Fellas...
For those of you that like to fly realistic carrier patterns on the weekends, when I have AirBoss/Paddles, I wont do "extensions" anymore. Meaning, I wont space you out by keeping you "long" in the downwind, then having you turn at 1.6/1.7 TCN. This error was pointed out by Paco and the correct way makes alot of sense. It will also prevent people running into one another on their final rollouts and with others who are on a "long" final crashing into each other. Luckily, nobody runs with enforce host realism and crash detection ON otherwise our sessions wouldnt last for squat.
To explain, when you hit the "180, Abeam" call, I wont say "cleared to extend". Instead, I will clear the #1 jet to land, and request the others to go around. Here's how that works.
If you are #1 in line, you will be cleared to land. Start your turn at the normal time and use your pattern procedures to land.
If you are #2 in line and the #1 jet has already called the 90, you will be cleared to start your turn and land. However, if you are #2 and the jet in front of you hasnt called the 90, you will be requested to go around. At which point, make your level left turn from the 180 AS IF you were gonna land but stay at 600' AGL through the whole turn. Keep your turn to BRC (if you dont know what that is, I cant help you during the session, will have to give you a side seat tutorial) and roll out, all the while maintaining 600 AGL. Once you pass over the carrier, wait til youre 1.0 TCN in front before starting your 30 AoB turn back to downwind. Fly the downwind and setup for the 180, Abeam. Make the call, youll be #1 for landing.
IF you are #3 to land and I tell you to "go around", do the same thing #2 did, except once I say "go around", you climb to 1000' AGL. Fly the entire pattern the same as #2, except at 1000' AGL. Then when re-established on the downwind, look below and if no traffic or you see #2 safely ahead of you, descend to 600 AGL and fly the downwind to the Abeam, 180. Make the 180, Abeam call and if #1 is past the 90, youll be cleared to land.
Im just putting this up there cause there is alot of confusion in the pattern and Im just trying to get it organized so the people who want realistic pattern work/AirBoss/Paddles from me can get it and enjoy the experience more. I know some people dont give a flying rat's %$$ bout it, and thats not a problem. If you are one of those people, try to be considerate of others. Have some SA (situational awareness) of whats happening in and around the carrier.
Things to remember to help me out. If you want to do "touch and go's", when launching off the cats, or setting up a carrier break, space yourselves out by at least 30 secs. This way, you give the #1 jet (and #2, so on) plenty of time to get past the 90, and you will be cleared to land. And keep SA about where others are, so you can keep your spacing and have min comms if youre not on final for landing.
Thanks
Sludge
