Two.”

Procedure
Lead is responsible for heading; Two is responsible for flight path deconfliction. Flight path deconfliction is critical during the Shackle since the Wingman plans to
cross directly over/under the Flight Lead. Two must make it obvious early in the turn whether he is going high or low. As a technique, Two should make a bid high
or low right away when Lead calls for the Shackle so Lead knows right away which way Two is going. Both aircraft turn at the same time with Lead making
approximately 45 degrees of heading change and two aiming to cross directly over Lead; both aircraft reverse the turn when crossing flight paths to resume the
original heading in Tactical Formation, Lead is responsible for heading, Two is responsible for the formation spacing. If there is any doubt in the formation about
which way Two is going, Two will broadcast intentions "Two is going low." Lead should concentrate on holding altitude to give Two a predictable platform.