Here's one for ya...thought someday I'd submit it to Skyhawk Ass'n as a "TINS" tale, but never
did get to it...and now, Brownshoe's pushing me.
I think this event occurred off Yankee Station...circumstances would seem to indicate that...no tankers, no bingo field available...with VA-95 aboard Intrepid in 1966 (Essex Class = Small!)
A couple guys behind me in the pattern...then recovery complete...everything's fine at the 180...except the boat is entering an area of moderate shower activity...turned in, called the ball at the appropriate position...(>460 traps, and do not even remember where that was...just inside the 90, I guess)...make the turn onto final, and as I do, the ship simply
disappears in my rain soaked forward cockpit panel!! Can not discern
anything directly in front of the jet
.
OK, we're in an A4B...A, B, and C all utilized an electric windscreen wiper to clear forward vision...I never recall needing it before now!! I executed a self generated easy going' waveoff, explained to paddles why, started groping around for the applicable circuit breaker (lower panel, outboard of right leg, IIRC). So, exercise the wiper switch, recycle the CB...(all to no avail), while turning downwind again. Great vis outside the cockpit...except straight ahead!! Begin second pass (I'm now the only A/C in flight)...call the ball at the ninety or so...turn onto final, and lose everything again...forward vis is ZERO, with moderate to heavy rain smearing all vision to the front.
Execute another self initiated wave off...
now paddles sounds pizzed off...and I became somewhat irate myself...as I broadcast my plight in a profanity laced tirade asking the platform WTF would they like...if I can not see the ship to make the approach, I'll continue to wave myself off, rather than driving into the island, or spud locker, and killing everyone in sight!:icon_rage
As I eased gently upwind, followed by an easy turn to downwind, there was a moment or two of radio silence...I imagine the ship's CO, Air Boss, paddles, etc., were discussing the alternatives.
Finally paddles comes up with the following...ship's CO says I'm offered two options...a controlled ejection alongside the boat...
or ...what I'll call a "PCA" (Paddles Controlled Approach)
...the guys will talk me down...all the way down!
Paddles involved were squadron mate and flying partner Lt. Phil G. (later Capt USN Ret.), and Air Wing 10 (?) LSO Lcdr. Herm K. (later with UAL...bumped into Herm in the UAL Pilot's Lounge at ORD years later).
Well, I opted for the latter...we'll attempt a talk down...(had a lot of faith with the guys on the platform)...rolled onto final for the last time...
I believe it was Phil who kept an open mike...softly and gently directed me with very minor corrections...I was never so attuned to an aircraft as I was on this approach...followed Phil's directions, locked a green donut on the AOA indicator...made the minor glide slope and line up directions as precisely as possible...but still "tightened up" a bit as I got close in...
Simultaneously with peripherally seeing the round down race by, heard Phil shout six words...
LAND IT!! LAND IT!! LAND IT!!
And so I did. Thank God for great LSOs, calm seas, and steady decks!!
The adrenaline dump was long past by this time, so I made it
unaided down to the Ready Room :icon_wink...awaiting the inevitable LSO debrief with the other guys on the recovery. Upon their arrival, I was the last to be commented on:
"Banty...OK 3!" And they were off...I was to rattled to ask what wire I really caught!!
Another of my very
few A4 adventures here:
http://www.skyhawk.org/
Scroll down the right side to "TINS" tales...read "Gliding Home"...(the webmasters title; not mine!)
