US Navy's Genius Method for Aircraft Carrier Landings at Night

Welcome to the thrilling world of American aircraft carriers, where skilled pilots face the challenge of landing planes on moving ships at night. This incredible feat demands precision, courage, and razor-sharp instincts. In this video, we'll explore the fascinating world of nighttime aircraft carrier landings and the immense dedication of the US Navy pilots who carry out these operations.

Join us as we delve into the intense world of US Navy flight operations, from the various approaches pilots use to land on aircraft carriers depending on weather conditions, to the vital role of the Carrier Air Traffic Control Center in ensuring safe recovery of aircraft. Learn about the fast-paced, 90-minute flight operation cycles that involve launching and recovering multiple aircraft.

Discover the key role of the arresting wires on aircraft carriers and the grading system pilots face for each pass at the ship. Understand the critical bolter pattern and the importance of the "push point" in landing procedures. Explore the tension-filled AIROPS nerve center, which tracks all launched and recovering planes, and the crucial information displayed on status boards.

As a Naval Aviator, navigating a difficult night landing on an aircraft carrier requires immense skill and attention to detail. Experience the challenge of landing amid adverse weather conditions and rough seas that can make it difficult to determine your position using the glideslope indicator or "meatball."

Feel the mounting tension in AIROPS as the ship struggles to find a calm sea state, resulting in missed arrestments and frustration among the Air Wing representatives. Imagine the pressure of having to repeat the landing process with low fuel, adverse weather, and the ship pitching up and down in the rough seas.

Step into the shoes of the pilot in the final moments before touchdown, focusing on the meatball and adjusting the throttles to maintain the perfect angle of attack. Experience the incredible deceleration as the aircraft's hook grabs the wire, bringing the plane to a sudden and powerful stop on the carrier deck. #aircraftcarrier #usnavy #planelanding

[navyproductions]

What do you find most impressive or surprising about nighttime aircraft carrier landings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Please note that some footage in this video is not recorded at night in order to better illustrate the landing process. We appreciate your understanding as we aim to provide a clear understanding of nighttime aircraft carrier landings. Thank you for your support! 💙

[joemoore]

I spent 4 years on the carrier USS Constellation in the 70's working the flight deck as a power plant mechanic and plane captain. Night shift could be terrifying at times. Especially during a storm, pouring rain and high winds. Pilots had the ACLS system ( Automatic Carrier Landing System ) they could use it to land but they did not trust the " black box" to land the aircraft for them and would shut it off at the last second before hitting the deck. I had many a pilot climb out covered in sweat and shaking like a leaf after a poor landing in the dark. It was much harder for the rescue Helo's returning after the last plane was aboard to land. They were a very big part of night operations and should have been mentioned in your video. It could turn your hair white working nights for all of us.

[kevincostello]

I served on the Nimitz in 1981 as an EOD tech and I witnessed many takeoffs and landings.
Unfortunately, I was also witness to a night-time crash firsthand. May God bless all my shipmates who did not survive that terrible night.

[kevinsteinman]

All I can say is it took balls of steel for the pilots to do any carrier landing day or night. I salute them.

[JL-qegl]

My first ever CO in a A7 squadron had a ramp strike during night flight ops during a storm; sheared off all landing gear and hook and slid over the wires and ejected, but wave action after he hit the water forced him against the ship and the propeller pulled him through where the water was about 10000+ feet; the pilot and plane were never recovered, only pieces of the chute. Many other pilots that had landed prior to him said they just missed having the same thing happen and said the deck was rising and falling about 20 feet! I had only been in the reserve squadron for a couple of months and had just met most of the pilots on a couple of drill weekends and squadron picnic prior to the 2 week deployment.
Semper Fortis!

[MrAudioBill]

THIS is the most informative YT on Carrier Air Ops I've viewed. Well done.

[luacreskid]

I went on board a CVA 60 years ago. Even then, how they got onboard at night was pretty amazing. Naval aviators ahve my utmost respect.

[ronaldhartigan]

Yeah, I spent 3 years of my life watching carrier landings ( and launches with full afterburners ) 6 hours a day or night night; in every kind of weather imaginable. Hot, humid, raining, freezing water and snow ( off North Korea ) and 85 foot waves in a typhoon ( no flight ops then ). Experience of a life time.

[kevinstone]

I was approved in early 90's to enter the NAVCAD from the United States Airforce and ended up getting a medical disqualification just past the halfway point through the training and was reassigned back to my Airforce unit where I was subsequently medically discharged. I will always be supportive of Naval Aviation. Thank you for sharing this video. Hope this inspires young aviators to get involved. with Naval Aviation. I am still a pilot to this day. Just never could do it for the Navy but I was at least approved to try and gave it my best and learned to be a decent pilot as a result of the training I got.

[srel]

Respect to all naval aviators, operational crew, a privilege to see this, thank you

[grumpyoldmanxo]

Spent 4 years of my life on Carriers. I miss the fun, and excitement, but not other things.

[davidbramuchi]

I am a pilot. Was a crew chief on a UH1D & UH1H in Vietnam 06/69 - 06/70. It ignited my passion for flight and later in life I learned to fly. Fantastic experience! I very quickly learned, in my opinion, that Naval pilots are the best in the world. I have tremendous admiration for them and the skill they had to have...along with balls of steel. Thank you for what you do!

[johanvanham]

A very nice video and your "small glimpse " in this fascinating world is by far the best in YT in explaining all aspects of dangers, worries and operations above, on and below the flight deck. As a veteran conventional submariner I am highly impressed by the guts of those pilots. Love it

[Tool-Meister]

My boss was a Naval Aviator. His recollection of his very first carrier landing was dominated by his reviewing the status of his life insurance while on the downwind leg of the pattern. That focus instantly transitioned to ONLY aircraft location and attitude when he assumed final. He obviously survived but ended up in P3 sub chasers after all the drama of successful carrier landings. I was a dry-land pilot and have a great admiration and respect for all Naval Aviators! Thanks to each of you for your incredible service!

[jerryloufretz]

I so appreciate these brave men who protect all of us! Landing at night must be nerve-wracking. Thank you.

[RetiredSailor]

Fair Winds and Following Seas shipmates from a retired OS1. I was stationed on USS Semmes DDG 18 1983-84. Provided Plane Guard for USS America CV 66 in 1983 in the Caribbean.

[cherylbanquer]

I have the utmost respect for these pilots and every person on the boat guiding and supporting their safe landing. Thanks and prayers 🙏 for all of you.

[kennethsmolana]

For the most part this is pretty good. Brought back lots of memories. However, your mix of Air Force aircraft is confusing (especially the several clips of an F-16). And what’s with the two short segments of the MiG-29 in formation? You also have several segments where the video is transposed like you are looking thru a mirror. There are also some scenes which appear to be a shore based facility. We don’t wear short sleeves at sea (fire protection). And we don’t wear civilian attire unless we are leaving the ship to go on liberty. The video should have been scrubbed better by someone familiar with carrier aviation.

[CS-npoo]

As a civilian Part 121 Flight Dispatcher @ 5:40 is why naval aviators are absolute bosses in my book.

Had a chance to jumpseat with a CA who flew in the first desert storm, who happened to be training a FO moving into the left seat.

FO was WAY high on the approach and the training CA immediately snapped into action

*"My airplane !!!"*

That had to be about 5 years ago, but I'll never forget it.

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[PeteVA-]

Enjoyed the video, thanks. Brought back memories of my night carrier landings 50+ years ago with a lot less electronic "gewizz" landing aids...almost none in the A-4 Skyhawk. One nit, we would drop the hook upon entering holding overhead (day) or marshal (night); so as not to forget!