Standard 2-plane Formations
From Matronics
Two-plane formations ("2-ships") are the basis of all larger formations. There are three standard 2-ship formations: echelon right, echelon left, and line astern. Four-plane formations are built from combinations of two-plane "elements" or "sections."
Echelon Right
Echelon right is arguably the most fundamental formation, and it is usually the first formation that a wingman learns. It's used for 2-ship parade passes and is the position from which a formation will normally execute a "break" to a left-hand circuit.
Echelon Left
Echelon left is a mirror image of echelon right. For aircraft with centerline seating, the visual references that the wingman uses are generally also mirror images of what is used on echelon right. For aircraft with side-by-side seating, the wingman will ideally use slightly different references in echelon left, to compensate for the different perspective caused by sitting on the opposite side relative to lead.
Echelon left is sometimes used for parade passes, and is also the position from which a formation normally executes a "break" to a right-hand circuit.
Line Astern
Line astern is an important formation because it is necessary for larger formations, such as 4-plane box (where Four flies line astern off Lead). However, 2-ships tend not to fly line astern for parade passes, mainly just for wingman practice.
