Flying around San Diego today I noticed a carrier off the coast for the first time. Wow I thought, I've got to try landing on one of those! Flew back to Lindbergh field and jumped into the only Navy plane I could find (the Corsair). As you can see below, I found the carrier, and actually hit the deck in the sweet spot. But wait, what's this...there were no arrestor cables (or tailhook as you can see), and off the bow I went. Then decided to search the forum and found out about Rich Hogen's ArrestorCable. Can those that use it tell me how you like this utility, and where I can find more props to test my carrier landing skills?BTW - I know there is a screenshot forum, but since I've seen little in the way of carrier landing discussions lately on this forum, I thought I would post here instead. So if you must swat my hand, please be gentle :-bigangel

If you land on that carrier deck at stall speed (or close) you should be able to stop before going off the end of the deck. Keep trying :-badteeth

I saw a tutorial once on landing/taking off from a carrier deck in flight sim 2002 with the default 747!!! Zoiks...Thomas LinTaxiwaySigns.comVolunteers (testers and designers) needed, please visit the site for information

Smiley's recommendation works. I have used it with FS2002 flying an AD/A1 someone directed me to on this forum. A couple of years ago, there was an outstanding T-28 available on another forum (that I can't mention) that worked really well with FS2000. One could drop the tailhook and get trimmed up, and as soon as the aircraft passed over the rounddown, hitting the dive brakes brought it to an instant stop.I have not DL'd it, but I think there is a tailhook program in the AVSIM library (or someone here has a url for it) that makes the cross deck pendants (wires) operate to capture an aircraft with a working tailhook. I tried the F4U that comes with FS2002pro, but could not get it to settle properly into the imaginary wires, so every landing attempt turned into a bolter. With the real and sim AD, as soon as one chops the power, it reverts to a ton of bricks with the aerodynamics of a true brick with wings and settles instantly into the wires. Remember the number three wire is your target. With the EA-6B, or any other jet, one flies the aircraft into the wires with power and chopping the throttle(s) accomplishes nothing desirable, unless one has a death wish, or wants to experience an ejection following a bolter attempt. Also, the only time one gets on the brakes in real carrier landings is after the hook is raised and the aircraft is being taxied to a parking space. By the way, your approach looks a little high, but I see you have the meatball, so it's not that far off. Fun isn't it. Try it at night with a pitching deck--the sea is seldom glassy--and a 500' ceiling, and you'll have a better understanding of why most of us old naval aviators think "Top Gun" was a little too phoney and the pilots much too immature. http://home.kscable.com/rfromholz/ady.JPG

You can setup tail hook by going to OptionsControlsAssignments and go down to Tail-hook. Assign whatever key or button you wish. I use F-11. Of course the plane must have a hook for this to work..You might like to try the Fairey/Blackburn Swordfish MK I/II. This is an early WWII biplane used by British as torpedo plane. It will fly much slower than the jets. It cannot use the cats (as it is a tail-dragger) but it will catch the wires. Try 80-100 knts and about 110-120 feet above water. The meat ball will change to a proper color of white on left and right and blue in the middle. Other planes that will work are Grumman A-6E, Corsair and AD. The cats work but I have found them quite sensitive to set up. Sounds are great in both aspects of take-off and landing.

Thank you to everyone for your replies and advice. Russel, your quite correct in that my approach was a little high. What I didn't say the first time was that this was my second approach. The first approach I touched down on a better approach altitude then did what I see in all those Discovery Channel programs - immediately hit the throttle when I hit the deck. Back around I went for the second approach. I tried to come in as close to stall as I could, and actually thought I was going to smash into the stern. When I touched down, I immediately hit the brakes, but you see the result :-( . I will practice some more until I can nail the landing, and try some of the above advice. Thanks again to all for your help.BTW - is there anybody that can point me to a good book/website to learn more about carrier flight operations? This looks like a lot of fun.

DavidAlthough Rich Hogen's Arrestor Cables involve a bit of a learning curve to the newcomer, they're a MUST HAVE. It introduces a whole new dimension to carrier work and includes a bunch of carriers, to boot. You'll be amazed at what he has achieved, though. Get the latest version and the HMNZS WAIKATO by S.Reweti to go with the package.Have fun! Tell us what you think if you go for it!Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumonthttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitak.htmlhttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitakv3.jpg

:-yellow1 :-yellow1 :-yellow1 Hi Mark,You are indeed correct. This is a must have utility!! It took me three attempts, but the third time was a charm. See my post in the screen shot forum using the link below. What a blast :) [http://ftp.avsim.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=4216&forum=DCForumID47&archive=]

Good stuff, David. However, don't limit yourself to the old clonkers (however beautiful the Corsair might be to us all); now try it with something a little juicier ....http://www.swiremariners.com/carrier.jpgMark "Dark Moment" Beaumonthttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitak.htmlhttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitakv3.jpg

:( Wow, now that looks awesome. Looks like I have some more downloading to do. Not sure if I should thank you, or curse you :-lol. Just kidding of course. Thanks Mark :-wave

LOL. A bit of both, I should think! If you really want to get a bit of sweat on your brow, try some carrier operations in multiplayer with a few friends. It certainly puts the pressure on when others are watching!Ciao for niao. You've got to love this hobby...Mark "Dark Moment" Beaumonthttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitak.htmlhttp://www.swiremariners.com/cxkaitakv3.jpg