Which position is responsible for the terminal phase visual control of aircraft prior to landing?

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In naval aviation, the person in charge of guiding an aircraft in the final approach and onto the deck is the Landing Signal Officer. Positioned at the Landing Signal Station, the LSO uses standardized visually coded signals with paddles or wands to communicate with the pilot during the terminal phase of the approach. They direct the aircraft’s glide path and alignment to the deck, manage energy and descent rate, and determine when it’s safe to touch down or to perform a wave-off if conditions aren’t safe. This role is specifically focused on the last moments of approach and the landing itself, ensuring safe clearance from the flight deck and proper use of arresting gear if applicable. Other roles, like the Primary Flight Control (PriFly), oversee overall flight deck operations and coordination with aircraft handling, while the Air Operations Officer and the Air Officer handle broader planning and command responsibilities for air operations.