What is the main purpose of Lost Wingman procedures?

The main purpose of Lost Wingman procedures is to gain immediate separation of aircraft. When a pilot loses visual contact with their wingman, it’s crucial to quickly and safely establish separation to avoid mid-air collisions and to allow each aircraft to safely navigate back to a safe formation.

These procedures involve specific actions that a pilot must take to ensure that both aircraft can operate independently until they can re-establish visual contact or regroup safely. This might include gaining altitude, adjusting course, or coordinating with air traffic control, but the essential aspect is creating safe distance and separating the aircraft to mitigate the risk associated with lost visual references. By effectively executing these procedures, pilots can enhance the collective safety of the formation flight.