How does a jet land on an aircraft carrier?
I’m not a carrier pilot but I find this subject interesting, so I do know the answer. Any aircraft has a landing speed, and usually the slowest speed at which the aircraft is controllable is best. So one way is to develop jets that can be slowed to a reasonably safe landing speed, usually something over 120 knots. Next, each carrier aircraft has an arresting hook that engages a cable on the carrier’s deck. That will slow the aircraft to a stop in a minimal distance. Slow speed plus arresting cable is what makes the landing work, but add in a sophisticated system to guide the pilot to the proper position to land on the deck and engage the hook at the desired safe speed. This involves mirrors and signals by a landing signal officer who monitors the landing and helps guide the pilot to the exact approach point needed for a safe landing. It is still a challenge and requires a lot of practice. Most pilots can get some of that practice on simulators, but they also get a lot of it in the airc
