Flight Deck Procedures
Carrier Qualification
If at any time during the launch sequence, the pilot elects to suspend, he/she will broadcast over the UHF,
“SUSPEND, SUSPEND, SUSPEND,” while simultaneously shaking the head from side to side.
CAUTION: When the aircraft is in tension, keep both hands down below the canopy rails until the
salute. Any gesture made above the canopy rails may be confused with a salute.
The catapult officer will signal suspend followed by the signals to retract the shuttle, raise the launch bar,
and bring the shuttle forward. Maintain MRT until the catapult officer steps in front of your aircraft and gives
the throttle back signal; only then reduce the throttle to IDLE.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances should the power be reduced until the catapult officer walks in
front of the aircraft’s wing and signals for power back. Be fully prepared to go flying.
If the launch sequence is to continue after suspension, control will be returned to the catapult yellow shirt.
The launch sequence will continue as normal, beginning with the launch bar extend signal.
DEPARTURES
While CQ is in progress, there will be enough lead safes overhead the ship at all times with enough fuel to
escort the remaining SNPs in the pattern back to the beach. The ship will constantly update the “pigeons”
(bearing and range back to the home field) information.
CASE I DEPARTURE WITH A STEER
After the aircraft clears the catapult, rotate to 10-12 degrees noseup attitude and establish a positive rate of
climb. Raise your gear (once a positive rate of climb is established) and flaps/slats at 140 KIAS. Climb to
and maintain 500 ft and accelerate to 300 KIAS. Continue outbound parallel to the ship’s BRC. When
directed or at 7 nm, begin a climbing turn toward home base or to join on lead safe as directed and continue
your climb to the assigned or appropriate cruise altitude. When instructed, switch from tower frequency to
departure frequency and check in.
CAUTION: Do not overfly the ship during a transit to the beach. A minimum of 10 nm should be
maintained from the ship.
Once in communication with departure, the controller will assign a squawk and instruct the pilot to report a
sweet lock on the appropriate field. Once reported, a switch to the controlling agency will be made.
CASE II DEPARTURE
After your aircraft clears the catapult, rotate to 10-12 degrees noseup attitude to establish a positive rate of
climb. Raise gear (once a positive rate of climb is established) and flaps/slats at 140 KIAS and climb to and
maintain 500 ft. Accelerate to 300 KIAS and continue outbound on the ship’s BRC. At 7 nm, if you are
unable to climb in VFR, perform the following:
*
Turn to intercept the 10 DME arc and maintain 500 ft or 500 ft below the clouds.
*
Arc to and intercept the assigned departure radial.
*
Climb to the assigned altitude once you’re established on the departure radial.
(7-01) Original
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