The Goliad pattern is limited to a maximum of how many aircraft, which may be reduced at the discretion of whom?

The Goliad pattern is limited to a maximum of how many aircraft, which may be reduced at the discretion of whom?

• A. 4, by ATC
• B. 5, at the discretion of the RDO
• C. 6, by the flight lead
• D. 3, by ATC supervisor

Answer: (B)

The Goliad pattern is capped to five aircraft, with the number adjustable by the Range Duty Officer. This authority rests with the RDO because they manage the range environment—traffic loading, weather, airspace conflicts, and safety constraints. They can increase or more commonly reduce the count as conditions require, ensuring safe spacing and operations within the range. The flight lead maintains the formation’s integrity and procedures, but cannot raise the official limit beyond what the range safety authority allows. ATC supervision isn’t the factor here, and the standard cap isn’t six or three.

The Goliad pattern is capped to five aircraft, with the number adjustable by the Range Duty Officer. This authority rests with the RDO because they manage the range environment—traffic loading, weather, airspace conflicts, and safety constraints. They can increase or more commonly reduce the count as conditions require, ensuring safe spacing and operations within the range. The flight lead maintains the formation’s integrity and procedures, but cannot raise the official limit beyond what the range safety authority allows. ATC supervision isn’t the factor here, and the standard cap isn’t six or three.