Visual signals must be clear, appropriate, and proportional to what?

The requirement for visual signals to be clear, appropriate, and proportional relates to their effectiveness in communicating the intended message to other aircraft in the formation. Specifically, signals must be proportional to range. This means that the distance between aircraft plays a critical role in how signals are perceived and understood.

When aircraft are at different ranges, the visual signals must be adjusted in size and clarity to ensure that they can be effectively communicated and understood by the pilots receiving them. For instance, a signal that is easily seen and understood from a close distance may not have the same effect when the aircraft are farther apart. This proportionality ensures that all formation members maintain situational awareness and can react appropriately based on the signals given.

In contrast, the other options—altitude, speed, and formation position—while relevant to overall flight operations, do not directly address the requirement for visual signals to be adjusted based on the distance between aircraft.