We can even use the runways and do run-on landings with skid or wheeled landing gear. For helicopters with skid gear, these types of landings are normally used if there is a high density altitude and the helicopter is not able to hover. It is also an emergency maneuver when there is little or no tail rotor authority.

skids

Surface conditions can consist of dust, sand and snow, as well as mud and rocks. Dust landings and snow landings can lead to a brownout or whiteout condition, which is the loss of the horizon reference. Disorientation may occur, leading to ground contact, often with fatal results.

Shipboard landing for some helicopters is assisted though use of a haul-down device that involves attachment of a cable to a probe on the bottom of the aircraft prior to landing. A secondary purpose of the haul-down device is to equalize electrostatic potential between the helicopter and ship.

The most common way that helicopters can land on cruise ships is for ships purposely designed for discovery type cruises. This allows the pilot to approach from the stern, into the wind and able to match the speed and swell of the ship before touching down.

D-value means the largest overall dimension of the helicopter when rotors are turning.

A majority of United States Navy ships have at least a helipad, capable of landing medium-sized helicopters. It has become a standard part of modern ship design to have a deck that supports multiple, medium or large helicopters, as well as being able to house them in a hangar, for protection and maintenance.

The US Navy has the largest fleet of carriers in the world, and currently has eleven supercarriers in service. The UK has two STOVL carriers in service. China has two STOBAR carriers in service.

Helicopter carriers have been used as anti-submarine warfare carriers and amphibious assault ships….Helicopter carriers currently in use.

If someone sees the person fall overboard, they report “man overboard starboard/port side” to the navigation bridge. It is important to provide the side of the ship, as the ship will be turned in that direction. A life ring is immediately thrown over the same side, even if the person in the water is not visible.

If they come into contact with them, survival is unlikely. The “man overboard” alarm prompts some sailors to assemble in a pre-designated area to prepare to lower one or more boats to form a rescue party.

Falling off of the carrier from the flight deck is a long fall, but it is not a guaranteed death sentence. I have a lot of time on flight decks and I have seen friends and co-workers go over the side and survive on 4 different occasions. , 15 years in the US Navy as an Engineer.

All pilots salute to signify they are ready for takeoff. They aren’t even supposed to put their arms above the canopy rail to avoid accidental shots. There are hold bars on the throttles of some planes to avoid a situation where the throttles go to idle during the shot.

That assumes a pilot has five full years before reaching the federally mandated retirement age for airline pilots, 65.

“FOX 2” is a brevity code used by fighter pilots to declare a weapon’s release (sorta like “bomb’s away” from WWII). “FOX 2” signified an infrared missile (such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder), and “FOX-3” indicated you had switched to guns.