Aafter skirting the port side of the Charles de Gaullethe Rafale Sea making a final turn as he lowers his height. Landing gear and cross d’appontage out, the aircraft presents itself in the axis of the runway. 75 meters long, it is offset 8.5 degrees to the left of the bow of the ship which cuts through the blue bosom of the Mediterranean. At the beginning of October, the French aircraft carrier moves between its home port, Toulon, and Corsica. No cloud hides the gray paint of the R91. Perfect conditions for the sixteen young pilots who came to take the French naval aviation certificate. Forget the words takeoff and landing, here we are talking about catapting and landing.
“It’s red!” » radioing the landing officer (OA) to the pilot. The latter does not have the proper approach path and has only 15 to 18 seconds to land, once behind an aircraft carrier. The OA is himself a qualified and experienced pilot who quickly recognizes the pilot’s parasitic movements. He is also familiar with the aircraft carrier and its island located on the side of the platform which creates a disturbing airflow behind the building. In his cockpit, the young pilot has an eye on the mirror, a light panel with different colors that allows him to change his path.
READ On board the “Charles de Gaulle”, during the war
In the blink of an eye, the Rafale reaches 250 km/h over the bridge. The goal is […] Read more
2024-11-18 06:23:00
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Areness. Additionally, mastering communication and coordination with the air traffic control team and the deck crew is vital for safety and operational success. Developing the ability to handle high-pressure situations and making quick decisions are equally important as they can significantly impact mission outcomes
Guest 1: Lieutenant Xavier Barthélémy, a qualified naval aviator with experience on the Rafale Sea.
Question 1: Can you tell us about the challenges you face while capturing and landing on an aircraft carrier like the Charles de Gaulle?
Answer: Capturing and landing on an aircraft carrier like the Charles de Gaulle is a complex process that requires a high level of precision and coordination between the pilot and their team on the ground. One of the main challenges is the limited visibility during the approach due to the deck’s angled position and the island located on the side of the platform. Pilots must carefully monitor their trajectory and make adjustments quickly to ensure a safe landing. Additionally, the catapult launch and the crossover maneuver required for landing can be physically demanding on the aircraft and the pilot.
Question 2: How did you prepare for your first capping and landing experience on an aircraft carrier?
Answer: Training for capping and landing on an aircraft carrier is extensive and comprehensive, including both in-flight and simulator exercises. We spent several hours practicing different scenarios and maneuvers to develop muscle memory and familiarize ourselves with the aircraft’s behavior during these critical moments. The support of experienced pilots and instructors on the ground is essential for new pilots to feel confident and comfortable with the process.
Guest 2: Lieutenant John Martin, a naval aviation instructor with expertise in training younger pilots on the Rafale Sea.
Question 1: What makes the Charles de Gaulle such a unique platform for naval aviation training?
Answer: The Charles de Gaulle is not only a highly capable aircraft carrier but also a moving airbase that offers unmatched flexibility for training. The platform allows us to simulate various scenarios and environments, including night operations, low-visibility landings, and complex takeoffs and landings. The ship’s size and capabilities also allow us to conduct more advanced training exercises that aren’t possible with other types of aircraft carriers.
Question 2: What do you think are the most valuable skills that new pilots need to learn for effective naval aviation?
Answer: Navigation and airspace management are crucial skills for effective naval aviation. Pilots must quickly adapt to changing conditions and maintain situational aw
