9. 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.
NON-INTEGRATED CATAPULT CONTROL
STATION (ICCS) NO-LOAD LAUNCHING
PROCEDURES
No-load
launches
are
conducted
during
the
accomplishment of the preoperational MRCs. No-
Loads launches may also be required for post
maintenance catapult checkout.
WARNING
NO-Loads tests shall be conducted under the
supervision of a qualified launching officer. To
prevent injury to personnel, safety lines shall
be rigged along the deck inboard of the catapult
and safety personnel shall be stationed in the
catwalk to keep unauthorized personnel clear
of the catapult area.
Perform the following steps for no-load test
launchings:
1.
With the catapult track clear, the launching
officer signals the deckedge operator to retract.
2.
With the grab and shuttle in battery position,
the topside safety petty officer signals the
deckedge operator to maneuver forward a
sufficient
distance
to
allow
grab/shuttle
separation (one to two feet is adequate).
3.
With a crewmember manually releasing the
grab latch, the topside petty officer signals the
deck edge operator to maneuver the grab to the
fully aft position.
4.
The retraction engine operator closes the fluid
supply valves to the bridle tensioner pressure
regulator and the internal tensioning pressure
regulator.
5.
The launching officer shall set the CSV
command setting to the no load value.
WARNING
The main control console operator shall not
place the catapult in first ready until the CSV
setting has been made, verified and the catapult
is ready for no load launches.
6.
The console operator shall ensure that the CSV
command setting is in the no-load range and
depress the set pushbutton. The console
operator then ensures that command, position,
and mechanical counter all matches and places
the catapult in first ready. If in disagreement
with the command setting, the console operator
shall not depress the set pushbutton and shall
leave the catapult in safe until the setting
discrepancy is resolved.
7.
The launching officer shall ensure that the CSV
has been properly set by ensuring a green CSV
status light.
8.
The launching officer notifies pri-fly to make a
5MC warning announcement of the impending
no load launches.
9.
The launching officer checks that safety lines
are properly rigged and safety personnel are on
station. The launching officer then signals the
deckedge operator to place the catapult in final
ready.
10.
The deckedge operator presses the bridle
tensioning and standby pushbuttons.
11.
The console operator observes the standby
light come on, ensures that all conditions are
satisfactory and depresses the final ready
pushbutton.
12.
The deckedge operator observes the final ready
light come on and gives the final ready signal.
13.
The launching officer shall check for a clear
launching area and give the fire signal.
14.
The deckedge operator first looks forward and
aft to ensure a clear launch area and then
presses the fire pushbutton.
15.
Repeat the above procedures if necessary for
subsequent no loads.
NON-INTEGRATED CATAPULT CONTROL
STATION (ICCS) LAUNCHING PROCEDURES
The following steps must be completed before the
launching officer assumes control of the aircraft.
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