1967-04: FCLP

April 1967: We've nearly completed the nearly year-long training syllabus required to learn how to operate the complex RA-5C weapon system, but but the flying is now even more challenging.

There are some new entries under:" FCL"- Field Carrier Landing, and we've now begun Field Carrier Landing Practice, training for carrier qualifications scheduled for next month aboard USS Forrestal. This month I would log 118 such "landings" in the back seat of the RA-5C.

While straightforward, FCLP does present some special procedures. At landing weight, you can only carry enough fuel for a half dozen landings or so. Shutting down to refuel would take far too long. So you "hot refuel".

Hot refueling is what it seems: refueling the aircraft with the crew in the cockpit and the engines running. There are some obvious hazards here with jet fuel hoses in close proximity to the operating engines and hot exhaust. We crewmen strapped in our individual cockpits relied on ladders and lineman assistance to exit the airplane, so There was no quick way to exit the cockpit if needed. Even the ejection seat was not an option since they required over 80 knots of airspeed to get a good chute.

An minor incident: Completing a session of night FCLP, we taxi in to hot refuel. I open my canopy for a breather. No need for a ladder, since we will be taxiing out again in a few minutes. Relaxing (to the extent possible) before another session of bone jarring hard landings.

The FIRE warning light illuminates.

If this was a real fire we were in serious trouble. But whenever the fire warning circuit was tested it illuminates the warning lights in BOTH cockpits. Had my pilot possibly forgotten and was testing the circuit without warning me?

Me, over the intercom: Is that a test?

Pilot: Uh-- yes. (pause) Sorry.

Me: (silence, more relieved than annoyed)

The session, and the remaining FCLP sessions, ended uneventfully. Our experiences in during carrier qualification next month were not quite so uneventful....

A graphic  description of FCLP's as well as an example of what can go horribly wrong.

Next log entry: 1967-05: Hitting the boat