There is a precision approach called ACLS. It's basically like ILS needles, and you fly it like an ILS. Can also be coupled to an auto-throttle/autoland function on some birds. Not to many guys I've talked to trust the system. I've heard of near ramp strikes with centered needles using the system. As far as flying the ball, the old lens had 5 cells top to bottom. Basically a very precise VASI. At 3/4 of a mile it's about 20' full scale from high ball to low, and at the ramp 4' from top to bottom. The new "I-flaws" (I can't remember how to spell the acronym) has something like 12 cells and is MUCH more sensitive. Before when you rolled out in the groove at 3/4 mile, with a centered ball (hopefully), you didn't know if you were on the high side or low side of that center cell. With the new lens there's no question. Kind of looks like LED lights rather than just a big yellow ball. As far as actually flying the ball, it's all power. High ball, pull power, low add power. You're constantly adjusting your AOA with the nose. Fast, a little nose up, slow, nose down. So if you have something like a low ball, and a fast indication, just leave the power, pull a little nose up to get your on-speed AOA and center the ball. There are 100 little adjustments like that to be made in the 18 seconds you're in the groove. 2.15 in 100K is more like the accident rate per flight hours, sounds way to low for actual landings, but whadda I know?
As far as wing tip clearance in the LA, it's all about what you're flying. It is pretty tight for a COD or E-2 guy, but if you're talking about a T-45 that has stubby little wings, it's plenty of room. They generally don't send guys to the boat if they think their gonna kill themselves, but crap does still happen.
(For the record, I plan on finding a way to spend my MGIB money on helo ratings... just for the fun of it.)
