8.3 NIGHT OPERATIONS F/A-18A/B/C/D NATOPS http://info.publicintelligence.net/F18-ABCD-000.pdf"8.3.1 General. Night carrier operations have a much slower tempo than daylight operations and it is
the pilot’s responsibility to maintain this tempo. Standard daytime hand signals from deck crew to
pilot are executed with light wands. The procedures outlined here are different from, or in addition to,
normal day carrier operations.
8.3.2 Preflight. Conduct the exterior preflight using a white lensed flashlight. Ensure that the
exterior lights are properly positioned for launch and the external lights master switch OFF before
engine start. Ensure that instrument and console light rheostats are on. This reduces brilliance of the
warning and advisory lights when the generators come on.
8.3.3 Before Taxi. Adjust cockpit lighting as desired and perform before taxi checks.
8.3.4 Taxi. Slow and careful handling by aircraft directors and pilots is mandatory. If any doubt
exists as to the plane director’s signals, stop the aircraft. At night it is very difficult to determine speed
or motion over the deck; rely on the plane director’s signals and follow them closely.
8.3.5 Catapult Hook-Up. Maneuvering the aircraft for catapult hook-up at night is identical to that
used in day operations; however, it is difficult to determine speed or degree of motion over the deck.
8.3.6 Catapult Launch. On turn-up signal from the catapult officer, ensure throttles are in MIL or
MAX and check all instruments. Ensure that launch bar switch is in the retract position.
When ready
for launch, place external lights master switch ON.All lights should be on bright with the strobes on. If expecting to encounter instrument meteorological
conditions shortly after launch, the strobes may be left off at the discretion of the pilot.
After launch, monitor rotation of the aircraft to 12° nose up crosschecking all instruments to ensure
a positive rate of climb. When comfortably climbing, retract the landing gear and flaps and proceed on
the departure in accordance with ship’s procedures. The standby attitude reference indicator should be
used in the event of a HUD failure.
8.3.7 Aircraft or Catapult Malfunction. If a no-go situation arises, do not turn on the exterior lights
and transmit SUSPEND, SUSPEND. Maintain MIL/MAX power until the catapult officer walks in
front of the wing and gives the throttle-back signal. If the external lights master switch has been placed
on prior to ascertaining that the aircraft is down, transmit SUSPEND, SUSPEND and turn off the
exterior lights and leave the throttles at MIL until signaled to reduce power.
8.3.8 Landing Pattern. Night and instrument recoveries normally are made using case III procedures
in accordance with the CV NATOPS Manual.
8.3.9 Arrestment and Exit From the Landing Area. During the approach all exterior lights should
be on with the exception of taxi/landing light.
Following arrestment, immediately turn the external
lights master switch off. Taxi clear of the landing area following the plane director’s signals."