Participated in an RAF briefing onboard the USS Carl Vinson back in the day and had the very good fortune to spend an hour up on deck with the US Navy providing escort throughout. A real pleasure to stand in the LSO Platform with F14s, F18s and E2B(?) land during a dusk recovery. A real pleasure to watch these guys at work close up and to witness how professional they are. Happy memories.
Holy cow now that is absolutely awesome. No joke. Make a video of yourself talking about this. This needs to be known by other airplane nerd friends forever
The Arresting Gear Officer, over on the starboard side aft across from the LSOs, controls the Clear Deck Foul Deck signal with a dead mans switch, it’s green if he holds the switch trigger, goes red if he lets go. He determines if the deck is foul (Red) or clear (Green).
Came by this by chance, been watching aircraft carriers for a while and trying to understand the complexity of the very many components. Brilliant video and explanations thanks. Stay safe from France.
Great info! As a Tiger on Saratoga's last cruise in 1994, I was invited to stand next to the LSO officer during afternoon landings one day. Got some great photos, almost peed my pants, and learned to appreciate the amazing ballet dancing that takes place with every cat shot and trap. Amazing to watch.
I can't think of anything else to say other than absolutely amazing. Every single second counts and makes for a life lived truly on the edge. Many thanks, Jell-O for this hugely interesting insight into the world of the LSO. I'm learning more and more the more I watch!
Wonderful explanations of events in the lso world. Several years ago I had the opportunity to be flown aboard the Nimitz and spent two days observing ops; Was able to spend a short time in the lso area and found it simply fascinating. Keep up your great work.
Good stuff. Everyone notice the wake of the ship. Really nice line. In another video the wake was a little crooked. This is a result of experience at the helm. I got a chance to drive the Lincoln. It's a lot harder than you'd think.
I have a remote control F/A-18C Blue Angel and a 400 foot paved runway to land on. So I have a narrow window to hit in order to make the landing without running off the end. I have no arresting wire, brakes or parachute to slow me down only full flaps. My plane is to scale so it has narrow landing gear and the wings will strike the ground if it is turned much while slowing down after touchdown. It reminds me of carrier landings. On takeoff I am rotating at about 1/2 to 2/3 down the runway... Most landings I am rolling to a stop close to the end of the 400 feet.
I wish everyone could experience and therefore understand the unimaginable amount of effort, planning and management that’s required to achieve the high level of cohesive teamwork seen in many military operations. We are looking at a small fragment of what’s being done to recover a screaming jet every 45-60 seconds. I was on the Army side on an ODA in 7th Special Forces Group deploying to fight every 6 months for a decade. 6 months deployed, 6 months recovery/train up. That side of town is always way more situationally chaotic, but the payoff of train, train, train, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse turns chaos into manageable and predictable action. If more people were apart of something like this, it’d be a better world. Thanks for what you do.
Not appreciated nearly enough just how much responsibility these guys carry on their shoulders every time they step out onto the deck,and how much very real danger they face. These men and women are carrying lives with them every day. And they do it while laughing and joking,and making it all look so easy. The reality could not be more different or serious.
I was Ships Company onboard HMS Hermes 1969/71 and worked on the flight deck DLPS (Deck Landing Projection Sights). Always great to see a pilot and aircraft land safely back aboard, and a privilege to have exercised with the USS Forrestal in the Mediterranean.
They tend to be the best ball flyers. Not always, but usually. I read an interesting book that was a collection of stories about pilots. One Navy A-6 Aviator was a nugget and dreamed of eventually becoming an LSO. He said during one of his first ten traps on his deployment he got really low and saw the ball fall and turn red. He narrowly avoided a ramp strike. He landed in front of the first wire and got a "No Grade Taxi One-Wire."
I think about all the decades covering most of the last century plus 2 decades of the 21st Century of continual carrier operations and the cumulative lessons-learned over that time. Many have paid with their lives, and now each new generation stands on those shoulders...getting better and more refined as we move forward as the only true super power on earth. You get a lot of clarity through contrast when you watch other nations try to project power with a lone carrier like the Russians did in the Med, losing 2 fighters within 2 weeks of each other in daylight, good conditions, with divert fields in Syria only 50nm away. We truly enjoy a position of naval dominance that is historically unprecedented. Being able to launch and recover with regularity like this is fundamental to that capability. I wonder if there was a noticeable sortie rate increase with the Hornet era vs Tomcat/legacy mix of the past?
I have been looking for you guys for quite a while! I always see the videos that show carrier ops, but not real information about what is happening. This is GREAT! I think U haver a real winner here! Keep up the good work! A BIG SALUTE to all of U for your service to our country!
Shooters are ship's company officers in Air Department, V2 division. They are all pilots on their ship's company tour. They use charts and instruments to verify wind speed and direction, aircraft weight and steam valve settings and then verify signals from beacons, director, checkers, catapult operators, and finally the pilot before giving the launch signal. During rough weather, they also time the pitch of the deck to ensure the catapult strokes out when the bow is high instead of shooting through a wave.
Oh yeah, I forgot. The waist cat shooter also becomes the arresting gear officer after primary announces, "Wrap the waist, make a ready deck." Then he ensures all catapult equipment is stowed, the cat 4 shuttle is aft, the cat 3 shuttle is aft with shuttleback installed. Cat 3 slot buttons are installed and secure. Waist bubble is down. He then proceeds to the arresting gear pit to act as AGO for recovery.
The funniest thing on the Flight deck, is watching the Zeros dive into the escape netting located directly to their left, then watching the A/C take the 3 wire.
If the pilot flies a perfect approach heading toward an OK3, the hook can still skip over the wire and result in a bolter or 4 wire. Describe the grade in this case.
So a few questions that come to mind. 1. What is the rectangular hole in the back of the float coats? I assume to keep the coat from billowing in the wind? 2. How many CAG Paddles are there? If one has to be on deck for each recovery, must be more than one. 3. Do both the controlling LSO (power calls) and the backup LSO (lineup) calls talk to the pilot? I assume so. Retired squadron maintenance type - sorry for getting down in the details.
Great video. Don't mean to be obtuse, but what are those instruments apparently with triggers that two LSOs are holding above their heads? It was mentioned that they hold them up because the deck is foul. But I didn't catch what those things attached to cables actually do. Thank you.
That device allows LSOs to engage the red "wave off" lights or the green "cut" lights. The red tells the pilot to go around, the green is used daytime ziplip for "roger ball" the first time and then "power" subsequent times.
Great video. Thank you for posting . I just subscribed. Question. Since they are aviators, do the LSOs keep their flight hours and carrier quals up to date?
Great vid Guys. Really interesting stuff. just a quickie, maybe a silly question but when paddles are holding their hands up to signal a foul deck. Who are they signalling? Surely not the pilot. So who?
Jell-O: Is that you as the LSO on Matt Wagner's new video? It starts around 8 minutes 30 seconds. th-cam.com/video/llLNMjgLCYU/w-d-xo.html If so, that is so cool that y'all published on the same day!
In the original “Landing Signal Officer - Waving Part 1”, at the 7:30 mark, (th-cam.com/video/ZyMtZKlls18/w-d-xo.html ) the jet sounds like it bolters, and the book writer and backup LSO both suddenly go right. I’m assuming that the book writer is going behind the screen to get out of the jet wash, and the backup LSO wants to see around the screen to see if the jet got off ok. Is this right? I know it’s not shown in this video, but comments are turned off in the original. Thanks!
I also thought that landing would be commented on this video but it wasn't . Also they all look concerned and after watching this video and learning that there're two TV screens, I saw the original video again watching at the TV screens. You can see how the plane veers to the right (to its left) right when it touches the runway. I suppose there was a gust of wind and the pilot did a last second turn around, but it looks like something very close to a big crash.
@@almarma Thanks, I never thought to try to see what's on the screens, but you can see the black shadow of the plane, definitely didn't go down the center line.
Great informative video...thanks!. One question, what is the paddle guy furthest out on the deck calling, or shouting out...? I've seen and heard it on another video but can't make out what is being said...? Many thanks, Steve
Great insight to how this team works together, thanks! Curious as to what may have gone askew around the 6:10 mark. Did the Green Deck show up too late for the Pilot and they turned off the approach? The two LSO's were not in sync. The Senior raised her arm while the other seemed busy watching the bird, with his arm down.....
@@FighterPilotPodcast Hmmh, sounds like a glitch. The original video runs for 9+ minutes (the second link in your description). Around the 7:30 mark in that same video is a Bolter... Thanks!
on the video that referred me here, they had audio..and the deck watcher was almost voicing a chant when he has his hands up, and right before he taps the main LSO on the back..is that his style or is the watcher voicing a command or alert? just a supremely enjoyable video with expert input...it is amazing at how many nonpilots are so enthused with naval/carrier ops..i can attest to this fascination..when i was in med school Top Gun swept through us geeks like no other movie then..or since..thanks Jell-O..
They have certain 'best practices' that help them perform their jobs safely. Some of that is, unfortunately, borne out of the tragedy of when an EA-6B was allowed to approach too closely with an S-3 still in the landing area.
During the Cold War and probably now but less often, the Russians and I suppose now China have trawler ships nearby recording electronic emissions and taking video and photos. Now, Trump’s family and friends probably just sell the info.
In the original video, comments are disabled. So I had a lot of unanswered questions. At that point, TH-cam algorithm read my mind as usual and brought me here.
@@FighterPilotPodcast I remember this because this was shot right around the time the ship I was stationed on was getting ready to depart for it's farewell cruise
@@FighterPilotPodcast The video mentions headsets (which they're holding up to their ears) and there's something else in their other hands. 8:34 - It's said about their hand signal, but not specifically what that device they're holding is and how it works. At 9:58 you ask about that guy, but what does he specifically yell? It sounds like something that another dude in the same position in another video yells, but I couldn't make out the words. Love the rest of the video though. Very informative nonetheless.
@@SubtlyAggressive It's the "pickle" that has the cut and waveoff buttons. Swore Dud and I covered it but maybe not. The other guy is calling the status of the flight deck as clear or fouled.
When landing on a pitching deck, does the pilot fly a straight descent to the anticipated height of the deck at touchdown, or do they fly a roller coaster always adjusting to the pitching deck? This seems like a nightmare to coordinate the plane, the LSO, and the pilot.
As far as I am aware. You would fly the plane down as if the deck was normal. And about 10 seconds from touch down you'd begin adjusting for the pitching deck. Not a naviator just looked into it for awhile. And I've done my fair share of carrier ops in DCS World in the Belsimtek F-18. Dunno if it's completely accurate but that seems to be more consistent for me. That and the Carriers in DCS don't pitch near as bad as they can in real life as of now. Soon enough though.. So grain of salt and all that.
Very informative! With names changed to protect the innocent, it would be great to hear a debrief with the pilot. Second best would be a simulated debrief.
Great video, thank you very much. I do have a question if I may ask? If a plane is disabled in some way, is the main goal I trust just getting the plane back on the deck, and forget the grading, or am I mistaken?
Gentlemen, what I don't get is that I understand that the pilots are told to go to full power in case they have to go around again. But, if they do that, how does the aircraft slow down enough to stop?
@@FighterPilotPodcast - I've watched it twice, and no, I didn't hear you guys talk about them. You circled one of the LSO's right hands at one point while she was holding it up with the device, but all you said was if they hold their hands up, that's their signal that the deck is foul. I was thinking you would talk about the devices at that point, but didn't hear it. A reason I'm curious is I remember years ago watching a feature show about management of aircraft carriers, and I remember it talking about these devices that LSOs use, but I don't remember what was said about them. Are these devices a toggle for the deck edge status light, to change it between green and red?
I had hoped you would get to the third F/A-18 in the second video at 6:05. It approaches, but then flies by and makes another approach. Do you know why it did not land on the first approach? (edit: oh, I see somebody else asked already...)
What happens at night ? It must be extremely difficult for the shooter to verify that the green person hooks up the catapult, and see the signal ? Let alone for the pilot to actually see the signals ? Is the entire deck lit up at night, which would be hard to believe particularly if being attacked ?
2 people on the coms. are they both on coms with the one pilot? There must be a coms operator somewhere who switches to the next plane, correct? What are the handheld "triggers" that the FVA-81 and the other guy has?
So I was able to find the second video that you showed here, and near the end there was a sound coming from the wire and the LSOs all ducked. What I wanted to know was that a sound of a bolter or was the a sound of a wire snapping?
I wonder that the paddle guys are so unprotected. I asume when planes with combat damage come in, one of thoose planes one day could hit that position.
Good video :) If you never have, check out the "Peninsula seniors" videos listed on the right of the screen on this video. Great Talks by aviation veterans astronaut and Engineers. Hosted at the western museum of flight in Torrance, Los Angeles, which Is worth a visit.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Yes, having followed and watched most of the videos on that particular channel they are really good and excellent viewing for any aviation fan 👍 😀
'V" stands for fixed wing. 'F' stands for Fighter. 'A' stands for Attack. In the past there were separate fighter and attack squadrons. Fighter squadrons (VF) flew CAP (Combat Air Patrol) missions to protect the ship and assault missions. Attack (VA) squadrons were tasked with delivering ordnance on enemy positions. Generally speaking, attack aircraft were not equiped to engage an attacking enemy aircraft attacking them and were less maneurvable than fighter aircraft. Beginning with the F/A-18 the Navy sought to combine the abilities of both fighter and attack aircraft into a single platform that could fight its way into and out of the the target and deliver a significant payload of ordnance at the same time. No question is a dumb question if you are seeking knowledge.
@@JGW845 👍👍 You'll notice that V also in the name of the ship too. CVN-74 carrier, fixed wing, nuclear. F was already taken by fighters. LHD would be L for amphibious assault ship (landing marines on beach), H for helicopter and other VSTOL, and D for dock (has a well deck for boat and LCAC operations).
Sorry if my question isn’t perfect… Are the LSOs only made up of jet pilots or are they made up of other pilots from other than the jet platform (helicopters or turboprop)? Thank you!
Helicopters use an LSE. Landing Signal Enlisted uses hand signals to guide the helicopter to the spot assigned by the Helicopter Control Officer (usually the Air Boss or Mini Boss during the day's flight schedule). After hours, the HCOs can be shooters or squadron guys but I (an enlisted guy) was even qualified and CO signed off on both Reagan and Iwo Jima.
Participated in an RAF briefing onboard the USS Carl Vinson back in the day and had the very good fortune to spend an hour up on deck with the US Navy providing escort throughout. A real pleasure to stand in the LSO Platform with F14s, F18s and E2B(?) land during a dusk recovery. A real pleasure to watch these guys at work close up and to witness how professional they are. Happy memories.
Holy cow now that is absolutely awesome. No joke. Make a video of yourself talking about this. This needs to be known by other airplane nerd friends forever
The Arresting Gear Officer, over on the starboard side aft across from the LSOs, controls the Clear Deck Foul Deck signal with a dead mans switch, it’s green if he holds the switch trigger, goes red if he lets go. He determines if the deck is foul (Red) or clear (Green).
Came by this by chance, been watching aircraft carriers for a while and trying to understand the complexity of the very many components. Brilliant video and explanations thanks. Stay safe from France.
Thanks, Richard!
Great info! As a Tiger on Saratoga's last cruise in 1994, I was invited to stand next to the LSO officer during afternoon landings one day. Got some great photos, almost peed my pants, and learned to appreciate the amazing ballet dancing that takes place with every cat shot and trap. Amazing to watch.
I can't think of anything else to say other than absolutely amazing. Every single second counts and makes for a life lived truly on the edge. Many thanks, Jell-O for this hugely interesting insight into the world of the LSO. I'm learning more and more the more I watch!
🙏
Wonderful explanations of events in the lso world. Several years ago I had the opportunity to be flown aboard the Nimitz and spent two days observing ops; Was able to spend a short time in the lso area and found it simply fascinating. Keep up your great work.
Will do 🤩
Good stuff. Everyone notice the wake of the ship. Really nice line. In another video the wake was a little crooked. This is a result of experience at the helm. I got a chance to drive the Lincoln. It's a lot harder than you'd think.
I have a remote control F/A-18C Blue Angel and a 400 foot paved runway to land on.
So I have a narrow window to hit in order to make the landing without running off the end.
I have no arresting wire, brakes or parachute to slow me down only full flaps. My plane is to scale so it has narrow landing gear and the wings will strike the ground if it is turned much while slowing down after touchdown. It reminds me of carrier landings.
On takeoff I am rotating at about 1/2 to 2/3 down the runway...
Most landings I am rolling to a stop close to the end of the 400 feet.
Great stuff! Thanks Jell-O and Fitz!
I wish everyone could experience and therefore understand the unimaginable amount of effort, planning and management that’s required to achieve the high level of cohesive teamwork seen in many military operations. We are looking at a small fragment of what’s being done to recover a screaming jet every 45-60 seconds. I was on the Army side on an ODA in 7th Special Forces Group deploying to fight every 6 months for a decade. 6 months deployed, 6 months recovery/train up. That side of town is always way more situationally chaotic, but the payoff of train, train, train, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse turns chaos into manageable and predictable action. If more people were apart of something like this, it’d be a better world. Thanks for what you do.
Not appreciated nearly enough just how much responsibility these guys carry on their shoulders every time they step out onto the deck,and how much very real danger they face. These men and women are carrying lives with them every day. And they do it while laughing and joking,and making it all look so easy. The reality could not be more different or serious.
I learn more from your videos then anywhere else. Excellent stuff.
Thanks!
I was Ships Company onboard HMS Hermes 1969/71 and worked on the flight deck DLPS (Deck Landing Projection Sights). Always great to see a pilot and aircraft land safely back aboard, and a privilege to have exercised with the USS Forrestal in the Mediterranean.
I never knew lso’s were pilots. Learn something new everyday!
They tend to be the best ball flyers. Not always, but usually. I read an interesting book that was a collection of stories about pilots. One Navy A-6 Aviator was a nugget and dreamed of eventually becoming an LSO. He said during one of his first ten traps on his deployment he got really low and saw the ball fall and turn red. He narrowly avoided a ramp strike. He landed in front of the first wire and got a "No Grade Taxi One-Wire."
First time viewer. Very informative. Great discussion and explanations of people on the deck and equipment used. Thank you very much for sharing.
I think about all the decades covering most of the last century plus 2 decades of the 21st Century of continual carrier operations and the cumulative lessons-learned over that time. Many have paid with their lives, and now each new generation stands on those shoulders...getting better and more refined as we move forward as the only true super power on earth.
You get a lot of clarity through contrast when you watch other nations try to project power with a lone carrier like the Russians did in the Med, losing 2 fighters within 2 weeks of each other in daylight, good conditions, with divert fields in Syria only 50nm away.
We truly enjoy a position of naval dominance that is historically unprecedented. Being able to launch and recover with regularity like this is fundamental to that capability.
I wonder if there was a noticeable sortie rate increase with the Hornet era vs Tomcat/legacy mix of the past?
Excellent - thanks guys; so good to hear it from those who flew it, cheers.
Thanks for being awesome currently on episode 55
There is a reason Navel Aviators are the best in the world. Great breakdown.
Naval
Yep. This is what separates the Navy and Marines from the Air Force.
I have been looking for you guys for quite a while! I always see the videos that show carrier ops, but not real information about what is happening. This is GREAT! I think U haver a real winner here! Keep up the good work! A BIG SALUTE to all of U for your service to our country!
Thanks, another great episode. Love to hear from shooters at some point.
Shooters are ship's company officers in Air Department, V2 division. They are all pilots on their ship's company tour. They use charts and instruments to verify wind speed and direction, aircraft weight and steam valve settings and then verify signals from beacons, director, checkers, catapult operators, and finally the pilot before giving the launch signal. During rough weather, they also time the pitch of the deck to ensure the catapult strokes out when the bow is high instead of shooting through a wave.
Oh yeah, I forgot. The waist cat shooter also becomes the arresting gear officer after primary announces, "Wrap the waist, make a ready deck." Then he ensures all catapult equipment is stowed, the cat 4 shuttle is aft, the cat 3 shuttle is aft with shuttleback installed. Cat 3 slot buttons are installed and secure. Waist bubble is down. He then proceeds to the arresting gear pit to act as AGO for recovery.
I love this channel. I’m a former Aviation Machinist Mate and plane captain.
Welcome, Larry!
yes.. i was trying to make your youtube player full screen with mine already on full screen.
Wow this is an awsome Chanel! Glad I found it!! Very informative!! Love carrier operations!!
Welcome!
The funniest thing on the Flight deck, is watching the Zeros dive into the escape netting located directly to their left, then watching the A/C take the 3 wire.
I have never flown anything besides kites as a child but this was really interesting.
Thank you for video! Big Salute! To you guy’s who do this every Day.😎👍🏾
I see the VFA-81 on her float coat that was my sister Squadron when I was in the navy back in the 80's I was with VFA-83 Rampagers...
#respect
If the pilot flies a perfect approach heading toward an OK3, the hook can still skip over the wire and result in a bolter or 4 wire. Describe the grade in this case.
The would call that an OK circle 3, same as if the hook were up for a touch & go.
I love how much it looks like an actual hornet coming in to land. The Bug! So cool.
Fascinating. I didn’t realise these folks were pilots. 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧
So a few questions that come to mind.
1. What is the rectangular hole in the back of the float coats? I assume to keep the coat from billowing in the wind?
2. How many CAG Paddles are there? If one has to be on deck for each recovery, must be more than one.
3. Do both the controlling LSO (power calls) and the backup LSO (lineup) calls talk to the pilot? I assume so.
Retired squadron maintenance type - sorry for getting down in the details.
Sure thing, Lyndon...
1. Don't know, but always wondered that myself.
2. 2-3
3. Yes
Great video. Don't mean to be obtuse, but what are those instruments apparently with triggers that two LSOs are holding above their heads? It was mentioned that they hold them up because the deck is foul. But I didn't catch what those things attached to cables actually do. Thank you.
That device allows LSOs to engage the red "wave off" lights or the green "cut" lights. The red tells the pilot to go around, the green is used daytime ziplip for "roger ball" the first time and then "power" subsequent times.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thank you
Love a good peninsula seniors video
I’m very impressive to see that, it’s a very great video, love it, Thanks for sharing this
CAG 17 is currently Nimitz strike group but depending on when this video was shot, it could have been Carl Vinson.
I am surprised y'all didn't explain what button they're holding and what it does.
Great video. Thank you for posting . I just subscribed. Question. Since they are aviators, do the LSOs keep their flight hours and carrier quals up to date?
Yes. They alternate flying and "waving" duties.
The funny thing is that Hornet Vids just posted their video today around the same time as this video was posted to day
No coincidence. He told me he decided to go public after this video.
@@FighterPilotPodcast oh
Great video, thank you for the explanation.
17:38 What is the LSO calling out when they're looking for a clear deck?
Great vid Guys. Really interesting stuff. just a quickie, maybe a silly question but when paddles are holding their hands up to signal a foul deck. Who are they signalling? Surely not the pilot. So who?
Themselves, collectively.
It always fascinates me to see the dudes on the flight deck who DON'T look up to watch the trap.
Jell-O: Is that you as the LSO on Matt Wagner's new video? It starts around 8 minutes 30 seconds.
th-cam.com/video/llLNMjgLCYU/w-d-xo.html
If so, that is so cool that y'all published on the same day!
Great stuff!!!
great vid as always : )
In the original “Landing Signal Officer - Waving Part 1”, at the 7:30 mark, (th-cam.com/video/ZyMtZKlls18/w-d-xo.html ) the jet sounds like it bolters, and the book writer and backup LSO both suddenly go right. I’m assuming that the book writer is going behind the screen to get out of the jet wash, and the backup LSO wants to see around the screen to see if the jet got off ok. Is this right? I know it’s not shown in this video, but comments are turned off in the original. Thanks!
I also thought that landing would be commented on this video but it wasn't . Also they all look concerned and after watching this video and learning that there're two TV screens, I saw the original video again watching at the TV screens. You can see how the plane veers to the right (to its left) right when it touches the runway. I suppose there was a gust of wind and the pilot did a last second turn around, but it looks like something very close to a big crash.
@@almarma Thanks, I never thought to try to see what's on the screens, but you can see the black shadow of the plane, definitely didn't go down the center line.
Great informative video...thanks!. One question, what is the paddle guy furthest out on the deck calling, or shouting out...? I've seen and heard it on another video but can't make out what is being said...? Many thanks, Steve
If you're talking about the guy who's facing the other way, looking up the flight deck--he's calling whether the landing area is clear or foul.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thanks, appreciate your response 👍. I'm hoping to visit the Queen Elizabeth carrier when she returns to Portsmouth. Steve
What are those trigger things the LSOs have in their right hands? Great vid!!
Great insight to how this team works together, thanks!
Curious as to what may have gone askew around the 6:10 mark.
Did the Green Deck show up too late for the Pilot and they turned off the approach?
The two LSO's were not in sync. The Senior raised her arm while the other seemed busy watching the bird, with his arm down.....
Not sure I understand. The video we are analyzing is frozen at 6:10.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Hmmh, sounds like a glitch.
The original video runs for 9+ minutes (the second link in your description).
Around the 7:30 mark in that same video is a Bolter...
Thanks!
on the video that referred me here, they had audio..and the deck watcher was almost voicing a chant when he has his hands up, and right before he taps the main LSO on the back..is that his style or is the watcher voicing a command or alert? just a supremely enjoyable video with expert input...it is amazing at how many nonpilots are so enthused with naval/carrier ops..i can attest to this fascination..when i was in med school Top Gun swept through us geeks like no other movie then..or since..thanks Jell-O..
They have certain 'best practices' that help them perform their jobs safely. Some of that is, unfortunately, borne out of the tragedy of when an EA-6B was allowed to approach too closely with an S-3 still in the landing area.
Surprised that they talk so openly about carrier operations cababilities, like recovery rate etc. Would have guessed that those are confidental.
Nope.
During the Cold War and probably now but less often, the Russians and I suppose now China have trawler ships nearby recording electronic emissions and taking video and photos. Now, Trump’s family and friends probably just sell the info.
Very interesting and informative. What about helicopters? Do they have LSOs and their own grading?
LSEs (landing signal enlistedmen) and, no.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thanks for the quick reply!
@@brianclayton1875 Sure thing. Sitting here catching up on stuff anyway. 👍
Great video....It's a pity you don't have french subtitles (i don't understand everything)....
Wonderful! BZ!!
In the original video, comments are disabled. So I had a lot of unanswered questions. At that point, TH-cam algorithm read my mind as usual and brought me here.
Hope we answer them all!
@@FighterPilotPodcast You kidding? You guys answered questions I didn’t even know I had. Great video 👍
@@MrGilRoland 🤣
New subscriber here. Great video 😎👍
Fabulous video. A question, what is that thing LSOs have in their hands? Like a trigger for something? I can´t figure it out!
We cover that in this video
I don't know if you have done so, but can you talk about what it's like to take off and land on pitching deck.
th-cam.com/video/4gGMI8d3vLs/w-d-xo.html
@@FighterPilotPodcast I remember this because this was shot right around the time the ship I was stationed on was getting ready to depart for it's farewell cruise
Laughed seeing the Zap in the video.. my old squadron! Who said Sunliner?
What are the LSO's holding in their hand? And what was the other guy yelling before the F18 came in?
Did we not cover all that in this video?
@@FighterPilotPodcast The video mentions headsets (which they're holding up to their ears) and there's something else in their other hands. 8:34 - It's said about their hand signal, but not specifically what that device they're holding is and how it works.
At 9:58 you ask about that guy, but what does he specifically yell? It sounds like something that another dude in the same position in another video yells, but I couldn't make out the words. Love the rest of the video though. Very informative nonetheless.
@@SubtlyAggressive It's the "pickle" that has the cut and waveoff buttons. Swore Dud and I covered it but maybe not.
The other guy is calling the status of the flight deck as clear or fouled.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thanks
When landing on a pitching deck, does the pilot fly a straight descent to the anticipated height of the deck at touchdown, or do they fly a roller coaster always adjusting to the pitching deck? This seems like a nightmare to coordinate the plane, the LSO, and the pilot.
As far as I am aware. You would fly the plane down as if the deck was normal. And about 10 seconds from touch down you'd begin adjusting for the pitching deck. Not a naviator just looked into it for awhile. And I've done my fair share of carrier ops in DCS World in the Belsimtek F-18. Dunno if it's completely accurate but that seems to be more consistent for me. That and the Carriers in DCS don't pitch near as bad as they can in real life as of now. Soon enough though.. So grain of salt and all that.
Great info. Thanks.
Very informative! With names changed to protect the innocent, it would be great to hear a debrief with the pilot. Second best would be a simulated debrief.
Great video, thank you very much. I do have a question if I may ask? If a plane is disabled in some way, is the main goal I trust just getting the plane back on the deck, and forget the grading, or am I mistaken?
The LSOs may still grade the pass but it is secondary to safely recovering the distressed aircraft.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Ok, thank you very much for getting back to me. Take care.
Gentlemen, what I don't get is that I understand that the pilots are told to go to full power in case they have to go around again.
But, if they do that, how does the aircraft slow down enough to stop?
The arresting gear mechanisms pull the aircraft to a stop even if the pilot selects full afterburner.
I've been trying to find out, what is the "trigger-like" device that a couple of the LSO's are holding in their right hands, and what is it for?
Didn’t we address that in this video?
@@FighterPilotPodcast - I've watched it twice, and no, I didn't hear you guys talk about them. You circled one of the LSO's right hands at one point while she was holding it up with the device, but all you said was if they hold their hands up, that's their signal that the deck is foul. I was thinking you would talk about the devices at that point, but didn't hear it.
A reason I'm curious is I remember years ago watching a feature show about management of aircraft carriers, and I remember it talking about these devices that LSOs use, but I don't remember what was said about them.
Are these devices a toggle for the deck edge status light, to change it between green and red?
It looks like the LSO spot wouldn't be a good place to be in the event of a ramp strike. Sorta like being the head pin in a bowling alley.
True. Thankfully that is very rare.
I had hoped you would get to the third F/A-18 in the second video at 6:05. It approaches, but then flies by and makes another approach. Do you know why it did not land on the first approach? (edit: oh, I see somebody else asked already...)
What happens at night ?
It must be extremely difficult for the shooter to verify that the green person hooks up the catapult, and see the signal ?
Let alone for the pilot to actually see the signals ?
Is the entire deck lit up at night, which would be hard to believe particularly if being attacked ?
Night ops on a carrier are dark and scary--and yet these brave souls do it all the time, usually safely.
Really cool. Is there a penalty on the pilot's grade if he's too long or short in the groove, or just noted in the comments?
Depends on how egregious but, yes, it can alter the pilot's overall grade.
Are the Paddles going to grade the MQ-25 Stingray? That should make for an interesting debrief.
I just talked to a buddy of mine on that. He said they seem to fly a perfect groove with an OK 3 every time.
An armed or surveillance drone is like $30 million equipment so yeah, the joystick operator who is typically rated a pilot would be graded.
are all the LSO's F/A-18 pilots? are there LOS's who are E-2 pilots or (used to be) S-3B etc.
I would think by that all pilots of fixed wing aircraft are able to become an LSO but im not 100% sure to dont take my word for it.
Nadav Friedman every fixed-wing squadron in the air wing has LSOs and they each wave all the different types of aircraft on the carrier.
That was so interesting
6:55 “cougar dabbles.” Old English font not quite gotten right.
Great vid! Just curious, CAG Paddles looks to be an O-3. I thought they were a little more senior. No?
They are generally O-4s. It's possible this guy is just about to promote.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Gotcha. Thanks for the reply, brother! Great vids!
@@jjguerra thanks! 🙏
Most often the squadron LSO's will be Lt's. Those from CAG are likely to be LtCdr.
2 people on the coms. are they both on coms with the one pilot?
There must be a coms operator somewhere who switches to the next plane, correct?
What are the handheld "triggers" that the FVA-81 and the other guy has?
Correct, one for lineup, the other for glideslope. In the daytime they are all on one frequency. At night they switch.
@@FighterPilotPodcast thanks for the info! what are the hand held triggers?
@@AffordBindEquipment We discussed that in the video: light controls.
I guess I missed that...so they control the red and green lights the pilot sees?
@@AffordBindEquipment Correct.
Awesome thanks
The LSO that is doing the timing.. is also hollering/yelling out something.. what is he yelling?
Curious if LSOs will be calling MQ-25s once operational
LSOs are on station for all fixed-wing recoveries, so yes.
So I was able to find the second video that you showed here, and near the end there was a sound coming from the wire and the LSOs all ducked. What I wanted to know was that a sound of a bolter or was the a sound of a wire snapping?
That appeared to be a bolter. (Former S-3 TACCO)
I wonder that the paddle guys are so unprotected. I asume when planes with combat damage come in, one of thoose planes one day could hit that position.
Thanks youtube algorithm I didn't have to look this up
Are landing personnel used for knight landings, I hope this is not a dumb question.
Yes, LSOs are out there anytime a fixed-wing aircraft is landing, day or night.
Oh man you didn’t get to the part where they all ducked cause some jet was turning
Do they ever land down wind?
No.
what was the question about vf-94
?
Err, umm, there were 2 MORE peeps not addressed--the male wearing VFA-22 vest, and a blonde woman (mostly off-screen) wearing VFA-94 vest...?
LSO’s
Not sure if it was covered in the video but what are the things in their hands they hold up connected to all the equipment?
We talk about it
@@FighterPilotPodcast Ah okay, I guess I'm just not understanding then. Thanks anyway.
@@filmbuffturk The one they are holding to their ears is for communication, the other is to control the lights on the landing aid.
What do the buttons do they are holding?
What are they holding in their non-phone hand? Is it just a push to talk?
The controlling LSO holds the "pickle" which has buttons to activate the green "cut lights" (used when comm out) and the red wave off lights.
What are those things they are holding above their heads don’t even know
The LSOs should be mandated the put on a helmet on the flight deck like everyone else
And yet the fact that they don’t have to proves you wrong
Still curious about the Things the LSO's are holding. that a sort of Abort Button?
The "pickle" has a trigger for wave off (red lights) and button for cut (green lights).
I'll tell ya, sir. You forget one simple thing and it's all you hear about. 🤣🤣
@@michaelmappin4425 Par for the course.
@@FighterPilotPodcastI just Googled, "what's the aircraft carrier lso holding."
witch is harder Landing on Aircraft carrier in real life or Top Gun landing Aircraft carrier in the game?
Well, if it goes poorly one can kill you and the other is game over. So you tell me.
Good video :)
If you never have, check out the "Peninsula seniors" videos listed on the right of the screen on this video. Great Talks by aviation veterans astronaut and Engineers.
Hosted at the western museum of flight in Torrance, Los Angeles, which Is worth a visit.
I believe the videos recommended on the right side bar are unique to different viewers based on their past searches and viewing history.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Yes, having followed and watched most of the videos on that particular channel they are really good and excellent viewing for any aviation fan 👍 😀
What is in the hands of the controllers? It looks heavy duty my guess would be a push to talk but it’s pretty heavy duty
Believe my guest and I mention that as part of the video, no?
@@FighterPilotPodcast I was listening for it but I didn’t hear that so are they push to talk only?
@@wills3212 The phone to their ear is for communications; the "pickle" held in the air has buttons to control lights on the landing reference system.
Thank you for that!!
@@wills3212 👍
Sorry for the dumb question but what does VFA stand for??? Always wondered about that.
Collin Smith Navy fixed-wing strike fighter squadron
'V" stands for fixed wing. 'F' stands for Fighter. 'A' stands for Attack. In the past there were separate fighter and attack squadrons. Fighter squadrons (VF) flew CAP (Combat Air Patrol) missions to protect the ship and assault missions. Attack (VA) squadrons were tasked with delivering ordnance on enemy positions. Generally speaking, attack aircraft were not equiped to engage an attacking enemy aircraft attacking them and were less maneurvable than fighter aircraft. Beginning with the F/A-18 the Navy sought to combine the abilities of both fighter and attack aircraft into a single platform that could fight its way into and out of the the target and deliver a significant payload of ordnance at the same time. No question is a dumb question if you are seeking knowledge.
@@JGW845 👍👍 You'll notice that V also in the name of the ship too. CVN-74 carrier, fixed wing, nuclear. F was already taken by fighters. LHD would be L for amphibious assault ship (landing marines on beach), H for helicopter and other VSTOL, and D for dock (has a well deck for boat and LCAC operations).
Sorry if my question isn’t perfect… Are the LSOs only made up of jet pilots or are they made up of other pilots from other than the jet platform (helicopters or turboprop)? Thank you!
Good question. Turboprop: yes, helicopter: no.
Helicopters use an LSE. Landing Signal Enlisted uses hand signals to guide the helicopter to the spot assigned by the Helicopter Control Officer (usually the Air Boss or Mini Boss during the day's flight schedule). After hours, the HCOs can be shooters or squadron guys but I (an enlisted guy) was even qualified and CO signed off on both Reagan and Iwo Jima.
What's the difference between Battle Paddles and just Paddles?
Not sure. Just that it rhymes
In the grading what about a cut pass?
That’s bad.
What is the pat on the back for at 17:40?
Just reinforcement that he is no longer in the previous position.