Carrier Air Procedures Flashcards
CSG
Carrier Strike Group
CVW
Carrier Air Wing
benefit of a CSG w/a CVW
projects US Mil power hundreds of miles away from the strike gruop
FRP
Fleet Respone Plan
6 core capabilities of the Carrier Strike Group
forward presence power projection deterrence maritime security HA/DR sea control
how can power projection be viewed
threat or actual use of military force against an adversary to either or induce or dissuade if rom pursuing a given policy or objective
typical CSG composition
carrier
at least o cruiser
destroyer squadron of at least 2 destroyers and/or frigates
CAW of 70 fixed/rotor wing
possibly: fast attack sub, attached logistics, supply ship
role of a CSG as a whole
CVN & air wing: provide offensive firepower
other ships: defense and support
carrier as the capital ship in the CSG
centerpiece of US power projection.
provides the nation the ability to project air power worldwide without the need for land bases
composition of a CVQ
7-8 squadrons ~70 fixed & rotary -2,500 personnel 4VFA (Hornet/Rhino ) squadrons 1 VAQ (Growler) squadron 1VAW Hawkeye squadron 1-2 HSC/HSM helicopter squadrons 1 VRC (Greyhound) Logistic support detahcment
title of the Air Wing Commander
CAG = Air Wing Commander
CAG
Air Wing Commander
role of CAG
Air Wing Commander: overall responsibility for all aircraft & Air Wing personnel on teh carrier
DCAG
Deputy Air Wing Commander
*XO of the CAG
LSO
Landing Signal Officer
aka “paddles”
*qualified pilots within the Air Wing responsible for the training of pilots/safe and expeditionasu recovery
*training & debrif
who is responsible for the training & debriefing of pilots on the Air Wing
Landing Signal Officers “paddles”
who debriefs pilots post carrier flights & critiques performance
Landing Signal Officers “paddles’
GATOR
navigator
aka Navigator on a carrier
GATOR
OPSO
Operations Officer
Air Boss
Air Officer
Shooter
Catapult Officers
role of OPSO
Operations Officer
*responsible for the control of airborne aircraft except when control is not incidential with actual launch/recovery of aircraft
carrier’s ship company
works directly for CO. 3,200 personnel
CATCC
Carrier Air Traffic COntrol Center
role of Air Ops
responsible to the OPSO for coordination of all matters pertaining to flight ops, proper functioning of CATCC, and the type of approach/required degree of control
*coordinates/tracks diverting aircraft, cargo, and passenger trnafers
responsible for current flight operations
CATCC: Carrier Air Traffic Control Center
airspace that falls under the Carrier Contorol aREA
CCA includes all airspace within 50 nm of the carrier
tracks status of all carrier flight ops
CATCC
ATO
Air Tasking Order
produces & distributes the Air Plan
Strike Operations
Strike Operations
department within Ops responsible for future operations
*coordinates/produces the ATO & Air Plan
responsible for ship self-defense
Combat Direction Center
CIWS
Close-in Weapons System
CCZ
carrier control zone
*airspace within 5nm of the carrier & up 2,500ft
Pri-Fly
Primary Fligth Control
directs aircraft activity on the flight deck & all aircraft operating in the CCZ
Air Boss
role of Air Boss
Pri-fly
all aircraft activity on the flight deck & CCZ
CCZ = 5nm from carrier & up 2,500 nm
launch/recovery
carrier’s equivalent to airport traffic control tower
Pri-Fly
primary flight control
*6 stories above the flight deck, directly over the main bridge
Tower Flower
squadron representative needs to be present in Pri-Fly during all VFR ops. can coodinate with the ready room, communicate directly w/crew, answer platform/squadron specific questions for the Boss, and relay feedback from the Boss to the ready room
location on the carrier where all aircraft are tracked on the Ouija Board
Flight Deck Control
*base of island
scalar moels of each aircraft on board.
how to tell on the Ouiji Board which aircraft are out of commission
the aircraft is turned over
where is the Flight Deck Control located on the carrier
on the flight deck at the bas eof the island
2 places where staff are located during flight ops
Primary Flight Control (Pri-Fly): 6 stories up. Tower Flower is there if day ops. in night or IMC ops, they are in Air Ops
Flight Deck Control: flight deck at the base of hte island. Ouiji Board
Yellow Shirts
Taxi directors Arresting Gear Officers Shooters Catapult Spotters Aircraft handling officers
color shirt: Taxi Director
yellow
color shirt: Flight Deck Officer
yellow
color shirt: Arresting Gear Officers
Yellow
color shirt: shooters
yellow
color shirt: catapult spotter
yellow
color shirt: aircraft handling officers
yello
green shirt
air wing maintence catapult/arresting gear crew Helicopter Landing Signal Cargo-handling ground support equip troubleshooters hook runners photographers mates
color shirt: air wing maintence personnel
green
color shirt” catapult & arresting gear crew
green
color shirt: cargo-handling
green
color shirt: ground support equipment troubleshooters
green
color shirt: hook runners
green
color shirt: photographers mates
green
brown shirt
Air Wing Plane Captains
Air Wing line Petty Officers
color shift: Air Wing plane capt
brown
color shirt: Air Wing line Petty Officers
brown
blue sirt
Aircraft handlers (pushers, chockers, chainers)
Tractor drivers
Messengers/phone talkers
elevator operators
color shift: aircraft handlers
blue
color shirt: tractor driver
blue
color shirt: messengers & phone talkers
blue
color shirt: elevator operators
blue
color shirt: fueling personnel
grape
grape shirt
purple
white shirt
safety medical LSO final checkers Quality Assurance Air Transfer Officer (ATO)
color shirt: safety
white
color shirt: medical
white
color shift: Quality Assurance
white
red shirt
ordnance
crash & salvage
EOD
color shirt: ordnance
red
color shirt: crash & salvage
red
color shirt: EOD
red
only ones to wear khaki on flight deck
Flight Deck Officer
Chief Warrent Officers
Chief Petty officers
special designation worn on cranials on flight deck
catapult & arresting gear officers wera orange/green reflective tape on their cranials
who are the only people authorized to control the movements of the aircraft on the flight deck
“Yellow Shirts”
heart of carrier operations
arresting gear
capability of the arresting gear on a flight deck
mechanical system that stops an aircraft traveling at 150 knots to stop in 320 ft
interval between arresting gears on a carrier
3-4 arresting gear cables at 20 ft intervals
how are arresting cables on a carrier labledq
1-4 from aft to forward
aft most cable is the dreaded one “Ace”
what is considered a well-executed landing of a fixed-wing on a carrier
aircraft engages 3 wires
optimal interval between landings on a carrier
40-60 seconds
main limiting factor that determines the interval between planes landing on a flight deck
optimal interval = 40-60 sec
limit: fastest a flight deck crew can get an aircraft cleared on the landing area/arresting gear reset: approx 35 seconds
how quickly should the air crew on a carrier clear a landed plane and reset the arresting gear
35 sec (optimal interval between planes = 40-60 seconds)
situations where a plan will land w/a barricade rather than the arresting gear
emergency fuel during blue water ops,
hook malfunctions,
landing gear malfunctions,
combat damage
primary system to launch aircraft off carriers
catapult
how quickly can the catapult launch aircraft
0-150 KIAS in under 2 sec
how are the catapults on a carrier numbered
1-4 from starboard to port
naming of the catapults on a carrier
1-4
1 & 2 = “bow cats” b/c located on the bow
3&4: “waist cats” b/c locate don teh angle or waist
catapults on Nimitizv versus Ford carriers
NIMITZ: traditional steam catapults
Ford: EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System)
EMALS
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems *catapult system on Ford class carriers
how do steam catapults work
on Nimitz carriers
- 2 cylinders that run the length of a football field
- high pressure steam is ported into the cylinders forcing the pistn down the cylinder at a high rate of speed = slinging the aircraft off the flight deck
what resets aircraft post steam catapult launch
water break slows down the piston so it can be retracted for hte next launch
how does the EMALS catapult system work
uses a linear motor drive in place of the steam pistons.
- electric current generates a magnetic field that propels a carriage downt eh cat track
- gradual accel so less stress on airframes
- more precise control of launch performance so it can launch a greater variety of aircraft compared to the traditional steam catapults (includign unmanned)
prevents damage form high jet exhaust during catapult launches
JBD = jet blast deflector
*heavy duty metal pa
where is the JBD located
JBD = jet blast deflector
located at the rear of the catapult
state of the JBD when it is not in use
JBD= jet blast deflector
recessed & flush with the flight deck when not in use
state of the JBD when in use
when an aircraft is positioned on the catapult for launch, the JBD will be raised by several hydraulic cylinders. when it is raised, hot exhaust from launching aircraft wiill be directed upwards
*so another aircraft can go in position behind it and deck personnel can do pre-launch checks/inspections w/o danger of hot jet exhaust
carrier’s garage
hanger bay
where is aircraft maintence performed
hanger bay
where is the hanger bay located
2 decks below the flight deck
length of the hanger bay
2/3 total length of hte carrier
how many aircraft can fit in the aircraft hanger
60
2/3 total length of carrier
4 zones
3 stories tall
how do aircraft move between the flight deck and hanger bay
4 giant elevators
hydralic
150K lbs accommodated (2 fully equipped jets)
safety feature when carrier elevators are in use
guardrail stachions will be raised
2 types of elevators that connect the hanger bay and flight deck
elevators for the jets
weapons elevators
how to act when you are topside
head on a swivel
vigilant
situational awareness
experienced aircrew’s opinion about the most dangerous aspects of flying on a carrier
getting to/from the aircraft especially at night
danger of jet exhaust on the flight deck
jet exhaust can send personnel tumbling across the deck or even over the side
trip hazards on a flight deck
chocks
chains
tow-bars
arresting wires
“mother” & “father” on a carrier
father = TACAN mother = ship itself
primary use of the ship’s TACAN
“father”
primarily used for positional navigation and holding
Q: “mark your father”
A: aircrew will reply with the radial and DMA of the aircraft from the ship’s TACAN
datum lights
horizontal row of green lamps used to give the pilot a reference against which he may judge his position relative to the glide scope
MOVLAS
Manually Operated Visual Landing Aid System
*backup shipboard landing aid system that is used when the primary system is inoperatble
what separates Naval aviators from others
shipboard operations needs vigilance and standardization. no margin for errors
what maximizes flight efficiency
2 divisions within Operations Dept create a schedule
- Air Ops
- Strike Ops
Air Plan
organizes the operations of the carrier air wing (CVW) within the CSG
what does the Air Plan entail
daily scheduling for all air operations, ordnance loading, and EMCON condition
ATO
air tasking order
what drives the Air Plan
Air Tasking Order (ATO)
who hands down the Air Tasking Order (ATO)
JFACC: Joint Force Air Component Commander
master document that coordinates all air assets within a specific theatre of operations
ATO
what does the ATO delineate
- all required sorties for each 24hr period & assigns mission
- ID targets and assigns to units
when is the Air Plan normally distributed
usually the evening before but sometimes as late as early the next day since contingency operations are fluid
info on Air Plan -11
launch time recovery time mission number/model of aircraft # sorties sunrise/sunset moonrise/moonset/moon phase date fuel tactical frequency ordnance loading
NATOPS
Naval Air Training & Operating Procedures Standardization
manuals that govern aircraft operations (launch/recovery/flight deck procedures)
NATOPS: Naval Air Training & Operating Procedures Standardization
continuous process of launching & recovering aircraft
Cyclic operations
purpose of cyclic operations
to maximize efficiency, aircraft are launch/recovered in groups or “cycles”
how long are typical cyclic operations
~1hr 30 min
benefit of longer cyclic operations
accommodates more launches in recoveries
BUT: affects fuel
shorter cyclic operations
limits the number of aircraft that can be launched or recovered
how many aircraft are in each cycle of cyclic operations
12-20 aircraft
arrangement of aircraft on flight deck before flight ops
“spotted”
spotted aircraft
aircraft taxi and line up for takeoff
3 types of weather conditions for flight ops
Case I
Case II
Case II
Case I flight ops
day ops
weather conditions are VMC
ceiling no lower than 3K ft
not less than 5nm visibility
ceiling in Case I flight ops
day ops
not lower than 3K ft
visibility in case I flight ops
not less than 5nm
Case II fight ops
day ops when you might encounter IMC
lowest ceiling 1K ft
5nm visibility
overcast layer present
flight ops on clear day with high ceiling and no overcast
Case I flight ops
flight ops on a day when overcast is expected
Case II flight ops
ceiling in Case II flight ops
1K ft
visibility in case II flight ops
5nm visibility
Case III flight ops
all night ops
ceiling under 1K ft
visibility under 5nm
30 minutes prior ot sunset utnil 30 min post sunrise
weather condition for all night ops
Case III flight ops
ceiling for case III flight ops
under 1K ft
visibility for case III flight ops
night. under 5nm
when is the flight brief timed?
1hr, 45 min prior to scheduled launch
what is included as part of the preflight brief
5-10 minute brief from the CVIC broadcast over the tv
- weather report
- current/forecast psotition
- intel
- SAR
- divert information
- current oeprating conditions
CVIC
Carrier Intelligence Center
- part of the pre-launch brief
- broadcast to ship on tv
what happens after the pre-flight brief
aircrew proceeds to maintence control to review the Aircraft Discrepency Book (ADB)
- ensure the weight, fuel, and store loads are correct
- weight chit must be correct to set the catapult correctly
ADB
Aircraft Discrepency Book
- checked after pre-flight brief.
- make sure the weight, fuel, store loads = correct gross weight on weight chit so the catapult can be set correctly
where does a flight aircrew suit up
Paraloft
when does the aircrew report to the flight deck in full gear
no later than 45 min prior to scheduled launch
Steps on a flight Day from initiation to reporting to the flight deck
- Brief. (includes CVIC broadcast over TV & Strike Lead) ~1hr 45 min prior
- Aircraft Discrepency Book (ADB) to ensure the weight chit is correct
- Aircrew suits up in the Paraloft & reports to flight deck no later than 45 min prior to scheduled launch
walking the flight deck
FOD: Foreign Object Damage
Preflight checks once at your aircraft
- Check around aircraft
(FOD, leak/pooling oil/hydraulic fluid/fuel…), & general condition of hte aircraft.
pre-flight FOD walk around aircraft if the tail of the aircraft is over the water
if the tail of the aircraft is over the water, don’t precheck it. the plane captain will check it during the hook check after taxiing clear of hte edge
when are all crews strapped in and ready to start
no later than 30 minutes prior to scheduled launch
“start signal” for flight ops
- Air Boss says “start engines” over 5MC
- yellow shirts give the start signal
- crews run through the normal start sequence
who announces “start engines” over the 5MC
Air Boss
announcing system used on the flight deck
5MC = “start engines” by the Air Boss
who monitors engine starts on the flight deck
plane captain (brown shirt) squadron Flight Deck Chief
normal sequence for engine start
- Air Boss says “start engines’ over 5MC
- start signal by yellow shirts
- prestart checklist
- close canopy
- post start checklist
- plaine capt checks
- complete taxi/takeoff checklist prior to taxxxing
what should pilots set the “ANTI-SKID” switch to
OFF
fighter jet is on approach to landing on the carrier
“in the groove” = 15-18 sec to touchdown
*Landing Signal Officer (LSO) will say “call the ball”
LSO
Landing Signal Officer
“in the groove”
15-18 sec until the aircraft touches down on the flight deck
15-18 sec until the aircraft touches down on the carrier
“in the groove”
what is the pilot asked when he is 15-18 seconds away from landing on an aircraft carrier
Landing Signals Officer: “Call the Ball”
what does the LSO want to know when he asks the pilot “Call the Ball”
can you see the round orange “meatball” on the Optical Landing System (OLS)?
“Clara”
Pilot is telling the LSO that he cannot see the round orange “meatball” on the Optical Landing System (OSL)
- pilot is not receiving optical glide slope info
- might have to “wave-off” and not land
pilot doesn’t land on the carrier upon approach
“wave-off”
*additional cost in fuel, time, planning, and maybe safety concerns”
response to “call the ball”
Clara = I can’t see the ball. (might have to “wave off”
“Side #, aircraft type, “ball”, and fuel state, & qualification # if training”
“Dallas 22-1. Tomcat Ball. 5.7.” meaning”Dallas is the call sign, 221 is the # on the side of the aircraft, Tomcat F-14, ball = I see the ball.. 5.7 = 5.700 lbs of fuel left”
LSO response to the pilot’s affirmation that he can see the ball
“Roger Ball”
procede to land
*LSO will only speak again if they need to correct a deviation
what does “ball” mean when the pilot is taking to the LSO
“Ball” = meatball
round bright orange light on the Optical Landing System
what does it mean when the pilot can see the ball
they can see the round orange “meatball” light on the Optical Landing System (OLS)
*indicates high, low, or on glide-scope
someone is landing
“on the ball”
“on the ball”
someone is landing
call given to the tower when you are ready to taxi
“up and ready”. call up to the tower w/gross wt
*ensure no one is landing “on teh ball” prior to making hte up and ready call”
when must oxygen masks be on
when the aircraft is not chocked and chained
removal of the chocks/chains from the aircraft
after start, aircraft will be “broken down”
“broken down” aircraft
prior to start, chocks/chains removed
what happens after an aircraft is taxxied
green shirt holds up a weight chit and the pilot must indicate if it matches the weight on the board & wt chit
how to signal if the weight on the board matches the weight chit
DAY:
- YES: thumbs up or flashlight circle
- NO:
- increase: palm up and move hand up or flashlight up vertically
- decrease: palm down or flashlight horizontal
- weight adjusted in 500/1K increments. if off by more than 2 increments, radio call “Callsigh, gross weight is XX thousand X hundred”
how do you know what hand signals on the flight deck are for the aricrew & deck crew
signals above director’s waist: aircrew
signals below director’s waist: deck crew
signals given above the director’s waist
aircrew
signals given below the director’s waist
deck crew
normal sequence of visual signals for catapult operations -13
- extend launch bar
- disengage nose wheel steerign
- taxi ahead
- slight turn L/R
- brake on (when in holdback)
- tension
- retract launch bar
- engine runup
- acknowledge salute
- launch signal
- hang fire
- suspend
- throttle back
- extend launch bar
director rests right elbow in left palm at waist level w/right hand held up vertically and then brigns right hand down to horizontal position
- disengage nose wheel steering
director points right index finger to his nose and presents a lateral wave w/open palm of the left hand at shoulder height
- taxi ahead
director extends arms forward at shoulder level witih hands up at eye level, palms facing backward and makes beckoning arm motion, speed of arm movement indicates desired speed
- slight turn L/R
director will not head in direction of turn while giving taxi ahead signal
- brakes on (when in holdback)
director extends arms above head with open palms toward aircraft and then closes fists
- tension
director extends arems slightly overhead with fists closed and then opened with palms forward (indication to release breaks); then hands towards bow is swept down to a 45 degree postion toward deck while other hand is swept up 45 degrees dowards sky. pilot releases breakes, heels to deck, stays at idle awaiting runup signal
- Retract launch bar
director rests right elbow in left palm w/right arm extended horizontally at waist level and then raised to vertical
- engine runup
Catapult officer makes circular motion w/index and middle finger at head level. pilot advances throttle tor MRT and execute Control Check “wipeout” and engine instrument check
- Acknowledge salute
Catapult officer returns salute
- launch signal
Catapult Officer squats, touches deck, and return the hand to horizontal in the direction of the launch
- hang fire
Catapult officer extends right hand index finger overhead and poirints horizontally at left palm extended vertically
- suspend
catapult officer raises arm above head w/wrists crossed (indicates the launch is to be suspended)
- throttle back
Catapult officer extends arm in front of body at waist level and thumb extended up, then grasps thumb with other hand and rocks as if pulling throttle back
when do you throttle back
do not throttle back until the catapult officer walks in front of hte aircraft and gives the throttle back signal during suspended launches
problem of brakes during catapult launch
Brakes may inadvertently be applied during a catapult launch, resulting in a blown tire, even w/heels placed on the deck
signal that the pilot is ready for launch
day: pilot salutes Catapult Officer
night: external lights are turned on to indicate salute
end speed of catapult
catapult fires and aircraft will accelerate reaching end speed in 2 sec
glass enclosure on the flight deck
bubble
speed passed under the nose of the aircraft at the edge of hte flight deck
edge of the flight deck should pass under the nose at 120 KIAS minimum
what does the pilot do as the aircraft clears the end of the stroke
pilot rotates 10-12 degrees nose up, establishes a positive rate of clumb. gears and flaps raised in accordance w/NATOPS
turns by pilots when the leave the carrier
CARQUAL evolutions don’t nomally do them
bow catapults: clearing turns to right
waist catapults: clearing turns ot hte left
CARQUAL
carrier qualifications
right turns off the carrier
clearing turns to the right if launched off bow catapult
left turns off the carrier
clearing turns to the left if launched off the waist catapult
no clearing turn off carrier
might be doing CARQUAL since they are not normally required
pilot after airborne and radios that the aircraft is mission ready
“Kilo”
pilot says “kilo”
after launched, indicates aircraft is mision ready
what does an aircraft do after their mission and it is time for their scheduled cyclic landing time
proceed back to “Mother”
Red Crown
CSG Air Defense Controller.
maintenance discrepencies that you report prior to landing on the carrier
Alibis
Alibis
maintenance discrepencies that you report prior to landing
checklist if you are flying from ship to shore or vice versa
HAIL-R to ensure the aircraft is set up for the particulars of that recovery H: hook/heats A: anti-skid/altimeter I: Instruments L: Landing Weight/Lights R: Radio/RADALT
HAIL-R
mneumonic to ensure the aircraft is set up to land if going from ship-shore or vice versa H: hook/heats A: Anti-Skid/altimeter I: instruments L: landing wt/lights R" radios/RADALT
when does Red Crown hand you off to Strike COntrol
should occur prior to entering the 50nm Carrier Control Area (CCA)
handoffs when a pilot is reentering the CCA (Carrier Control Area)
Red Crown - Strike Ops-Marshall COntroller
“Zip Lip” conditions
radio communications are minimized unless: CQ, low visibility,, safety of flight
how to respond to waveoff
MANDATORY. must comply either verbally or from waveoff lights
how to execute a waveoff
advance power to MRT retract speed brakes maintain landing altitude level wings climb up the angled deck
EAT
expected approach time
“Bingo”
emergency.
aircraft is at emergency fuel levels, ot minimum fuel
emergency where aircraft is at emergency fuel level, not minimum fuel
Bingo
KIAS
knots of indicated airspeed
knots = unit o speed
AOB
angle of bank
cross-deck pendant/hook point failure
immediately determine if the aircraft can be stopped on the deck
if not: is there adequate air speed for flight? if not, eject,
if airspeed is adequate , maintain MRT, check speed brake retracted, smoothly rotate to optimum AOA
catapult malfumction
catapult hang fire.
role of Air Boss
Officer (located in Pri-Fly) in charge of the flight deck and tower operations within 5nm of the shipo
in charge of all flight deck/tower operations within 5nm of the ship
Air BOss
where can you find the Air Boss
Pri-Fly
Air Operations Officer
officer who coordinates all matters pertaining to air operations includign the CATCC
altitudes in thousands of feet
Angles
Angles 1.5 = 1, 500 ft
Axial Winds
Winds downt eh longitudinal axis of hte ship created by the ship’s forward movement
*causes a right to left crosswind across the angled deck
schedule of carrier flight operations published daily
Air Plan
Bingo
refers to the minimum fuel state required to divert safely to the nearest suitable field. EMERGENCY
Bingo fuel
aircraft fuel state in sufficient quantity necessary to fly to the bingo field w/X lbs remaining, depending on aircraft type
Bolter
a touchdown on the carrier in which the arresting hook does not engage the arresting wires
touchdown on the carrier in which the arresting hook does not engage the arresting wire
bolter
BRC
Base Recovery course
ship’s magnetic course
ship’s magnetic course
BRC: Base REcovery COurse
first aircraft to land for each cycle
Breaking the Deck
Breaking the Deck
first aircraft to land for each cycle
proceed at maximum airspeed
Buster
Buster
proceed at maximum airspeed
CATCC
Carrier Air Traffic COntrol Center
*status-keeping of all carrier air ops and control of all airborne aircraft involved in l aunch/recovery
department responsible for status-keeping of carrier aircraft in launch/recovery
CATCC: Carrier Air Traffic COntrol Center
area controlled by the Air Boss
CCZ = Carrier Control Zone
5nm radius around carrier
2,500ft
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