What is the function of arresting gear on a carrier deck?

• A. To launch aircraft from the flight deck
• B. To guide aircraft to parking positions
• C. To rapidly stop landing aircraft using arresting wires
• D. To secure the flight deck with nets

Answer: (C)

Arresting gear is there to quickly and safely stop a landing airplane on a carrier. When a plane lands, its tailhook hooks one of the arresting wires stretched across the deck. The wires connect to energy-absorbing units that pull the aircraft back and dissipate its kinetic energy, bringing it to a controlled stop within the short deck space. This rapid stop is essential because carrier decks are compact and cannot allow a long rollout. Launching aircraft is handled by the catapult system, not arresting gear, and guiding or parking aircraft is done by deck handlers and markings, not by the arresting wires. Nets provide safety around the flight area but do not serve the primary role of stopping landing aircraft.