Two F18's go down in pacific

[ThreatMatrix]

https://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/...n-search-on-for-one-missing-pilot-107037.html

I assume midair but why would they be training flying close together?

 

[GatorBart]

They stay close to each so they know where they're at. Nothing worse than flying with another plane and not know where it's at because you can't see it. Obviously something went wrong.

 

[sonomagator]

Prayers for the missing pilot and his family. And if you can catch him ask Zambo, he was a pilot in the marines, flew harriers so he could probably answer.

 

[CapitalGator02]

https://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/...n-search-on-for-one-missing-pilot-107037.html

I assume midair but why would they be training flying close together?

Fighters fly in formation for a couple of reasons:

1) To keep an eye on your wingman if anything were to go wrong
2) Over war zones, fighters fly under radio silence, thus the need for hand signals.
3) In the days of a dogfight, you want your wingmen as close to you as possible

Since pilots spend 95% of their time in training and not in a combat role, the only time to familiarize yourselves with formation flying is in the training environment.

 

[rogdochar]

Much admiration to flyer Zambo. I can't imagine me flying one of those streaking jets. The slightest body movement
creates such an instantaneous big graphic movement response. I'd probably eject on the launch runway and take my
disability. The Armed Forces would probably gladly sign off on it. The country would be safer.