During a formation drag, what must the wingman do to ensure proper spacing on landing?

The requirement for the wingman during a formation landing is focused on maintaining both visual contact with the lead aircraft and appropriate spacing. Specifically, the wingman must ensure they can constantly see the lead while also keeping the stipulated distance of 1 to 1.5 miles, which provides enough spacing for safe maneuvering and reduces the risk of collisions. This proximity allows the wingman to react promptly to any changes initiated by the lead aircraft during landing, ensuring coordination and safety within the formation.

While maintaining horizontal and vertical separation are both important aspects of formation flying, vertical separation alone does not address the need for visual situational awareness and the dynamics of formation landing. Therefore, simply maintaining a set altitude does not equip the wingman with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of landing safely in formation. Additionally, remaining too far from the lead, such as more than 2 miles, compromises the ability to follow visual cues and increases the chance of losing situational awareness.