During a formation flight, when is it safe for number 2 to transition to visual flight?

Transitioning to visual flight for number 2 in a formation flight is a critical maneuver that ensures safety and coordination between aircraft. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of visual confirmation, which is essential for maintaining awareness of relative positions during flight.

When number 2 transitions to visual flight, it's vital that they establish visual contact with number 1, the lead aircraft. This visual confirmation allows number 2 to effectively gauge distance, maintain spacing, and respond to any maneuvers performed by number 1. Transitioning to visual without this confirmation could lead to misjudgments in positioning, increasing the risk of a mid-air collision or loss of formation integrity.

Clearance for maneuvers is important as well, but it does not address the necessity for visual contact that specifically ensures number 2's awareness of number 1's movements. Similarly, being within a certain altitude range or having airspeed limitations might not fully guarantee that number 2 can safely and effectively maintain formation. Thus, prioritizing visual confirmation is fundamental in upholding the safety and effectiveness of formation flying.