What is the hook bypass switch used for?

[MivwTaupos]

I always use the big hook switch on the right panel, so what is the little bypass switch button on the left panel used for?

[mongo52]

When set to field it keeps the AoA light from flashing with the tailhook up. As for use IRL the only time I remember is some pilots would do it for FCLP's.

Edited July 31, 2020 by mongo52
Extra info

[MivwTaupos]

Sorry, but what is IRL and FCLP's?

[Tholozor]

'In Real Life' and 'Field Carrier Landing Practice.'

 

When the switch is set to Carrier, the AoA indexer lights will flash when the aircraft is in landing configuration and the tailhook is up, this is to alert the pilot the tailhook is not deployed if they intend to land on a carrier. The indexer lights will become solid when the tailhook is down.

When the switch is set to Field, the AoA indexer lights will be solid, regardless of the position of the tailhook.

Edited July 31, 2020 by Tholozor

[Frederf]

Various warnings will occur when landing gear is down but hook is up as this is a bad configuration for carrier landing. To prevent pilots from getting accustomed to ignoring such warnings when doing off-carrier operations the bypass switch is there to tell the airplane that a non-carrier landing is taking place so don't present the warnings.

[BarTzi]

When the switch is set to Field, the AoA indexer lights will be solid, regardless of the position of the tailhook.

 

One minor detail - when set to field and you deploy your hook, the switch will automatically transition to carrier.

[mongo52]

One minor detail - when set to field and you deploy your hook, the switch will automatically transition to carrier.

It also reverts back to carrier with loss of electrical power.