What is the proper protocol for conducting formation flights with passengers?

The proper protocol for conducting formation flights with passengers is that these flights cannot be conducted while carrying passengers for hire. This is because formations involving multiple aircraft require heightened levels of coordination and safety standards that are often not feasible when passengers are being transported for compensation. Regulations are in place to ensure the safety of both the crew and passengers, and flying in formation introduces complexities that could compromise that safety in a commercial scenario.

While formations may be conducted among non-commercial operations under certain conditions, they are not permissible in commercial flights where passengers are being carried for hire. This regulation helps to ensure that all aircraft operate within the boundaries of established safety protocols, which are critical in mitigating the risk associated with the dynamics of formation flying when people are on board.