Who is responsible for determining the degree of glideslope to be used?

The correct answer is the Landing Signal Officer (LSO). The LSO plays a crucial role in ensuring safe aircraft landings on aircraft carriers. One of their responsibilities includes determining the appropriate glideslope angle for incoming aircraft, which is vital for maintaining a safe and optimal approach for landing. The LSO coordinates with the pilot to provide visual signals and instructions that guide the aircraft to the correct landing trajectory.

While other roles, such as the Navigator or the Flight Operations Officer, are vital for overall flight coordination and mission planning, they do not specifically handle the real-time landing approach dynamics and glideslope decisions in the same way the LSO does. The Air Boss, responsible for the overall air operations on the flight deck, focuses more on the broader operational management rather than the specific landing adjustments that the LSO oversees. This defined role of the LSO makes them the key authority in determining the glideslope for aircraft landing on carriers.