Pilot Techniques for a Safe Aircraft Carrier Landing: Stopping the Engine

When a pilot lands on an aircraft carrier, they approach the deck at high speeds of around 150-180 knots (approximately 173-207 mph). This typically brings the aircraft within 300 to 500 feet of the arresting point. Upon reaching the carrier deck, the pilot's tailhook engages one of the arresting wires, which are strategically positioned to bring the aircraft to a safe and controlled stop. This process is crucial for ensuring the safety of the pilot and the aircraft.

Catch the Wire

The tailhook of the aircraft is designed to engage one of the arresting wires on the carrier deck. These wires are made of strong steel and are anchored securely to withstand the force of an approaching aircraft. The primary purpose of these wires is to decelerate the aircraft rapidly, ensuring a smooth and controlled landing.

Deceleration

Once the tailhook engages an arresting wire, the aircraft begins to decelerate at an accelerated rate. The tension in the wire creates significant drag, causing the aircraft's speed to drop drastically within just a few seconds. This rapid deceleration ensures that the aircraft does not overshoot the deck and potentially plunge into the sea.

Throttle Management

One of the most critical aspects of a carrier landing is proper throttle management. Pilots are trained to reduce the engine throttle to idle as soon as the arresting wire is engaged. This minimizes the engine's power output and allows for a smoother deceleration process. The pilot typically pushes the throttle to idle immediately after catching the wire, ensuring that the aircraft's momentum is managed effectively.

Braking Systems

Beyond the arresting wire, pilots also rely on the aircraft's wheel brakes to assist in stopping the aircraft more efficiently. These brakes are applied to provide additional deceleration force, but the primary deceleration comes from the arresting wire. The combination of the wire's tension and the flight deck's braking systems ensures that the aircraft can come to a complete stop within a relatively short distance.

Final Stop

The aircraft typically comes to a complete stop within a few hundred feet on the carrier deck. The distance needed for a safe landing varies depending on the aircraft and its weight, but it is usually less than 300 feet. The arresting wire, along with the reduction in engine power, is the primary mechanism for bringing the aircraft to a halt.

Purpose of Minimum Airspeed and Takeoff Power

Aircraft typically do not land at full speed. Instead, they approach the carrier at a minimum airspeed recommended by the Landing Signal Officer (LSO), who uses visual signals to indicate when the pilot should cut the power. The LSO will signal for the pilot to cut power until the aircraft catches a wire, preferably the number three wire. Once the wire is engaged, the pilot will apply full power to bring the aircraft to a stop. The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that the aircraft can quickly regain takeoff power in case there is a hook break, a tail hook slip, or a wire snap. This allows the pilot to perform a belt and bracer maneuver and safely deploy from the flight deck at flying airspeed.

Overall, the engine stops providing thrust almost immediately after the wire is caught, with the aircraft relying on the arresting wire and brakes to come to a halt. This process is critical for a safe and controlled landing on an aircraft carrier.