What is the minimum requirement for a lead change?

The minimum requirement for a lead change in formation flying is that the aircraft must be at least 500 feet above ground level (AGL). This altitude ensures that the aircraft have sufficient vertical separation during the maneuver, reducing the risk of collision and ensuring safe execution of the lead change.

Maintaining a minimum altitude of 500 feet AGL allows pilots to have better situational awareness and control of their aircraft during this critical phase. Additionally, it provides enough buffer space to recover if there are any issues during the transition, thus enhancing safety for all formations involved.

The context of the other options serves to clarify that while aspects like visual confirmation and maintaining appropriate separation are important for safe formation flying, they are not the primary altitude requirement that specifically governs when a lead change can be initiated.