During conversions in formation, to what speed does the lead reduce before auto beep?

The lead aircraft in a formation flight reduces speed to 170 KCAS before the auto beep, which typically indicates a planned maneuver or conversion is about to occur. This reduction in speed is critical because it provides a safe and manageable pace for the trailing aircraft to follow during the transition.

Flying at 170 KCAS allows the formation to maintain a controlled environment while also ensuring that the aircraft remain within their operational limits. This speed is often utilized as it strikes a balance between efficiency and safety, allowing the formation to remain cohesive during a key phase of the flight where attention to aircraft positioning and relative motion is heightened.

Understanding this procedure is fundamental in formation flying, as it establishes a standard operational tempo and helps ensure that all aircraft in the formation can respond adequately during conversion maneuvers.