Which elements must be ready prior to catapult launch or recovery?

Which elements must be ready prior to catapult launch or recovery?

• A. Only the aircraft
• B. Only the crew
• C. Aircraft, crew, and equipment
• D. Only the catapult crew

Answer: (C)

Before any catapult launch or recovery, three elements must be ready: the aircraft, the crew, and the equipment. The aircraft must be configured for takeoff and fully checked so the launch sequence can be completed safely—weight, balance, and systems verified, with the launch bar engaged and the aircraft prepared to leave the deck cleanly when the catapult releases. The crew must be in position and prepared to perform all signals, checks, and coordinated actions required for a safe operation, with clear communication among the air department, catapult crew, and deck personnel. The equipment—the catapult system itself, the holdback, shuttle, power source, and safety devices—must be inspected, connected, pressured or energized as needed, and free of obstructions, with safety pins removed and barriers in place as required. If any element isn’t ready, the operation cannot proceed safely or predictably, which could lead to mis-timing, equipment failure, or injury.

Before any catapult launch or recovery, three elements must be ready: the aircraft, the crew, and the equipment. The aircraft must be configured for takeoff and fully checked so the launch sequence can be completed safely—weight, balance, and systems verified, with the launch bar engaged and the aircraft prepared to leave the deck cleanly when the catapult releases. The crew must be in position and prepared to perform all signals, checks, and coordinated actions required for a safe operation, with clear communication among the air department, catapult crew, and deck personnel. The equipment—the catapult system itself, the holdback, shuttle, power source, and safety devices—must be inspected, connected, pressured or energized as needed, and free of obstructions, with safety pins removed and barriers in place as required. If any element isn’t ready, the operation cannot proceed safely or predictably, which could lead to mis-timing, equipment failure, or injury.