In the French Navy, night VFR approach on a ship or deck is prohibited. Whatever the helo is ( from Super Frelon to Alouette III) and whatever the ship is ( from aircraft carrier down to fishing boat or sailing yacht) the let down starts at 2500 yards / 500 ft with passage by 2000/400- 1500/300 down to 1000 yards 200 ft. Speed is between 60 to 80 knots at the beginning, descelerating during descent toward 40 + wind at 1000 yds / 200 ft.
Durind the initial descent Both pilots are under instruments and non flying pilot report radar distances.
At 200 ft, flying pilot raises his eyes and look for visual references while non flying pilot remains head down, and starts reporting repeatedly radio altimeter height, ground speed and distance until instructed by flying pilot to stop. If at 800 yards, visual is gained, descent is resumed. If not, missed approach procedure is flown by non flying pilot.
Below 200 ft, non flying pilot puts his hands around ( without touching) flight controls and is ready to take the controls and apply the missed approach procedure if requested to do so by the flying pilot. Usual missed approach procedure is left turn 30 deg from approach course, takeoff power and Vy.
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