What Fighter Pilots ACTUALLY Do Just Before Launch

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MAX Afterburner Catapult Launch from the EA-18G Growler | Flight Deck Operations on the USS Theodore Roosevelt

Ever wondered what it’s really like to launch a jet off the packed flight deck of an aircraft carrier? In this one-of-a-kind video, join me as I take the controls of an EA-18G Growler aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) for a MAX afterburner catapult launch. With a flight deck packed full of Hornets, Super Hornets, Growlers, Hawkeyes, CODs, and Seahawk helicopters, you’ll get an exclusive, pilot’s-eye view of the precision and coordination involved in launching aircraft from one of the most dangerous places on the planet.

In this detailed breakdown, I’ll talk you through every aspect of the launch process—from the roar of the afterburners to the tense moments before the jet is catapulted off the flight deck. You’ll see firsthand how the flight deck crew, from the Shooters to the Final Checkers, work in sync to ensure each aircraft is launched safely.

I’ll also dive into the engineering behind the Jet Blast Deflectors (JBDs)—massive steel structures that redirect engine exhaust and protect crew and aircraft from powerful jet blast. You’ll learn how these JBDs are cooled using sea water between launches to withstand the intense heat and force.

But it’s not just about launches; we’ll also take a look at how the Manually Operated Visual Landing Aid System (MOVLAS) helps Landing Signal Officers (LSOs) waive aircraft safely aboard.

This video is unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else on YouTube. With multiple catapult launches from different angles—captured from the waist of the carrier and from my perspective in the cockpit—you’ll get an in-depth, realistic look at what carrier operations are truly like. This isn’t Hollywood. This is the raw, high-pressure reality of launching and landing million-dollar aircraft on a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

If you’ve ever been curious about what goes on behind the scenes of one of the most complex and intense military operations in the world, this video is your chance to see it all unfold.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to experience more exclusive Navy aviation content straight from the cockpit and the flight deck!
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*CORRECTION to the narration*
In the jam, I mention "the Shooter" when I'm on the catapult. Since this was a bubble launch, the Shooters were actually in the bubble and the Catapult Safety Observer (CSO), an ABE (Aviation Boatswain's Mate - Launch/Recovery), is the Sailor who tells me to run up the throttles and gives me the final "thumbs up" prior to launch. The CSO is an enlisted Sailor. Al Shooters are Officers.
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Chapters:
0:00 Out of the Chocks
0:35 Hook Check
2:12 JBD Discussion
5:13 Catapult 3 Launch
6:20 Catapult 4 Launch
7:19 MOVLAS Discussion
10:00 Tension
10:34 Fly Navy

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