CHAPTER 8
Carrier-Based Procedures
8.1 GENERAL
The CV and LSO NATOPS Manuals are the governing publications for carrier-based operations and
procedures. All flight crewmembers shall be familiar with CV NATOPS procedures prior to carrier
operations.
8.2 DAY OPERATIONS
8.2.1 Preflight Checks.
1. Exterior Inspection - Perform IAW NATOPS
Conduct a normal preflight inspection with particular attention given to the landing gear, day ID
light, struts, tires, and arresting hook. Check the underside of the fuselage and stabilators for
possible arresting cable damage. Note the relationship of the APU exhaust port and the arresting
hook to the deck edge and, for example, catwalk fire extinguishers. If APU exhaust is a factor, the
aircraft may need to be respotted prior to start. Do not lower the hook during poststart checks
unless the hook point will drop onto the flight deck. A hook check may have to be delayed until
the aircraft is taxiied forward. Make sure sufficient clearance exists for cycling ALL control
surfaces.
The maximum wind allowed for canopy opening is 60 kt. Opening the
canopy in headwinds of more than 60 kt or in gusty or variable wind
conditions may result in damage to or loss of the canopy.
2. Interior Checks - Perform IAW NATOPS with two exceptions:
a. External lights master switch - OFF
b. ANTI SKID switch - OFF
Ensure the ANTI SKID switch is OFF for all carrier operations to ensure
that full brake authority is available (including locking a tire).
8.2.2 Hangar Deck Operation. Occasionally the aircraft may be manned on the hangar deck. Follow
the same procedures as those concerning flight deck operations.
Tiedowns shall not be removed from the aircraft unless the emergency brake accumulator pressure
gauge indicates at least 2,600 psi. Emergency brakes shall be used for stopping the aircraft anytime it
is being moved while the engines are not running. The signal to stop an aircraft that is being towed is
A1-F18EA-NFM-000
III-8-1 ORIGINAL
either a hand signal or a whistle blast. The whistle signifies an immediate or emergency stop. Once in
the cockpit, leave the canopy open and helmet off to ensure hearing the whistle. Keep the taxi director
in sight at all times. If unable to see the taxi director, or if in doubt of safe aircraft movement, stop the
aircraft immediately.
If the aircraft is not already on the elevator, it will be towed or pushed (with the pilot in the cockpit)
into position to be raised to the flight deck. Ensure tiedowns are in place; set the parking brake; and
close the canopy. Ensure the parking brake is set anytime the aircraft is stopped on the elevator.
8.2.3 Engine Start. Do not start the engines until directed to do so by the tower/Air Boss, typically
30 minutes prior to the stated launch time. APU starts should be made whenever possible. Crossbleed
starts must be approved by the Air Boss due to the relatively high power setting required, and the
potential for injury from jet blast.
8.2.3.1 Before Taxi Checks.
1. Before Taxi Checks - Perform IAW NATOPS and ensure:
a. FLAP switch - FULL
b. TRIM - SET FOR CATAPULT LAUNCH
Ensure the T/O TRIM button is pressed until the TRIM advisory is displayed (stabilators 4°
TEU). Horizontal stabilator trim should be manually set for catapult launch IAW figure 8-1
Tables A, B, C, D, and Chart A or B. If the aircraft is loaded asymmetrically, lateral trim
(differential stabilator with WonW) should also be manually set IAW figure 8-1 Chart C. Trim
laterally into the light wing.
Correct stabilator trim is critical to aircraft fly-away performance (hands-off). The stabilator trim
setting determines the aircraft's initial pitch rate and sets the reference AOA that the FCS attempts
to hold after launch. Reference AOA is set to 12° when the stabilators are trimmed to 6° TEU or
higher. Between 4 and 6° TEU stabilator, reference AOA is steeply changed from 4 to 12°. The
recommended launch trim settings are designed to provide the aircraft with a consistent 10 to 12°/sec
pitch rate regardless of gross weight, CG, or catapult excess endspeed. Trim settings above those
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