I realize the lack of a tailhook would be an issue, but if it was an STOL plane flown by an experienced pilot wouldn't it be possible?
2007-08-26 09:37:21 · 12 answers · asked by michinoku2001 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
I don't know of it happening, but there are several civilian aircraft capable of landing in the same space as a carrier deck, no tailhook needed.
There was an L-19 Birddog landed on a carrier by some South Vietnamese person with his family on board while evacuating Saigon. More than a few Hueys were pushed overboard to make room.
I'll leave the research on this to the ones who doubt.
2007-08-26 12:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many privately owned STOLs do you know are flown miles off shore? Besides, even an experienced pilot has not placed sufficient flight hours on landing on a rolling deck. Don't think the Navy would take the responsibility. Call the Coast Guard.
2007-08-26 16:44:00 · answer #2 · answered by My Final Answer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The length of the carrier deck would not permit a successful landing by a civilian craft even if it were permitted. Whatever tragedy the civilian craft might face in the open seas would be nothing compared to attempting to come down on a carrier.
Many civilians have a romantic notion about what landing on a carrier is like. It is nothing like you imagine. A very, very good civilian pilot with thousands of hours still would be unable to make a successful carrier landing. It is basically a floating matchbox in the rolling surf with a tiny landing strip and virtually zero tolerance on each side. If you abort then you have to get that baby back up in minimal distance and reduced power, because if it drops over the side it sinks instantly. Imagine landing on a rolling matchbox at night under deteroriating weather conditions.
2007-08-26 18:06:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I really don't think it has happened. Carrier planes have landing gear designed for the punishing landings. Even an experienced civilian pilot would have no experience in a carrier landing. It would be much safer to ditch in the water near the ship and be rescued from there.
2007-08-26 19:52:06 · answer #4 · answered by Derail 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has happened.....the operational rule on the part of the Navy is that even if the landing is successful the plane is deep sixed into the drink clearing the deck. Only human life is of interest in this instance. At least the evidence of the nature of your emergency is now at your word as your plane is on the bottom of the ocean. It would be more prudent to ditch near the vessel and let them pluck you from the drink as you won't have to answer for your actions as they will not make it easy if they see what your up to as they will change course or do what ever they think is appropriate to deter your attempt. Wish I could give you a link to the account as I read about it many years ago.
2007-08-26 16:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by pecker_head_bill 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is more likely that aircraft in distress would ditch in the vicinity of the fleet and receive the SAR assistance from its helicopter squadron or surface assets.
I think that letting an unknown traffic pass through all the defenses straight to the heart of the fleet would not be the best choice. I'd be afraid of a weirdo trying to ram his aircraft into the ship instread of landing the aircraft. such act would attract much media attention
2007-08-27 03:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it did happen once. I seem to remember it was a guy that got seriously lost and ended up way out at sea. He was in a light plane and didn't need much runway to land. Also, they have barriers they can put up for when a tail hook malfunctions. It tends to damage the aircraft, but that's still better than ditching it.
2007-08-26 21:27:49 · answer #7 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked for a company that built crop-dusters we had a customer that was based in Australia. He came to pick up his aircraft, and spent a week waiting for one of the Carrier Fleets to get out in the Middle of his longest single flight. He Said " I won't be able to Land there, but they will pick me up."
I would think that is would be such a Major Security risk that they would not allow it. They might let you ditch close in though.
2007-08-26 21:45:10 · answer #8 · answered by Wolf of the Black Moon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The captain of the carrier would NEVER allow this.Due to the possible damage to the ship and crew.
2007-08-26 16:43:26 · answer #9 · answered by HyperGforce 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Barely enough food for the 5000 crew members.
2007-08-26 17:40:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋