Stupid questions about Naval Aviation (Pt 2)

[Flash]

Actually, to clarify a bit (and it's always nice to bust Flash's balls) - ATC does not use IFF. IFF is Mode 4, and what ATC uses is primarily Mode 3/C. Most collision warning systems use Mode S.

Radar is not vital for collision avoidance, it's just another piece in the puzzle. If you're IFR, ATC uses Mode 3/C or Position Reports - and if you're VFR, it's see and avoid.

Okay, you got me, I used the wrong term. I can't believe I was actually wrong for once! I usually just called it Mode 3 anyways, figured that would just confuse things. And plus, IFF is easier to use than ATCRBS. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

 

[Harrier Dude]

Stupid question incoming, piqued by another thread, how would one have a check ride in a single seat aircraft? Is it just a paper test, or some sort of chase deal, sim?

Checkrides (NATOPS/Inst) in the Harrier are almost always done in the sim. When one isn't available, we chase the guy getting the ride. I've done my NATOPS in combat, such that it was. The squadron just made sure that my wingman was a checker.

Real (i.e. mission quals) checkrides (section lead, division lead, etc) are done with you flying in the appropriate position and your "wingman" is normally the CO.

 

[A4sForever]

.....
Real (i.e. mission quals) checkrides (section lead, division lead, etc) are done with you flying in the appropriate position and your "wingman" is normally the CO.

... or XO or Ops O ...

No sims in the A-4 for check rides ... the checker was in the back seat of a T-bird or off on your right wing.

No sims in the A-6 for check rides, either -- so we'd use A-4 parameters for the check. Only the checker would sit on the center ped ... instead of in the back seat. :sleep_125

 

[Joseph123]

Do you hand-fly every instrument approach or can you couple the autopilot to it?

 

[llnick2001]

I think you're asking fixed wing, but I'll answer for helos anyway. Approaches to landing we fly it. We do have a coupler that will shoot approaches to hovers for search and rescue or sub hunting that we use at night or in bad wx.

 

[Herc_Dude]

Do you hand-fly every instrument approach or can you couple the autopilot to it?

We can fly an approach coupled with autothrottles. AP comes off at 200' or higher, disconnect AT roughly over the threshold or sooner.

 

[phrogpilot73]

What's an autopilot? Is that the guy sitting next to me?

 

[ea6bflyr]

What's an autopilot? Is that the guy sitting next to me?

I think he meant "Otto" pilot.....don't be in such a rush, he'll be in the fleet before you know it.

In my jet we call him "George".

-ea6bflyr

 

[Xtndr50boom]

Stealth....ATC....Radar

Others have posted re: ATC using your mode 3/C or S for ATC, but stealth aircraft also have radar reflectors that are used when radar-vis is warranted/needed. Don't know about the JSF or F-22, but the B-2's is retractable, and the F-117s were bolted on the side of the intakes before flight.

I've also heard through the 'grapevine' that when B-2s go overseas (like to surrender land for the Paris air show) they're usually escorted by US fighters for some distance before they land. Something about the radar return of the fighters screwing with foreign radar's ability to find out exactly how stealthy the big boys are. Just what I've heard, so don't take that to the bank

 

[phrogpilot73]

I think he meant "Otto" pilot.....don't be in such a rush, he'll be in the fleet before you know it.

In my jet we call him "George".

-ea6bflyr

Little does OttoJoBogeyWroteSpotter8 realize, but there was a guy in my squadron whose callsign was OTTO. "Oblivious to the obvious."

 

[Stick]

Others have posted re: ATC using your mode 3/C or S for ATC, but stealth aircraft also have radar reflectors that are used when radar-vis is warranted/needed. Don't know about the JSF or F-22, but the B-2's is retractable, and the F-117s were bolted on the side of the intakes before flight.

Thanks. I didn't really understand the whole mode 3/c or S thing. I got the idea, but now it makes more sense.

 

[ea6bflyr]

Little does OttoJoBogeyWroteSpotter8 realize, but there was a guy in my squadron whose callsign was OTTO. "Oblivious to the obvious."

That's funny stuff..Acronym Callsigns are the BEST..I see a new AVATAR in OTTO's future:

-ea6bflyr

 

[BACONATOR]

That's funny stuff..Acronym Callsigns are the BEST..I see a new AVATAR in OTTO's future:

-ea6bflyr

Heh, nice! That's funny! What's even funnier is that that guy is probably more useful in the helo than I at this point.

Wait, so we're not supposed to be spinning in a hover?

 

[HeyJoe]

That's funny stuff..Acronym Callsigns are the BEST..I see a new AVATAR in OTTO's future:

-ea6bflyr

The future is now?

 

[Schnugg]

or perhaps....MOTO...Master of the Obvious.