When controlling formation flights, how should they be treated initially?

When controlling formation flights, they should be treated initially as a single aircraft. This approach acknowledges that the aircraft in a formation typically operate under closely coordinated maneuvers and maintain a specified distance and spacing from one another.

By treating them as a single entity, it simplifies the traffic management and enhances situational awareness for air traffic controllers. It allows controllers to provide clearances and instructions that align with the formation's operational structure, reducing the risk of misunderstanding or miscommunication that could arise from managing the aircraft as separate entities at this stage.

Once the formation receives instructions, the details may be refined based on the specific needs of the individual aircraft or the formation as a whole. However, starting with the assumption of a single aircraft ensures that the separation and safety protocols are adequately maintained throughout the control process. This is particularly important in maintaining safe distances from other traffic and ensuring that the formation does not inadvertently create a hazard to other aircraft in the vicinity.