John: crazy, right? Euro-NATO has kept the "old" syllabus, since the partner nations won't sign up for that.

Martin: yes, the T-1's are gone.

Terry: if your IP was letting you land 5'-6' from #1, then he was doing it wrong.

As for the Vance mishap, here's the mishap report:
https://www.afjag.af.mil/portals/77/aib ... 1march.pdf

What I believe you are referencing is the last paragraph on Page 3. Despite what it says there, the T-38 "training and techniques" manual doesn't state that. Now keep in mind, the C-model version of that manual has deleted most references to Wing Landings. But the A-model version didn't get all of the edits done yet. Here's what it states: "Attempt to stabilize at a given spacing in the 10 to 50-foot range. Focus on lead as the primary reference for the wing landing. Cross check the runway on final to ensure proper alignment, and then fly the proper position off of lead throughout the flare and touchdown."

So were there IP's teaching to line up on your half of the runway... or do your own landing once in the flare? Absolutely. I have seen plenty of pilots chicken out on wing landings over the years. But, irrespective of what that report states and what you may have heard, I have never seen that in written guidance.

So no... the USAF did NOT officially change anything.

In my Wing, most formations recover to Initial. We have a "drag" procedure that many use, but I avoid using it. I prefer a formation approach with a formation go around, and then sequential closed... mainly to just keep my formation approach skills from getting too rusty.

I don't remember spacing out very far at all. But that could be because it was a long time ago. I remember stacking level, one check make sure lead wasn't putting you in the dirt and then referencing lead until wheels touchdown.

But I am SURE that there was no 50 foot spacing.

I have to look and see what manuals I have and if I have the T-38 formation one.