Does the #3 in a four A/Cs formation use the 9-9-9 parameters or the 6-6-6 parameters ? Inother words, is he a "lower rank leader" ?
No. Only a second flight leader (4 ship leader) can use the 9-9-9 rule to a senior flight leader (different 4 ship leader). Wingmen and element leads (2 ship) are limited to the 6-6-6 rule on their respective Flight or element leaders.
JD
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FW_Referee_Central/conversations/messages/2590) 13/05/2014
The 9-9-9 rule refers to FLIGHT leaders only, subordinate leaders within a flight cannot use it.
In a scenario with just four aircraft per side - one on each side is the FLIGHT leader - which is the leader of the fourship. And one is the ELEMENT leader which is the leader of the second two ship within in a flight.
A = Flight Leader and first element leader (Flight Leader)
B = first element wingman (6-6-6 rule to A)
C= Second element leader within the flight and second wingman to flight leader (6-6-6 to A)
D = second element wingman (6-6-6 to C)
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In a scenario with 8 aircraft you have two flights. The 2nd Flight leader is junior to the first and this is where the 9-9-9 rule begins.
E = 2nd Flight Leader (9-9-9 rule to first Flight leader A)
F = first element wingman of 2d Flight (6-6-6 to E)
G = 2nd Flight, second element leader (6-6-6 to E)
H = 2d element wingman of 2d Flight (6-6-6 to G)
JD
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FW_Referee_Central/conversations/messages/2591) 13/05/2014