How should a wingman react if they lose sight of the lead while wings level?

When a wingman loses sight of the lead while flying wings level, it's crucial to ensure safety and regain visual contact. The recommended action of turning 45 degrees away for 10 seconds allows the wingman to create space and possibly clear the line of sight. This maneuver helps to avoid potential collision risks while also providing an opportunity for the wingman to visually reacquire the lead.

Turning 45 degrees grants sufficient separation to facilitate a better view of the surrounding area, potentially locating the lead above or below their current flight path, or allowing the lead to regain a position where they can be seen again. It's a measured response that balances the need for safety with the goal of reestablishing visual contact quickly.

Maintaining a straight course indefinitely can lead to uncertainty and increases the risk of losing spatial awareness, which could be detrimental if the lead is maneuvering or changing altitude. An emergency descent or a 90-degree turn may not effectively address the immediate need to maintain visual contact and could exacerbate the situation if the lead is still in close proximity but outside of sight. Thus, the 45-degree turn is the most tactical and safe maneuver in this scenario.