The OLF is a left-handed, racetrack pattern that extends approximately 1.25 to 1.5 miles laterally from either side of the runway. Arriving aircraft approach at 800' (+ or -)AGL about 500' off the side of the runway allowing for a final visual inspection of the runway area. At the end of this pass they make a 180° left turn descending to pattern altitude. They continue descending along that path until beginning another 180° descending turn to 300'AGL and align with the runway. The pilot touches down on the simulated carrier deck painted on the runway, accelerates, and climbs back to pattern altitude while making another 180° turn to re-enter the pattern. It's like NASCAR - fly fast, turn left.
      The Coupeville Outlying Field (OLF) is a military airport operated by the United States Navy two miles (3 km) southeast of Coupeville, Island County, Washington. Located at at 48° 11' 00' N ~ 122° 38' 00" W at an elevation of 199 feet AMSL this 5400 foot concrete runway runs 14/32 (NW / SE). The OLF is primarily used for day and night Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) training for the EA-18G 'Growler' aircraft based at Ault Field in Oak Harbor.
      The OLF was commissioned for use by the US Navy in 1943. FCLP flight operations allow Naval Aviators and on-board crew to fly in patterns as well as practice touch-and-go landings, simulating carrier landings and take offs. During these practice runs, jet aircraft approach the runway and touch down where a simulated arrestor wire is painted on the deck. The jet then immediately takes off again and loops around the field to prepare for another landing and take off. Each aircraft makes multiple touch-and-go landings during these training events. While performing the touch and go maneuvers, the practicing aircraft fly at appropriate altitudes and speeds in addition to flying at or near sea level.[3] OLF Coupeville is seen by the Navy as an ideal airfield for this type of carrier training due to its remote location and low ambient lighting, allowing pilots and crew to have the optimum experience for replication of landing aboard an aircraft carrier.
      NAS Whidbey Island remains open continuously to support flight operations and training. Schedules for OLF Coupeville and Ault Field will continue to be released weekly for community planning purposes. People living in local communities should remain aware that the aforementioned operations are not the only operations out of NAS Whidbey Island, particularly at Ault Field, which is a 24-hour-a-day operational facility. There are many other training evolutions that people may hear. However, the aircraft carrier flight training operations are types of operations that involve lower altitude flight training in close vicinity to the airfield. The FCLP and other carrier-based training tempos are driven by operational training requirements, and may fluctuate due to weather and maintenance. The base will make every effort to let the community know if there are additions to published schedules.
      Comments regarding flight operations should note the time an event occurred, where exactly the event occurred and as much detail as possible about what was seen. We also ask that people leave their contact information for our tracking purposes. All other questions can be directed to NAS Whidbey Island Public Affairs Office at (360) 257-2286. Comments, including noise complaints can be directed to NAS Whidbey Island's comment line at (360) 257-6665 or written in an email to NASWI_Noise_Comments@us.navy.mil.