The U.S. Navy plans to conduct Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) operations Aug. 1-10 at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. During this time frame, the Navy will conduct both day and night FCLPs. This is the first E-2/C-2 FCLP detachment at Wallops since March 2016.
The U.S. Navy has a long-term agreement with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to conduct FCLP training at Wallops for Navy E-2C/D and C-2A turboprop aircraft, to include both detachment and out-and-in operations.
Approximately 150 personnel assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120), home based at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, participate in detachment operations, to include Navy pilots, and Navy and civilian maintenance personnel. All of these personnel will reside in off-base, local area accommodations.
FCLP provides naval aviators with critical real world training before landing on an aircraft carrier. Landing on the flight deck of an underway aircraft carrier is one of the most complex and demanding tasks required of a pilot, and conducting FCLP ashore is essential training prior landing aboard the ship. Before any naval aviator – no matter how experienced – can land a fixed-wing aircraft on an aircraft carrier, he or she must successfully complete multiple day and night FCLP periods at a properly equipped airfield shore.
Jewell Thompson
Office of Communications Intern
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility