This flew over the Bay Area today. Probably a tribute to Charlie. Is this a missing man formation?

Formation by kpkina, on Flickr

Possible.

Missing man is a formation is typically a "finger four" that looks like a "knife hand".
(but can be more aircraft in a formation)


FW ----->
FL ------>
EL ----->
EW ---->

In order:
FW = Flight Wingman
FL = Flight Lead
EL = Element Lead
EW = Element Wingman

On the flyover, the EL (Element Lead) will slowly climb up and away from the formation.
This aircraft is the "Missing Man", the formation will continue leaving the "Missing Man" slot open.




The formation may be "Strong Right" or Strong Left.

Like below

Strong Left
------>
------->
-------->
------->

Strong Right
------->
-------->
------->
----->

Thanks, SM. I've seen the 4 plane MM formation, but was wondering if there was a variation for 5 aircraft.

I have seen the Frecce Tricolori perform the Missing Man with a flight of 9 aircraft.
(Italian Air Force Demonstration Team)

The Blue Angels have a Missing Man with their six-plane formation.

https://youtu.be/VH9hYXVf2Lk?si=jEknYiLXxWHl-8Ov

I wonder if this one started out with 6?

No. Regardless of the number of planes involved, the "missing" plane in a "missing man" formation is towards the middle of the formation, just behind the lead. See Orguss' video or Sigmonkey's gif.

Your photo shows a standard 5 plane V formation, with no plane missing.

What about this?

No, not a missing man formation.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
What about this?

That is a Missing Man flight due to the single plane departing vertically the formation.

Exactly. I was wondering if that's what happened. Maybe it didn't and it's a standard formation. Unfortunately I didn't see the planes myself (not my pic).

Are you in the east bay? I think those guys are the “memorial squadron” (I think that’s the name)and they fly out of Livermore.

No, Peninsula. Native San Mateo-an.

Download the flightradar24 app, and next time you see them, you’ll be able to find out where they’re from…assuming they filed a flight plan.

I actually already have it, but I wasn't wondering where they were from, just what kind of formation they were flying.