Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
I notice at time 3+45 that the hook isn't down and the AoA indicator is steady.
In my former airplane, with the switches set appropriately, if the hook wasn't down (for instance a purposeful hook up pass) the AoA indicator will blink. If I remember my time on the platform too - there is a guy with binos looking at each airplane at the 180 deg position and relaying the configuration of the aircraft.
There is a toggle switch in the jet. The only way to get the flashing light to remind you that the hook isn't down is to set it to the "carrier" position.
They also have to log some touch and goes on the carrier deck in addition to the traps. The footage with hook up, and the light steady could have been from an intended touch and go.
I'm not an LSO, but I can speak with confidence saying there isn't anyway they wouldn't notice the stud didn't have his hook down. Once a student shows up in the groove, the LSO isn't going to want them to do anything except fly the pass. Not a good idea to take your hand off the stick to move other switches at that point in time. In addition to buying an unintentional touch and go, he probably bought his LSO "something else"