We had been operating all evening, and it was now approaching 2400. Pilots from the aircraft carrier were doing night deck-landing quals (DLQs). As the flight-deck safety observer, I was charged with ensuring the safety of flight-deck personnel. On this particular night, the safety observer required extra vigilance because the carrier aviators were inexperienced at operating on small decks.
During one of the landing evolutions, a pilot was having trouble landing in the circle. On his second try, he was a foot aft of the landing circle. Even though the landing area of a Frigate is slightly longer than most small decks, there is very little room for error.
After the DLQ period, the aircraft returned for one more landing to pick up a part for the carrier. I reminded the LSE to make sure the aircraft was over the circle before giving the signal to land. As the aircraft steadied over the flight deck, I noticed the aircraft's crewman hanging out the cabin door confirming position. The aircraft was over the circle, and the LSE gave the signal to land. But to our surprise, the aircraft drifted aft out of the circle, landing well aft and almost putting the tailwheel over the deck edge. After numerous signals from the LSE and me, the pilot finally lifted the aircraft, moved forward over the circle, and landed. As we were waiting for the signal from the pilot to install chocks and chains, we noticed that the aircrewman was about to exit the aircraft. I immediately signaled him to remain in the aircraft and then instructed the LSE to chock and chain the aircraft. After the aircraft safely was secured, we proceeded with the parts transfer.
This particular evolution reminds us that some people are not familiar with landing and operating on small decks--just as small-deck aviators may not be familiar or comfortable with operating around the big decks. In this particular instance, the crewman could have met disastrous results. Small decks rock and roll significantly more than CVs and are extremely susceptible to rogue waves and small-course changes.
Whenever operating with units that are unfamiliar with local procedures, use ORM to identify the risks and implement controls to ensure safety. Always heed the advice of the experts--don't assume your knowledge is complete, up to date, or conforms to local procedures.
ADC(AW) Rochester wrote this story while assigned as a detachment chief with HSL-42. |
