The jet was still in the wires, so entire arresting gear wire was still attached to the hook. That's a precarious situation for guys to be behind the jet at that point.
Actually, it was only the cross deck pendant (CDP) that was connected to the hook point and it looked like the AGO gave 'em a longer than normal pull back (speculating that was to aid crash and salvage with their positioning). After the pull back you can see the hook point relax to the deck indicating slack in the CDP. As long as the AGO didn't initiate further pull back the dudes should have been safe.
I've never been a shooter (or AGO).... So if I'm totally jacked up, please correct me - but I think I'm right![]()
Dude, I don't know what "they" said to those guys, but they've reall changed their acts. Z and D 2.0 are just ghostly shells of their former selves. Still the hardest, but nowhere near where they were when I got here, there's a new site manager who's a former commodore, and some have retired altogether.
Similar situation in TW4. Lots of recently retired IPs coming online and more supervision of the "tough" instructors.
That's kind of humorous.....not sure how the multiengine IP's were, but the T-34 sim guys were like gentle old grandfathers compared to a few of the guys in Meridian. And that includes the "4 horsemen" of Corpus
In a situation like the Hornet's, what criteria help you decide between bringing it back to the boat and putting it in the water?
Your swimming ability?
In all seriousness, I can't think of a single EP that would make me think "I'm just going to try to ride this one into the drink". As long as there isn't an uncontained fire eating the ass end of the airplane, it'll do just fine getting aboard single engine. If that's not possible, I'd much rather pull the party handle and get out than try to ditch.
Is there anyone on this board thats had to take that ride. Im curious their perspective on that oh shit moment. Also makes me wonder about those times the aircraft kept flying after the Pilot punched out. oops?
Roger that; the decision of 'when to eject' should ALWAYS be made on the ground. It's that kind of heads-up preparation that will keep you alive ...... That decision was made long before that particular mission was ever flown.:hot_125:
BzB :bigeyes_1