From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!ihnp4!ixn5c!inuxc!pur-ee!uiucdcs!deckert
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Title: Re: lost IFR communications - (nf)
Article-I.D.: uiucdcs.1280
Posted: Mon Dec 27 18:25:23 1982
Received: Fri Dec 31 06:39:09 1982

#R:tekchips:-16400:uiucdcs:7900011:000:828
uiucdcs!deckert    Dec 27 16:40:00 1982

 	The idea of a follow-me plane is indeed a new one, since tha FAA has
no a/c at it's disposal for other than facilties checks and VIP transport they
might have a difficult time finding a volunteer.

	Ask a controller sometime about triangular lost comm patterns, at LA
center they tell pilots not to bother, the controllers would never recognize
them. Also few controllers set up their displays to show primary targets,
indeed most also filter out vfr transponder codes.

	A descent isn't a real problem, if the pilot being led can fly good
formation. Seldom is the stuff so solid that you can't see your wingtips.
The USAF flies formation ILS approaches when they want to get a group of guys
down in a short time. Lead flies the needles and wing locks onto the leads
wingtip. Wouldn't want to do this with just anyone though.