Tried And Tested: Carrier Air Wing 5 conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew C. Duncker | 170508-N-YD204-319 IWO TO, Japan (May 8, 2017) Landing signal officers assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 observe and grade the performance of a pilot's landing during field carrier landing practice qualifications in Iwo To, Japan. CVW-5 provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew C. Duncker/Released)  

IWO JIMA, JAPAN

05.09.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew C. Duncker    

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

U.S. Navy aviators and maintainers assigned to the various fixed-wing squadrons under Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 conducted Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) on Iwo To, Japan, formerly Iwo Jima, May 8.
CVW-5 conducted FCLP in preparation for their scheduled patrol aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
“Because of the difficulties and many variables associated with landing an aircraft safely, strict procedures must be followed,” said Commander, Navy Region Japan Operations Officer Cmdr. Dwight Clemons. “A pilot must be able to instantaneously react to any situation and is taught to follow strict procedures with constant practice. FCLP must mimic every aspect of the procedures used in the carrier environment in order to be affective.”
Every pilot in CVW-5 must participate in and complete FCLP prior to conducting underway operations.
“The importance of FCLP for both our aircrew and maintainers to go over and rehearse carrier operations on shore as we conduct our bounce period is essential to maintaining high standards of quality,” said CVW-5 Detachment Officer FCLP Iwo To Det., Cmdr. Barrett Smith, from Allentown, Pa., executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102.
To pass FCLP, pilots must receive multiple passing grades during the qualifications.
“The Rules we follow have been devolved over a period of 100 years of naval aviation experience. Many lessons have been learned the hard way at the cost of lives and aircraft,” said Clemons. “Because skills are perishable and take a certain amount of time to regain, we have rules governing when pilots are required to retrain and how much training they should get.”
Landing Signal Officers observe the ability of each pilot to maintain centerline, approach at correct glide slope, maintain correct aircraft atitude and to follow direction while exercising “touch and go” landing during the day and night.
“Landing in the daytime is very challenging. Now imagine doing so at night,” said Clemons. “Night landings require the highest degree of skill and strict attention to procedures.”
FCLP is necessary for the pilots of CVW-5 to perfect their skills prior to landing aboard Ronald Reagan at sea. The Navy has taken extensive efforts to minimize as much as possible the impact of its training on local communities, consistent with maintaining operational readiness required for the defense of Japan.
“FCLP is vital to the qualifications and currency of the squadrons involved and their safety,” said Smith. “Without it we would not be able develop the necessary proficiency to conduct carrier qualifications.”
Ronald Reagan and its embarked air wing, CVW-5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2017
• Date Posted: 12.21.2017 23:18
• Story ID: 259953
• Location: IWO JIMA, JP