Navy Pilots and Carrier Landings

[daepp]

My buddy's kid is an F18 pilot. He sent me this - I thought many an old salt (or those like me who like to read about them) might like it.


THE ULTIMATE CARRIER BREAK: NASTY SHB



The SHB.

It’s a Navy thing. More, it’s a CV thing, ‘CV’ being the code for carrier, the kind of carrier that has cross-deck pendants and planes with hooks. The ***** Hot Break: if you know what it is, you’re smiling already.

When you hit the fleet and get to the Boat during the day, it’s a completely VFR, no comm (generally) environment. The fast movers marshal overhead at 2,000 feet in twos and fours, gathering from all directions on squadron mates or like aircraft. The rest of the planes stack overhead every thousand feet with the slowest at the top–the mighty and much-loved E-2 Hawkeye. The lower planes hawk the deck, trying to set themselves up to “break the deck.”

It’s an unstated jockeying for position to be the first to leave the overhead stack, drift back behind the ship, turn back in following the wake and hit the break timing it just right so that the landing area goes green as you’re rolling into the groove, just 15-18 seconds from touchdown. Too early and you have to go into the spin pattern, cluttering up the entry for the birds behind you. Definitely inelegant.

Wait too long and the other players in low holding will snake down in front of you for the honor and glory. But if you managed to time it just right, with skill and nerves of steel, you can swoop in for a SHB and get the trifecta; an upgrade on your landing, the thrill of an impromptu air show with all eyes on you, and a little added adrenaline to the cocktail already swirling through your system.

It’s important to know that every carrier landing for the last 50+ years has been graded. Every last one. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands all scored, recorded, tabulated and debriefed. It is art, science and voodoo shaken together, day and night, calm seas and rough–no mercy. Those grades are posted for each squadron member in each of the Ready Rooms for all to see. When you walk into a Ready Room, you glance at the ‘Greenie Board’ and get an instant impression of who is leading the race for the Air Wing Top Ten.


Daylight carrier landing pattern diagram.

It is called the Greenie Board because pilots get a little dot the size of a nickel for each arrested landing. The color for a 4.0, OK pass, which is Above Average, is green. The best pilots have a string of green dots after their names. The rest have some dispersion of yellows, turd browns and reds indicating Fair (3.0), No Grade (2.0) and Wave-Offs (1.0). At the opposite extremes are the OK or OK-Underline (5.0), which is a perfect pass (Or an emergency landing) and the dreaded Cut Pass, which is an unsafe pass which still managed to achieve a landing (0.0).

Carrier landings, day and night, are exercises in repetitive perfection. During each and every approach the pilots strive to fly the perfect pass, one where the plane rolls out perfectly on centerline, at the correct altitude (~250 feet) with the desired rate of decent (~ 700fpm) exactly on speed for optimum AOA (L/D Max). The really good ones roll out with nary a wing wag, dip of the nose or modulations of the throttles.

The LSOs just watch the plane approach, magically appearing bigger by the moment until it smashes onto the deck dragging the hook between the 2- and 3-wires. The Controlling LSO will look at the writer and say something like, “A little high fast start, a little too much power on the comedown, a little fast flat at the ramp. OK pass.” And just like that, another green dot hangs on the Greenie Board for that pilot.



VA-46 Greenie Board

But when you break the deck, there is a little dispensation given for the strict parameters, the unwritten mindset being that with an eye towards being expeditious, and shortening – even if it’s just by a few seconds – the amount of time the carrier must steer a dangerously predictable path into the wind, we are going to give this person a little leeway on the rigid parameters. But just this first person. So naturally, from the pilot’s perspective, it’s a license to steal. As an LSO, I would stand on the platform in eager anticipation with my team, waiting and watching for the first plane to break the deck. The best I ever saw was Nasty Manazir, and really, it’s not even close.


An F-14D Tomcat assigned to the “Tomcatters” of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31), performs a fly by past the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). For over 30 years, the F-14 Tomcat assured U.S. air superiority, playing a key role in ensuring victory and preserving peace around the world. The F-14 Tomcat was removed from service and officially stricken from the inventory in September 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher B. Long (RELEASED)

Nasty perfected the SHB. Distilled it and repeated it with maddening regularity.

His signature maneuver was to approach the Boat at 600 knots and 600 feet. Not all that unusual in and of itself, but Nasty would bring his section of F-14s in 30 degrees inside the wake so that he would have more than 180 degrees to slow down. He would hit the intersection of ship and wake and snap, knife edge over the platform, both saluting and taunting the LSOs who stood slack-jawed with necks craned staring up at him. No plane ever looked more beautiful than the Tomcat in the break, wings pinned back to 68 degrees like a supersonic dart.

Nasty would hit the abeam a little fast and wide, but nailing 600’. He would give the nose one more emphatic reef, slowing down enough to spread the wings and drop the gear. With 90 to go the flaps would be fully deployed and Nasty would be on profile, though still about 20 knots fast. He would roll into the groove a little high and fast, and work it down with such patience and precision that it was a joy to watch. After the inevitable 3-wire, I would turn to the writer with a big smirk and say what I always did, “High fast start, little high fast in the middle. OK pass.”

I loved breaking the deck myself, and the game-within-a-game joust of low holding. But my efforts were a little more all over the board. The one I remember the most was after a particularly successful port call in Hong Kong. Needless to say, I wasn’t at my finest. I managed to time the entry perfectly and hit the stern at 600’, planform over the LSOs just as I intended. From there things got a little squirrely.

I knew I was going to shine when I felt a little gray on the peripheries even though it was only a 6G break. I was *********s and elbows from the moment I hit the abeam till I rolled out behind the ship 20 knots fast and a ball high. Awesome. Five seconds later, in the middle, I was still a ball high but slowing down nicely, though still mentally well behind the plane. As I arrived on-speed, I bunted the nose just slightly to nudge the ball down to center. But I was late adding a little power to catch it.


An F-14D Tomcat prepares for an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt as the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto conducts plane guard duties, in the Persian Gulf, Jan. 6, 2006. Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing 8 were underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird

It was as if a trap door opened under my big, beautiful Tomcat. The LSOs were way ahead of me with a “Power to catch it” call, but I didn’t heed them in time. In close I went from a ball high to a ball low and still sinking as I slammed into the deck, skipped the 1 and snagged the 2-wire. As I raised the flaps and pinned back the wings taxiing into the de-arm area, my RIO – Mongo Monger – said, “Well at least they know we’re here.” Our Ready Room was directly under the 1-wire.

Later the LSOs came by to debrief the passes. Mine was spot on, “High fast start, high in the middle, not enough power on comedown in close, low at the ramp. No grade.” I had nothing to say about the pass, but “What about the upgrade for breaking the deck?” They all laughed as they walked out of the Ready Room, “That was an upgrade!”

Ah well, any landing you can walk away from…

[madcorgi]

Awesome video. I love the F14.

I worked with a guy who flew A4s and had hundreds of carrier landings in that roller skate. One night at the bar I asked him how he managed to land such a tiny little airplane on a carrier in high seas. He said "Easy! I just imagine it's a pussy!"

[masraum]

Great write-up, and entertaining read.

My dad was in the Navy (not a pilot) and I spent many years in and around bases with planes and that serviced planes that spent time on carriers so the Navy and planes and military are part of me.

[svandamme]

Get Hoser here SHOOT!
The story of Joe "Hoser" Satrapa



Navy pilots that got trained by him are still pround to say "Hoser trained", him and Dale "snort" Snodgrass were living legends (hoser passed away now)

The book is full of stories like above and wilder.. And they are reputed to be all true.

Like how over vietnam his wingman got shot up.. ejected.. and the plane kept going without its pilot.
So Hoser shot down that Crusader.. his answer : a kill is a kill.

Then moved on to Vigilante because he was the best behind the boat.
Didn't like Vigi's as that's not a real fighter.

End up retiring.. and the SecNav had to haggle to get him to come back as TopGun instructor..

On his first flight in an F14.. he did a dogfight against the then best F14 pilot.. and got guns on him in 60 or so seconds.. then he repeated it a few times more.

During AIM9L eval he went up for 2v2 against 2 eagles.
his wingman had tech difficulties.. so he went up alone
did radio chatter with his own rio to pretend to be with 2..

Eagles broke there neck looking for the second Tomcat.. He gunned both Eagles.

Then they wanted a rematch when they found out he was alone
Gunned em a second time.

On debrief he pretended to be a 2nd lt nugget.. vs the Eagles where one of them was a full bird colonel....


Hoser got chewed out a number of times for SHB's over Nellis. where USAF didn't allow it
Nellis base cmdr : Why did you do a 600 knot break?
Hoser cause i don't have enough rudder authority for 700 knots!!




https://www.amazon.com/Hoser-Here-Shoot-Tomcat-Sunset-org-Staff/dp/B009AP715I
Very good book

Another good one is FLY NAVY
https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Fly-Navy-Discovering-Extraordinary-Enduring-ebook/dp/B004OA63I0/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3 %91&dchild=1&keywords=fly+navy&qid=1595880903&s=books&sr=1-1

includes several stories bout Hoser as well

Or Bye Bye Baby.. the Tomcat sunset book
https://www.amazon.com/Grumman-F-14-Tomcat-Reminiscences-Service/dp/0760339813

[svandamme]

From Tomcat Sunset forum / F14association forum

Originally Posted by Rattler Re: The "Hoser Chronicles" and Evolution of Air Combat

Well....speaking of SHB's, Hoser holds the uneclipsed title, hands down. We're talkin' F-8C & USS Intrepid ( very small deck - for those who never saw a 27 Charlie class carrier ), Tonkin Gulf, 1968. Hoser comes smokin' into the break right over the fantail with I'm guessing around 600 kts. WHACK ! Max vapes ( It was always humid over there ) as he pulls the pole for all it's worth, trying to get rid of all that smack. I'm staring at all this in disbelief. No f---ing way is he gonna pull this off ! Gear down around the 90. Wing finally comes up about the time he rolls into the groove. No black smoke, folks. He's still at idle trying to bleed off more knots. The LSO's are trying to figure out whether they should be screaming for power or applauding. So far, so good. Still....no black smoke. Hoser's glued to the center deck PLAT crosshairs. He crosses the ramp looking good and on speed...still no power. He's a whisper jet. "CLACK " goes the hook as it picks up a 2 or 3 wire ( I don't remember which) and comes to a screeching halt, much to everybody's relief and amazement. What if he'd have boltered, you ask.... "we don't need no stinkin' bolters !"

This really happened. I was there. I saw it .

Rattler

Originally Posted by DHose

Good call Magic,,,,,Just checked my log book/combat diary for that particular trap. It was in green=combat hop. Ken Hespe was waving.... same guy d-hose thumped and left verticle fin paint on his A-4 refueling probe. (story is way back some where) OK, 3 (no comments) The Intrepid had 5 arresting gear wires. Man, I expected to see dem red wave off lights from the ninety until crossing the ramp! Sheding my flt gear in the ready room, d-hose noticed a lump on either side at the base of the neck, each about the size of a golf ball??? .... (ok, apricot seed) Gentle down ward pressure caused each of them to pop down back in to place! And that my man, is what cha call being nutted up! HaaaR! And like John Barlow said on the UHF when he departed his F-8 in the break @ Alameda....... "My name is John Barlow and I'll never do that again"!!!

Rattler! thanx for the recall....felt like D-Hose was there!!!!

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by daepp

…

So at what point in that approach do they crank up the Kenny Loggins music?

[sammyg2]

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

So at what point in that approach do they crank up the Kenny Loggins music?

That's for catapult launch take offs

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

BLASPHEMY!!! that's not even a Navy plane, it's an F15

[Tobra]

Thank you, excellent thread.

[flatbutt]

I think I know what "call the ball" means but please educate me.

[Hard-Deck]

Great write-up. I miss those days...somewhat.

[Hard-Deck]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I think I know what "call the ball" means but please educate me.

When you roll into the groove (1/4 mile final) the fresnel lense (meatball) comes into sight. Pilot states airplane side number, airplane type, ball, fuel state, such as “133-Hornet-ball-1.1” (1.1 denoting 1,100 lbs fuel). The LSO states, “Roger Ball” noting he sees you on the approach. Then the talking starts.

[LWJ]

My buddies and I all saw Top Gun when it came out.

Then my buddy Chris got the bug. He bought the sunglasses and focused completely on navy OCS.

He got in. Flew on carriers and lived the dream.

Good times.

[John Rogers]

The landing on a carrier is one of the most terrifying thing that a non US Navy pilot can do! I 1970 I was flown out to the Enterprise on Yankee Station from Cubi Point NAS so I could get combat pay as they were coming back to port in 5 days. I flew in one of the old radial engine CODs and we were coming in during a large strike recovery and was waived off when a F4 with a badly shot up engine needed to make a hurry up landing so we were off the port side and watched him land then it was out turn. The little window beside me didn't show much until we starting getting close and could see a pretty fair wake. It sure seemed a long way down and then the round-down at the rear of the flight deck flew past and it seemed waaaay down but suddenly we stopped and my insides got rearranged! Caught #2 wire it seems and then we taxied over to just in front of the island and the rear hatch dropped. I grabbed my sea bag and rand the fastest I ever had to the door in the side of the island as another F$ was coming right at me it seemed! The red/yellow/purple shirts all laughed like hell and said hey here's another engineer! Didn't ever want to do that again.

[Skytrooper]

Great write-up. It really brings back the memories of the flight deck. I was an AMS in VAW-122. Also performed as a Final Checker for our launches.

This was prior to my Army career.

[ZOO]

Did I miss what SHB stands for?

[beatnavy]

Whenever a major, or even minor, player on the world stage proposes that they will challenge the US' military capabilities, I do find some solace in what our Navy (and Air Force) can do. Yes, China, you can build a sleek-looking aircraft carrier and probably launch and retrieve planes. You can build a strike fighter and can probably even credibly operate a nuke sub. But learning how to do round-the-clock, combat-tempo naval operations takes generations of experience, and you just don't have it.

God bless our Navy (and other services), and those of our allies as well.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by ZOO

Did I miss what SHB stands for?

***** hot break.

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by ZOO

Did I miss what SHB stands for?

chit hot break


the break is when you come into the carrier at high speed
And break , eg turn hard into the landing pattern.. and in doing so bleed airspeed enough so you can drop gear.




The SHB is a matter of pride in Naval aviation, and also serves in showing the folks on the boat something memorable, All they get to see is "the boat".. so a bit of Air power demonstration serves to inspire and thank em for their hard work.

It's not so much appreciated at USAF Airbases, because it tends to cause a bit of noise which the civvies living near base don't always appreciate.

Quite often, Navy visiting and AFB will pretend to not know the rules or try to bend em simply well, NAVY has to show USAF how it's done.. pride and whatnot