Emergency Procedures
Carrier Qualification
CATAPULT MALFUNCTIONS/EMERGENCIES
If an aircraft emergency occurs while you’re on the catapult, perform catapult suspend procedures.
CAUTION: Keep both hands down in the cockpit and out of sight so that hand movements cannot
be confused with a salute.
*
Use a head shake as a negative signal and transmit, “Suspend, suspend, suspend.”
*
Maintain MRT until the catapult officer steps in front of the aircraft’s wing and gives the throttle back
signal.
HANG FIRE (CATAPULT MALFUNCTION)
A catapult hang fire occurs when the catapult officer has touched the deck, the button has been pushed to
launch the aircraft, but the catapult does not fire. If a hang fire occurs, the catapult officer will give the
suspend signal followed by the hang fire signal. Once the catapult is “safed,” he will then step in front of
the aircraft and give the throttle back signal.
HOLDBACK FITTING FAILURE
Once the aircraft is in tension, a holdback fitting failure may occur. When a holdback fitting fails, the
aircraft will begin rolling forward and feel like it is on a normal takeoff roll as opposed to a catapult stroke.
If this happens, retard the throttle immediately to IDLE, extend speed brakes and apply maximum braking.
If necessary, use NWS to remain on the deck. The launch bar must be retracted or the NWS button
pressed to activate the NWS.
CAUTION: Failure to perform the above procedures immediately may make it impossible to keep
the aircraft on the flight deck, requiring you to eject. If you are unable to eject, pull the MDC
handle, activate emergency oxygen, ride the aircraft into the water, and perform a water egress.
CATAPULT MALFUNCTION (COLD/SOFT CATAPULT)
Immediately determine if the aircraft can be stopped on the deck. If you cannot stop the aircraft on the
deck, determine if you have adequate airspeed for flight. If your airspeed is not adequate, eject. If your
airspeed is adequate, maintain MRT and smoothly rotate aircraft to optimum AOA to stop sink rate. If the
sink rate is not arrested, increase AOA to 24 units. Maintain wings level and establish a positive rate of
climb.
COMMUNICATION FAILURE
In the event of a communications failure, always troubleshoot the system by checking switches and
looking for loose connections.
ENROUTE TO SHIP
Using hand signals, notify the lead safe of your NORDO condition and fuel state. Always pass your fuel
state to the lead—never assume that the flight lead is aware of it. The lead safe will contact marshal and
attempt to have a lead safe escort you back to home base.
IN THE PATTERN
Fly a normal pattern to the start and call the ball. If no “Cut light” is received, wave off your approach and
do not descend below 300 ft. Fly up the angled deck, rocking your wings. Once abeam of the ship’s bow,
turn to parallel the ship’s BRC. Climb to and maintain 500 ft, accelerate to 150 KIAS, continue in the
pattern, turning on your interval until a lead safe joins on you. The lead safe will join on the right. The lead
safe will take the lead and lead you home.
(7-01) Original
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