Så länge flygplanet bildas, styrs de som ett enda flygplan.
Från US DoT OrderJO 7110.65T ATC: s allmänna kontroll:
2-1-13. FORMATION FLIGHTS
a. Control formation flights as a single aircraft. When individual control is requested, issue advisory information which will assist the pilots in attaining separation. When pilot reports indicate separation has been established, issue control instructions as required.
Beslutet att bryta flyget ligger hos befälhavaren, och ATC styr sedan flygplanet individuellt.
Separation responsibility between aircraft within the formation during transition to individual control rests with the pilots concerned until standard separation has been attained.
Upon break-up of the formation flight, the controller initiating the break-up shall ensure that all aircraft or flights are assigned their proper equipment suffix.