LAFalot:
I know the technique of which you speak. Works great under ideal conditions, but, on theis particular platform there just are not the required visual cues. It's a bit of a bug-ger to see the deck even cross-wind. Not the greatest design. Throw in a light, tail heavy 76 and it gets pretty interesting. By the way, I've flown this great machine since '90 and have about 4500 on type and it still never ceases to surprise me!
S76Heavy:
I hear what you are saying, but, offshore night landings are a very unique skill. I have had many a senior pilot walk away with the need for a change of undies after a night session. So it is not neccesarily the experience.
I myself did my first DDL's (Destroyer Deck Landings) at night with only 75 hours on SeaKings and a grand total of 160 hours RW time.
Thanks to all for the responses, this will always be an interesting job!
Cheers
OffshoreIgor