What control strategy is employed for managing formation flights?

The chosen strategy of controlling as a single entity until separation is reported is appropriate for managing formation flights because it allows for efficient coordination and communication between the aircraft involved. In a formation flight, multiple aircraft are operating closely together, and treating them as a single unit simplifies the management of their movements. This strategy ensures that the formation maintains its integrity and allows for coordinated adjustments to speed and altitude without the complications that might arise from issuing separate instructions to each individual aircraft.

By managing the formation as a whole, the controller can better ensure that the relative positions of the aircraft remain stable, and any necessary adjustments can be made efficiently, minimizing the risk of confusion during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, or maneuvering. Once separation is clearly defined or reported, typically through visual or electronic means, the controller can then transition to managing each aircraft individually if required, ensuring continued safety and efficiency within the airspace.

The other strategies may not provide the degree of coordination necessary for successful formation management. For instance, issuing control instructions only to the formation leader may lead to conflicts if the leader's actions do not account for the movements of the other aircraft. Controlling only individual aircraft might result in unintended separation or loss of the formation. Maintaining clear separation at