As an add-on to all the rest of very good replys ...............
I plan to overfly the ship at 1000' 80kts to insure the hatch is clear and to identify it. Fly a right hand ctt (B206) reducing to 60kts by end of down wind leg turn right for the base leg arm floats and start a 500' rate of decent aimimg for the first gate of 500' 60kts turn final and reduce rate of decent to 300'/min 45kts.
You'll find in this configuration the aircraft will fly it's self to the touch down point nicely with no large pitch pull at the bottom. As was said before stay ahead of the aircraft at all times incase the noise stops as your reaction time is critical for a successful auto.
Be aware of where your tail rotor will be on landing as some decks have limited access points and of course obsticals (railings beside ladders) etc..........
I use this for night ship transfers as well.
On departing lift to hover, last instrument check, pull smoothly to 100% confirm positive rate of climb, nose over to 5-7% wait for airspeed to increase to 60kts check rate of climb is always positive and maitain this till 1000' then reduce power to cruise and turn homeward unarm floats.
Doing night take-offs from a ship on a moonless night in a B206 is something else! Safe flying
