2. Ensures that the appropriate jet blast deflectors are raised and that all personnel are clear of the aircraft, jet blast, and prop wash. The launching officer signals for FINAL TURNUPS by lighting the military power (GREEN) light and the combat power (AMBER) light, if applicable, in that order. The pilot shall apply FULL POWER and AFTERBURNER, if applicable, as these lights are illuminated. When the pilot is ready for launch, he or she signifies by saluting the catapult safety observer or, at night, by turning the navigation lights on STEADY. The pilot ensures that no exterior lights are on before the military power/combat power (afterburner launch) lights are illuminated. The catapult safety observer, after observing pilot’s READY TO LAUNCH signal performs following: 1. Makes a final scan of the aircraft. the the 2. Checks the aircraft stabilizer for proper position. 3. Checks for a “THUMBS UP” signal from the catapult hookup petty officer and the squadron’s aircraft inspector. 4. Signals “THUMBS UP’ to the launching officer in the ICCS with a hand or GREEN wand signal if all conditions are satisfactory for the launch. Upon receiving the catapult safety observer’s “THUMBS UP” signal and before firing the catapult, the launching officer performs the following: 1. Checks for a Pri-Fly GO Light on his or her console. 2. Scans the normal area of visibility. 3. Checks the catapult officer satisfactory catapult launch condition. 4. Checks deck and traffic forward. 5. Checks deck pitch. 6. Ensures the catapult the “THUMBS UP’ signal. console for safety observer is giving After ensuring that all conditions are satisfactory, the launching officer depresses the FIRE button. If, after coming to FULL POWER on the catapult, the pilot desires to stop the launch, he or she does so by shaking the head negatively, rather than by giving the “THUMBS DOWN” signal. At the same time, the pilot transmits “SUSPEND, SUSPEND.” At night, the visual signal also consists of not turning on the navigation lights. The catapult safety observer signals SUSPEND to the launching officer in the ICCS, using standard hand or wand signals. If, for any reason, a launch is suspended, the launching officer SUSPENDS the catapult by depressing the SUSPEND push button on the catapult officer console. Depressing this push button also activates the red flashing SUSPEND deck lights. After an aircraft has been turned up for launching, the signal to THROTTLE BACK is given to the pilot by the catapult safety observer. This signal must not be given until it has been positively determined that the catapult shuttle is forward of the launch bar except in an EMERGENCY condition. An EMERGENCY condition exists if the launch bar cannot be raised without sending personnel under the turned up aircraft. When this occurs, the catapult safety observer must positively determine that the catapult is in a SAFE condition before giving the “THROTTLE BACK” signal. In all cases, the pilot must not THROTTLE BACK until the catapult safety observer steps in front of the aircraft and gives the “THROTTLE BACK” signal. Safety Precautions There are certain safety precautions that must be observed by catapult-operating personnel, maintenance personnel, deck personnel, pilots of aircraft, and other personnel stationed in the catapult area. FLIGHT DECK. —Bridle (deck) tensioner pressure, as determined by calibration, must be precisely adjusted and maintained at all times. Pressures in excess of those specified may cause premature holdback or trailbar release. In the event of a malfunction, suspend, or hangfire, the signal for POWER-OFF must NOT be given to the pilot until bridle tension has been released and the launch bar is raised. When attaching the aircraft to the shuttle, extreme care must be taken so that the launch bar properly engages the shuttle. The catapult officer must ensure that the aircraft is properly tensioned prior to launching. 4-72