Aussie Group Flights Team - Classic Aircraft: Channel Guardians — Spitfire Patrol

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:airplane: Channel Guardians — Spitfire Patrol

Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire
Cruise Speed: 220 KTAS
Altitude: 6,500–8,500 ft
Break: 15 min at LFAC
Landings: Full-stop at EGKA, EGMD, LFAC, LFAT
Total Distance: ~169 NM
Total Duration: ~1 hr 20–25 min

:compass: Route Overview

EGKA → WP1 (Bexhill-on-Sea) → EGMD → WP2 (Hythe) → WP3 (Dover) → LFAC → WP4 (Le Portel) → LFAT → EGKA

A clockwise patrol loop across the English Channel featuring four coastal waypoints and three full-stop landings. The route blends heritage realism with cinematic scenery.

:airplane: Leg Breakdown

1. EGKA → WP1 (Bexhill-on-Sea)

Distance: ~18 NM Time: ~5 min
Coastal warm-up past Brighton and Eastbourne, forming up for the patrol.

2. WP1 → EGMD (Lydd)

Distance: ~12 NM Time: ~3 min
Short hop into Lydd for the first full-stop landing.

3. EGMD → WP2 (Hythe)

Distance: ~7 NM Time: ~2 min
Low-level coastal run along the Kent shoreline.

4. WP2 → WP3 (Dover)

Distance: ~8 NM Time: ~2 min
White Cliffs inbound — perfect for formation screenshots.

5. WP3 → LFAC (Calais-Dunkerque)

Distance: ~22 NM Time: ~6 min
Channel Crossing #1 — maintain formation discipline.
Full-stop landing and 15-minute break.

6. LFAC → WP4 (Le Portel)

Distance: ~7 NM Time: ~2 min
French coastline at low level.

7. WP4 → LFAT (Le Touquet)

Distance: ~10 NM Time: ~3 min
Second French full-stop landing.

8. LFAT → EGKA (Shoreham)

Distance: ~85 NM Time: ~23 min
Channel Crossing #2 — formation return via Dover–Brighton line.

:small_airplane: Formation Flying Focus

Channel Crossing I (Dover → Calais)

  • Formation Type: Diamond 4 or Line Abreast 5–6
  • Spacing: 0.2–0.3 NM lateral, 100–150 ft vertical offset
  • Sequence: Form up over Dover → Hold heading 095° → Maintain 220 KTAS → Mid-Channel photo hold → Break formation at Calais.

Channel Crossing II (Le Touquet → Shoreham)

  • Formation Type: Echelon Right 4–5 or Arrowhead 6–8
  • Sequence: Re-form after LFAT departure → Heading 310° → Maintain 220 KTAS → White Cliffs pass → Return to Shoreham.

:sports_medal: Achievement Badges

  • Formation Master — Maintain formation across both Channel crossings.

:sun_behind_small_cloud: Highlights

  • White Cliffs of Dover and French coastline
  • Twin Channel crossings
  • Historic RAF airfields
  • Formation flying discipline
  • Perfect pacing for cinematic screenshots

:bullseye: Event Summary

A fast, coordinated patrol celebrating the Spitfire’s heritage and precision flying. The Channel Guardians event combines teamwork, visual spectacle, and operational realism — a true showcase of classic aviation mastery.

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If you are not a member, to join for FREE, click here: Aussie Group Flights Team - On-line Flying

Details to follow. Hope you can join us.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS FOR FLIGHT SIMULATION USE ONLY.

Regards, Paul

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:small_airplane: Diamond Formation

Purpose: Precision and symmetry — ideal for screenshots and ceremonial passes. Structure: One lead aircraft, two wingmen slightly aft and outboard, one tail element centered behind. Spacing: ~0.2 NM lateral, 100 ft vertical offset. Flying Technique:

  • Wingmen fix on the lead’s wingtip and maintain constant relative position using throttle and trim.
  • Tail pilot aligns with the lead’s fuselage and adjusts pitch to stay level. Visual Effect: Balanced, iconic — the classic “team diamond” seen in airshows.

:small_airplane: Line Abreast Formation

Purpose: Broad visual impact — perfect for mid‑Channel photo holds. Structure: All aircraft aligned laterally on the same heading and altitude. Spacing: 0.3–0.4 NM between aircraft. Flying Technique:

  • Each pilot matches the lead’s altitude and heading precisely.
  • Small throttle corrections keep spacing consistent. Visual Effect: Dramatic, panoramic sweep across the Channel — ideal for cinematic captures.

:small_airplane: Echelon Right (or Left) Formation

Purpose: Controlled, elegant formation for turns and departures. Structure: Each aircraft positioned diagonally behind and to one side of the leader. Spacing: 0.2–0.3 NM lateral, 150 ft vertical step‑down. Flying Technique:

  • Wingmen maintain visual on the lead’s tailplane and horizon line.
  • Turns are flown toward the echelon side to preserve spacing. Visual Effect: Graceful, layered geometry — excellent for departure sequences.

:small_airplane: Arrowhead Formation

Purpose: Dynamic, combat‑style formation — ideal for high‑speed cruise. Structure: Lead aircraft forward, two wingmen behind and outboard, forming a “V”. Spacing: 0.25 NM lateral, 150 ft vertical offset. Flying Technique:

  • Wingmen hold position using throttle and small pitch corrections.
  • Leader maintains steady heading and altitude; wingmen mirror movements. Visual Effect: Aggressive, purposeful — evokes wartime patrol realism.

:small_airplane: Trail Formation

Purpose: Sequential descent or approach — used for landing sequences. Structure: Aircraft aligned directly behind the leader, staggered by distance. Spacing: 0.5–1.0 NM longitudinal separation. Flying Technique:

  • Each pilot follows the leader’s flight path, maintaining safe spacing.
  • Ideal for approach and landing phases. Visual Effect: Clean, disciplined — emphasizes operational realism.

:bullseye: Badge Integration

For the Formation Master badge, pilots can earn credit by maintaining Diamond or Arrowhead formations during both Channel crossings, then transitioning smoothly into Trail for the final approach. This combination showcases teamwork, precision, and adaptability — the hallmarks of a true Channel Guardian.

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Event reminder …