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Answer :
Landing an airplane on an aircraft carrier is comparable to other aviation missions. After the proper training and experience, it isn't that difficult.
The initial training is done on a runway with the same visual references used aboard the carrier. These references include using the center line and glide slope to place the aircraft on the exact spot. The LSO (Landing Signal Officer), who is always used aboard ship, is also part of training. The duty of the LSO is to observe the approach and give verbal corrections to the pilot in the cockpit.
The landing area on the ship is relatively small compared to an 8,000 ft runway, but your only focus is your landing spot on the deck. The landing area on the carrier has four arresting cables and the aircraft is equipped with a retractable hook that catches one of the arresting wires. If the approach is flown properly, the aircraft will land on centerline and the arresting hook will catch the number three wire.
Ted Beckwith
Former Navy F-4 Pilot |
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