Flight Deck Procedures
Carrier Qualification
Figure 20: PEDAL TOE BAR
LAUNCH
When ready for launch, crisply give a right-handed salute to the Catapult Officer/CSPO. Cup your hand
loosely behind the stick and place your head firmly against the headrest.
The catapult officer will make final checks, looking fore and aft, then touch the deck. After about a 1-second
delay, an acceleration will be felt reaching flying speed in about 2 seconds.
NOTE: If “bubble launch,” the CSPO will return salute. The Catapult Officer will effect the launch once
clearing fore and aft.
NOTE: The bow should pass under the nose at 120 KIAS minimum or excess end airspeed, whichever is
greater. Refer to the Catapult Launch Minimum Endspeed Chart in NATOPS Chapter 8. Let your hand
follow the stick as it moves aft during the cat stroke. As your aircraft clears the end of the stroke, rotate to
10-12 degrees noseup attitude and establish a positive rate of climb, climb to pattern altitude, lower hook,
and check for interval.
Suspend Procedures
Although the pilot, catapult officer, or air boss can all initiate a suspend, the following procedures apply to
the pilot only.
(7-01) Original
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