missing man formation
The "missing man formation" is a symbolic aerial tribute, often used to honor fallen military personnel or pilots, characterized by a deliberate gap in the formation.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Aviation
(technical, ceremonial)An aerial salute where one aircraft leaves a formation, creating a gap to honor a deceased pilot or military member.
Example
- During the memorial service, the squadron performed a missing man formation to honor the fallen hero.
B2Sports
(informal, ceremonial)A formation in sports where one member is absent, symbolizing a tribute to someone who has passed away.
Example
- The soccer team lined up in a missing man formation to pay tribute to their late coach.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "missing man formation":