the possibility of accident from improper operational procedures. Mechanical failure cannot be completely neutralized, but trained personnel can make such a failure a rarity. Recovering aircraft involves various inherent dangers, due to the complex coordination of personnel and machinery. Personnel engaged in the operation of the arresting gear equipment must be thoroughly trained and indoctrinated in the operations. Disregard for the fundamentals of caution and safety creates hazards far in excess of the previously mentioned inherent danger factors. COMMAND, COMMUNICATIONS, AND SETTINGS Accuracy of command, attention to command, and care of communications systems must be understood by all operating personnel. The system may be phones, synchro signals, or lights and must be wholly operative at time of use. Accuracy in making proper settings of gears, indicator systems, tension, and pressure tests must be emphatically impressed on all personnel. The following general safety observations are arranged according to location, and copies should be supplied to all applicable stations. TOPSIDE AND DECKEDGE AREAS During arrestment, all topside and deckedge personnel should be aware of all movement on and about the deck, with strict attention paid to the landing aircraft. Deckedge control operators should duck below deck level during pendant arrestment in the event of pendant breakage or failure that would cause cable whip or the aircraft to go over the deck edge. Hook Runners Hook runners should approach aircraft from the front and side. This will place them away from danger of jet blast or broken cable backlash. Overcrowding Catwalk personnel should be held to a minimum so they can exit quickly should they be placed in jeopardy. Barricade Readiness Rapid fuel consumption by jet aircraft requires highly trained, responsible crews for rigging the barricades. Regular drills in rigging should be held to reduce rigging time to a minimum. Walkback Air in the cylinder or a valve that does not seat properly are the major causes of walkback. This is an extremely dangerous occurrence, as the pilots have no control over the aircraft in addition to being unable to see where they are going, thus the aircraft may go overboard, endanger deckedge personnel, or cause injury to personnel on deck not paying attention to what is happening around them. Pendant Retraction The retracting cycle of the deck pendant is normally executed at full speed. The operator, prior to pulling the retracting lever, must ascertain that no personnel or equipment arc in a position to be struck during retraction. If for any reason a sudden interruption of the retracting cycle occurs, the same precaution must be taken prior to the resumption of the retraction cycle. Wire Supports Broken or deformed wire supports should be replaced as soon as practical. Stanchions Personnel should stay clear of areas where stanchions are being raised or lowered, and particularly when barricades are being raised or lowered. When stanchion repair is to be effected, the stanchions should be lashed upright to provide positive positioning. Terminals, Fittings, and Cables Frequent inspection of all cables, terminals, and fittings should be maintained. Any indication (no matter how slight) of failure should be corrected immediately. Particular attention should be given to terminals jamming sheaves. Any condition where this is evident is extremely critical. The unit involved should not be operated until correction of the condition is made. 3-65