When were wings unfolded on carriers?

On Wed, 07 Sep 2005 20:49:58 GMT, "Tom" wrote:

Non-precision approaches (ADF and TACAN) were flown on BRC
(base recovery course) and you transitioned to visual and were back to
"meat ball, line up, and airspeed"); or missed approach.

Right.. was the BRC calculated so that you hopefully intercepted the
glideslope in time to transition to visual and land? i.e. a sort of gentle
lead pursuit?

I have some of the old INTREPID approach plates around in my "old
stuff box." I'll see if I can find them and answer your question more
accurately.

Non-precision CCA or FCA (Fudd Controlled Approach) were like at the
field (fly the heading given and altitude suggested) until visual then
transion; or missed approach. Precision CCA was similar (and you
awaited "3/4 mile; call the ball") on all of them.

What was your approach speed relative to the carrier? I'm guessing 60 kts or
so.. so that's only 45 secs to sort it out.. not long if you're a bit off
and the wind's blowing!

Normal instrument approach was flown at 105kts and 2/3 flaps, if my
aging memory is correct. Wind over the deck was usually in the 25-30
kt. range on most days and nights. I'd say the ship was doing 20 kts.
plus or minus about 90% of the time. The landing was made in the 2/3
flap configuration (vice the full flaps used in VMC conditions).

Bill Kambic