Razgriz, I'll only make generalised comments with none meant to offend anyone I hope.
Mission 5 is really difficult. My suggestion is to at least do Mission 3 at night time altitude 1,200 feet (1,000 feet AGL) to adjust to the new pattern, even though it is more day time than night time. The pattern is longer to base turn because higher to allow interception of glide slope further away or at least see the carrier deck to do that in good time. If a lower pattern altitude is used then chances of seeing the very small carrier deck are decreased.
Mission 4 is a great mission because of the light effects of dusk (one can see the ground) with the carrier deck lights being visible. Instrument flying is required some of the time but looking abeam downwind to gauge carrier deck and the abeam position. During the turn it is best to be looking into the turn as much as possible and NEVER go below 600 feet AGL or 800 feet above the runway without seeing the carrier deck.
Mission 5 is really difficult. Instrument flying is required with also lookout to carrier deck which can be disorientating so get back onto instruments ASAP. During base turn once again do not go too low without seeing the carrier deck. Attempt to transition to flying visually without reference to instruments once the carrier deck and meatball can be seen. If the meatball is seen at last part of base turn onto finals then fly the meatball and of course line up on the carrier deck. GOOD LUCK.
Just attempting to fly totally on instruments will not have much success. Yes instruments mostly until last half of base turn when one must look into the turn for the carrier deck and meatball to be able to transtion to visual flying 'from the start' when the LSO is saying call the ball. It is good to concentrate ones flying to the basics here. Meatball, lineup and airspeed - this is what night FCLP is all about. One can see why night carrier landings are not done from such a short circuit (pun intended - a short circuit in one's brain!).
Usually night carrier landings are done via a long straight in approach (more or less) with a gradual descent to allow an easy transition where appropriate to visual flying for the last part with minimal turning or fast descents to disorientate the pilot so keep that in mind with night FCLP. One needs to use a combination of instrument and visual flying at night to keep orientation to the pattern, carrier deck and final approach totally visual. For myself I don't look at the TACAN but it may help around the pattern but not on final approach. Practice practice practice. Do more Mission 4 practice before going to Mission 5 for sure IMHO.
