Background Information
N/A
Question
Is it within Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations for Air Traffic Control (ATC) to issue a clearance to join up in formation flight with civilian aircraft on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plans in Class A airspace?
Reply
It is not within FAA regulations, or Orders, for ATC to issue a clearance to join up civil aircraft in formation flight in Class A airspace.
Military Assumes Responsibility for Separation of Aircraft (MARSA) requirements were developed to allow military formation flights and air refueling missions. MARSA does not apply to civil aircraft.