Hornet F/A-18A/B/C/D NATOPS Carrier Circuit Diagram attached. It states 1.25 to 1.5NM abeam. I'll post the Goshawk T-45C next which states 0.75 to 1 NM abeam. I'm guessing that the CV NATOPS carrier circuit diagram is a general one for jet aircraft. Individual NATOPS would be the aircraft guide IMHO. The low altitude 'dirty' turning performance difference between Goshawk & Hornet is significant. Having a very similar angle of bank in the base turn would be the guide I reckon. Hence different abeam distances for similar bank angle.
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The CNATRA T-45C guide online has this
FCLP Abeam position:
http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation2/P-1238/P-12380021.htm"Abeam position a.Verify proper distance abeam (
.9-1.1 nm laterally)"
However bear in mind that the runway is not moving with an angled deck (making for a wider turn - less angle of bank - to intercept angle deck centreline). Some info on FCLP here on this point:
http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation2/P-1238/P-12380022.htmFlying a carrier pattern is a matter of adjusting constantly as is the case with flying the ball, being as close to perfection as is humanly possible.
It seems today that flying part of the day FCLP T-45C circuit on instruments is OK, I guess good training for night FCLP also. "Scan from the 180 to the 90 is primarily an instrument scan."
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T-45C at carrier:http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation2/P-1238/index.htmhttp://www.tpub.com/content/aviation2/P-1238/P-12380055.htm"COMMON ERROR: ...NOT holding BRC heading...
C.
Approach turn 9.7.2.3.5 1. Abeam position. Lead should set proper distance abeam (
.9 to 1.1 nm)
2. Turn abeam LSO platform 27-30 degrees AOB. At the round down establish 200-300 fpm descent
3. 90-degree position: 450 ft AGL
4. 45-degree position: 325-375 ft AGL
5. Cross wake at 300-350 ft AGL, 500 fpm descent
6. Do not look for ball early"
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“
8.13 CARRIER LANDING [T-45C NATOPS verbatim]
Enter the carrier landing pattern (Figure 8-2 [seen attached here]) with the hook down. Make a level break from a course parallel to the BRC, close aboard the starboard side of the ship. Below 200 KIAS lower the gear and flaps/slats. Descend to 600 feet when established downwind. Complete the landing checklist and cross-check AOA and airspeed prior to the 180 degree position.
With a 25 knot wind over the deck begin the 180 degree turn to the final approach when approximately abeam the LSO platform. When the meatball is expected to be acquired, transmit call sign, Goshawk, Ball or Clara and fuel state (nearest 100 pounds). Fly the aircraft at optimum angle of attack from the 180 degree position to touchdown.”
Pretty simple really.
I guess all this advice can be confusing for sure and here the T-45C advice from various sources is added to supplement the F/A-18 advice given already on this thread and in other threads.
