CARRIER OPERATIONS
What is Carrier Operations
The flight deck crew of a USN aircraft carrier can launch two aircraft and land one every 37 seconds in daylight, and one per minute at night. This course introduces Cadets to the excitement and complexities of conducting flight operations from the confined space of a carrier deck, most of which occurs without radios, primarily using hand signals. Cadets will learn the Flight Deck Rainbow and the teamwork necessary to safely choreograph operations by assuming specific team roles that include Shooters, Plane Captains, Landing Signalman Enlisted and Aviation Ordnancemen. They will become familiar with and wear flight deck helmets, float vests and use signal wands, while they execute flight deck hand signals specific to their roles. They will learn the history of the carrier, carrier and air wing organization, flight deck locations and names, and operate a life size carrier “Ouija Board” to move and keep track of aircraft. Navy training films and carrier videos will provide a true sense of the “Controlled Chaos.” The training culminates with Cadets working as a team to create and execute an expedited Air Campaign to launch and recover aircraft in support of a mock mission. Our special guest, a former F-14 Tomcat pilot, will join us to facilitate the Air Plan exercise.