What is the correct beacon configuration for the lead and wingman immediately before lock-on in a section flight?

• A. Lead beacon on, Wingman beacon off
• B. Wingman beacon on, Lead beacon off
• C. Beacons off
• D. Both beacons on

Answer: (A)

In a section flight, the lead is the reference for the formation's radar identity, so the radar picture should present a single, unambiguous contact as you approach lock-on. Having only the lead’s beacon active provides a clean, identifiable target for the controller to lock onto, while avoiding a second, competing return from the wingman that could confuse tracking and delay establishing the section.

With the wingman’s beacon off, the controller can focus on the lead’s signal as the primary contact and vector the formation accordingly. Turning the wingman beacon on before lock-on would create two distinct radar returns, which can complicate identification and delay proper lock-on. Conversely, having beacons off for both aircraft would remove identification information entirely, making it harder to manage the section in formation.

So, the best practice immediately before lock-on is to have the lead beacon on for identification, while the wingman beacon remains off to keep the radar picture simple and correctly oriented to the lead.