Originally Posted by Grumble

Done both in zero/zero. "Published" mins for the ACLS/ILS to the boat are 260 and 1/2 (60' is for the deck height above water). LSO will usually gain sight of you before you see the boat, and talk you down until you can take over via the ball and lineup. If you're lucky someone will recognize the silliness of it outside combat and just cry uncle and cancel a day like that. Nothing like walking across the flight deck to your jet asking yourself "why am I doing this???" Although I asked myself that question just about every time I was in marshall about to attempt another night trap.

There is also the option of coupleing up for a Mode 1, which is literally a coupled auto land, however it can and will drop lock at the worst times, and dosen't do well in heavy seas.