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Stupid questions about Naval Aviation (Pt 2)

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FrankTheTank

Professional Pot Stirrer
pilot
While many things are academic and NATOPS approved... When you are the last tanker airborne and the ship is ready to move (especially in the confines of the Gulf), The War Hoov gets to test many of those limits.. Been on many late-night, early hooks out of the tanker stack with BRC/Final Bearing changing and quickly... Ya ship was in a turn...

My favorite: Can't see the bow and next thing you know you are in tension... Whoosh you're airborne on the instruments just watching postive rate, wings level and then on guard.. "99, scrub the launch" Check in with departure, "7XX, can you find a hole to tank.." Good times..

Can't believe I remember this stuff since my last night trap was.. BUNO 160600 (4 Dec 99).. Looked in up in logbook...
 

Harrier Dude

Living the dream
I just read through the entire thread, only to realize I missed an opportunity to tell you that you're gay. Which of course you would respond with I suck at being on time. Oh well, I'm sure there will be more opportunities in the future. ;)

So, in other words.......you were late.

Again.:D
 

BigIron

Remotely piloted
pilot
Super Moderator
Contributor
Okay, let's narrow it to FA-18 C/D/E/F, EA-6B, E-2C, C-2A.

Absolutely possible.

Even some with a tailwind. Other folks have stated already that the aircraft needs to be on the lighter side with a relatively low density altitude for ambient conditions.
 

highside7r

Member
None
Continuing the Harrier theme, how much time in the A/A Master mode do you guys actually spend? What "G" limits do you have while yanking and banking in a pure A/A stores config?

For tanking, with the IFR probe what seems so far aft, how difficult is it and have any probes/baskets been snapped off and sucked down the intake?
 

Harrier Dude

Living the dream
Continuing the Harrier theme, how much time in the A/A Master mode do you guys actually spend? What "G" limits do you have while yanking and banking in a pure A/A stores config?

We don't spend all that much time doing air to air. Probably less than 10% of our hours, but that varies from squadron to squadron depending on the emphasis of the CO. That said, it is probably too much time anyway. We have people for that sort of thing....i.e. the USAF.

For tanking, with the IFR probe what seems so far aft, how difficult is it and have any probes/baskets been snapped off and sucked down the intake?

The probe tip, when extended, is actually about even with your head in a fore and aft perspective. It's a terrible design, but once you get the hang of it, it isn't too bad. I'm told it's very similar to the F-4 in that regard (although on the opposite side).

If you rip off the basket, there is a very real danger that it will go down the intake, but I've never seen it happen (fodded engines that is......baskets get ripped off every now and then with no other damage). There have also been instances where the basket has smashed the canopy (resulting in at least one callsign) which is a much greater FOD issue. That's why we don't tank off of "the iron maiden".

The key is to align the probe with the drouge and then drive straight in (accounting for the bow wave). Fencing won't work.

"It puts the probe in the basket or it gets the hose again":eek:
 

exo

Member
I have several stupid questions... I've been looking around for information regarding what a pilot's life is like on a carrier... what is there to do? What are your typical non-flying responsibilities, can you take classes towards a degree while at sea? Do you have limited internet access? Is leave out of the question?

Sorry to be asking asinine questions...
 

Harrier Dude

Living the dream
I'm assuming that you mean during deployment....

I have several stupid questions... I've been looking around for information regarding what a pilot's life is like on a carrier... what is there to do?

Fly....work on your ground job.....eat....sleep....work out....watch porn.....repeat until cruise is over.


What are your typical non-flying responsibilities,

Being a division officer.....waving aircraft......standing duty.....

...can you take classes towards a degree while at sea?

Yes, but pickings are slim. Working toward an undergrad degree is more realistic, but you'll already have one of those.

Do you have limited internet access?

Yes, but it's sloooooooow and intermittent at best.

Is leave out of the question?

Unless it's an emergency (death in the immediate family for example).....yes.

Sorry to be asking asinine questions...

That's what this thread is for.;)
 

exo

Member
I'm assuming that you mean during deployment....



Fly....work on your ground job.....eat....sleep....work out....watch porn.....repeat until cruise is over.




Being a division officer.....waving aircraft......standing duty.....



Yes, but pickings are slim. Working toward an undergrad degree is more realistic, but you'll already have one of those.



Yes, but it's sloooooooow and intermittent at best.



Unless it's an emergency (death in the immediate family for example).....yes.



That's what this thread is for.;)

Thanks for the answers. It's been difficult searching for a real authoritative guide/describe of life on a carrier, I haven't found any good resources (other than this board) online. Anyone else every find anything?
 

hornsfan

happy to be here
pilot
Thanks for the answers. It's been difficult searching for a real authoritative guide/describe of life on a carrier, I haven't found any good resources (other than this board) online. Anyone else every find anything?

Short of sitting down with a winged aviator, this is the best youll find. There are a lot of guys with a lot of experience here. They can answer just about any question you can come up with.
 

CommodoreMid

Whateva! I do what I want!
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
Thanks for the answers. It's been difficult searching for a real authoritative guide/describe of life on a carrier, I haven't found any good resources (other than this board) online. Anyone else every find anything?

Though the film has some issues and doesn't necessarily give you the whole picture of Navy life, I'd suggest you check out the PBS series Carrier. It's on their website and does a decent job showing you a day in the life of people onboard.
 

The Chief

Retired
Contributor
Photo of the Day

F/A-18F from VFA-154. Photo by Skipper of USS Preble.

flyby.jpg
 

Bevo16

Registered User
pilot
What's that Rhino doing without his buddy stores?

This guy is in the proper configuration.

2569555208_3621c7a47b.jpg
 
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