When a pilot misses the landing on US aircraft carriers, a sequence of carefully orchestrated procedures and safety measures comes into play. Landing on an aircraft carrier is an intricate and high-stakes task, often referred to as “trap” or “arrested landing.” The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is a compact and dynamic environment, and any deviation from the precise approach can have serious consequences. Here’s what happens when a pilot fails to make a successful landing:

1. Wave-Off: As the aircraft approaches the carrier deck for a landing, the Landing Signal Officer (LSO) closely monitors the approach. If the LSO determines that the aircraft is not in the correct position or at the right altitude for a safe landing, they will signal for a “wave-off.” This signal alerts the pilot to immediately abort the landing attempt.
2. Go-Around: In response to the wave-off signal, the pilot increases engine power and executes a missed approach or “bolter.” The aircraft accelerates and climbs away from the carrier deck to set up for another landing attempt. This requires quick and precise actions to regain altitude and prepare for the next approach.
3. Circuit Pattern: After the wave-off, the pilot enters a circuit pattern, which is a predefined path around the carrier group that allows for spacing between landing attempts. The pilot will make another approach after completing the circuit pattern.
4. Recovery Pattern: The aircraft re-enters the landing sequence, with each subsequent attempt being carefully guided by the LSO, who provides real-time feedback and corrections to the pilot.
5. Bolter: If the pilot misses the landing again, the process is repeated, with multiple wave-offs and go-arounds if necessary. Each time, the pilot must regain the correct approach profile for a safe landing.

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1. Fuel Considerations: Missing multiple landings can reduce the amount of fuel the aircraft has available for further landing attempts. Pilots must manage their fuel reserves and make decisions based on the remaining fuel and the likelihood of a successful landing.
2. Diversion: In some cases, if a pilot repeatedly fails to make a safe landing, the aircraft may be diverted to an alternative airfield on land or to another available aircraft carrier if one is in the vicinity. This decision is made with safety as the top priority.
3. Debriefing: After the landing attempts, there is a thorough debriefing process where the pilot and LSO review the flight data, communication, and any issues that led to missed landings. This debriefing is crucial for learning and improving the pilot’s skills and procedures.

Missing a landing on a US aircraft carrier is a serious matter, but the extensive training and safety protocols in place are designed to ensure the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft. It is a testament to the skill and precision required for carrier-based aviation operations.

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