Landing Pattern
This guide provides a concise, authoritative reference for DCS F/A-18C pilots flying U.S. Navy Case I overhead patterns. All procedures reflect U.S. Navy CV NATOPS, LSO NATOPS, F/A-18C NATOPS, and CNATRA guidance.
Initial
The Case I carrier landing pattern is a left-hand overhead visual pattern flown in VMC. The pattern begins at the Initial, located 3 NM astern of the carrier at 800 feet and approximately 350 knots.knots, slightly offset to the starboard side. Aircraft enter configured for landing, hook down and lights as required.on. Upon arrival at the Initial, aircraft begincontinue theirflying descentBRC intountil entering the pattern through a level break turnturn.
Break abeamTurn
The break is a 180-degree left turn flown level at 800 feet. The break is initiated any time after passing the ship, but no later then 4nm ahead of the ship. Pilots reduce power, extend speed brakes, flaps, and landing gear once below 250 knots,knots. aimingAim to roll out oninto the downwind at approximately 600 feet600ft and trimmed1.1 on-speedto AoA.1.3 NM parallel to BRC.
Downwind
Downwind is flown parallel to the ship’s course (reciprocal of BRC), with the aircraft at 600 feet positioned 1.1 to 1.3 NM abeam the LSO platform.BRC. The descent from 800 to 600 feet should occur prior to the 180 position. The aircraft should be fully configured, checklist complete, and trimmed on-speed before reaching the abeam position.
Abeam and Approach Turn
The abeam (180) is directly opposite the intended landing spot, usually the LSO platform, and marks the beginning of the approach turn. At 600 feet and on-speed, the pilot initiates a continuous, descending left turn using 27 to 30 degrees of AOB.
90-Degree Position
As the aircraft reaches the 90-degree position, roughly halfway through the turn, it should be at approximately 450 to 500 feet, 1.2 NM from the carrier, and continuing a controlled descent. The aircraft must be set to intercept the 3.5-degree glideslope from above.
Groove Entry
The turn should place the aircraft wings-level and aligned with the carrier’s angled deck centerline at the groove entry, roughly 0.75 NM astern of the ship at 360 to 370 feet. This point, known as the Start, begins the final approach segment known as the Groove, which lasts approximately 15 to 18 seconds.
Ball Call and Final Approach
At the Start, the pilot should make the Ball call (e.g., "Hornet 205, Ball, fuel state 3.2") if not under zip lip. The aircraft must be on-speed, ball centered, and lined up with the landing area. Glideslope is maintained with power, lineup with small heading or bank corrections, and AoA with pitch trimming. The landing is flown to a full stop arrestment, targeting wire #3, with no flare. Upon touchdown, the pilot adds MIL or afterburner power in case of a bolter and only reduces throttle once a successful arrestment is confirmed.
Wave-Off and Bolter
If a wave-off or bolter occurs, the pilot immediately applies full power, maintains on-speed AoA, and climbs along the angled deck heading until past the bow. A clearing turn to the right is then executed to rejoin the upwind leg. The aircraft climbs back to 600 feet, remains in landing configuration, and re-enters the pattern with proper interval.
Best Practices
Maintaining discipline in pattern geometry, timing, and configuration is critical for safe and consistent Case I landings. Trim early, manage interval, and fly a smooth, predictable approach. Use the IFLOLS for glideslope, maintain lineup throughout the groove, and always be ready to wave off or bolter if the approach becomes unstable.
Sources: CV NATOPS, LSO NATOPS, F/A-18C NATOPS, CNATRA FCLP and Carrier Qualification Guides.