With the list of the ship, you've got to have the pilot come up on power or you have to slow him down. You've got to watch how fast he's going. You need to know where to park him because you can't park the main mounts and the tires on the catapult tracks because they get so hot. You learn all the different spots, all the different scenarios. Cate took a deep breath and explained that the pace doesn't ease up just because the sun goes down.
Night time is a real big deal.
Certain aircraft like the Prowler , you have to stand so far away because the cockpit is so high that the pilot has to be able to see you. And when you're on the catapult directing him up, it's tough. You can't see very well because of the shadows, and you've got the amber lights shining in the face. You're looking back and hoping that you're doing it right. If you get pushed back, it's terrible.