# Presentation: 424363

## South Carolina WingCivil Air Patrol

Mission Aircrew Course

**South Carolina Wing****Civil Air Patrol**
**Mission Aircrew Course**

**** Revised Feb. 2003 - TN133/R.Hischke ****

**Notes:**
Sign in roster

Fill out Fax for ECI course

Class introduction - name, aviation experience, length of time in CAP, scanner, observer, pilot?

Show Outline

## Form 101

**Form 101 Specialty Qualification Card**
**CAPR 60-3  ****NEED GENERAL ES !!!**

**So, you wanna train ???**

**Administrative Items**

**Notes:**
Complete information contained in CAPR 60-3

Issued by the wing commander.
CAPF 101T required for training in each specialty

Currency requirement - as a minimum qualified personnel should participate in at least one mission (actual, training or proficiency sortie) every two years in each specialty.

Scanners and observers must also maintain currency IAW CAPR 60-1 which means satisfactorily completing a biennial refresher qualification program covering the subjects in this course.

Lost currency may be regained IAW procedures in CAPR 60-3, pp 2-5 -- READ

## Mission Scanner Requirements

**Trainee**
**18 years of age minimum**
**Complete on-line CAPT 116, ES/ICS tests**
**Qualification**
**Preparatory Training per CAPF 101T-MS**
**Complete ECI 02130A Scanner Course  **
**Assist in planning & conducting two sorties**
**Demonstrate knowledge of procedures and plans**
**Recommendation of a qualified Mission Scanner**

**Notes:**
Requirements for Scanner/Observer positions contained in CAPR 60-3
Training requirements found in CAPR 60-3 pp 2-3 
Positional Checklists found in CAPF 101T-MS,MO,MP
Two sorties is minimum.  Must complete all training requirements and demonstrate proficiency. 
No specified minimum number of required hours for flight and classroom training - the goal is to achieve level of proficiency

Mission Pilots can conduct Scanner / Observer flight training 

Training is a continuous process - it doesn’t stop when the CAPF 101 is issued - professional performance demands continuous training. 

## 101T Training Requirements

**Visual Search Pattern Procedures**
**Electronic Search Pattern and Procedures **
**Aircrew Coordination**
**Flight Line Operations**
**Survival and First Aid Procedures**
**Safety**
**Scanning Techniques and Sighting Characteristics**

**Notes:**
- This course covers the classroom training required for Scanner, Observer, & Pilot.

	- Five Visual Search Patterns
	- Four Electronic Search Patterns

	- Assignment of Duties	
	- Crew Efficiency
	- Search Altitude Selection
	- Coordination with ATC (Air Traffic Control)

	- Aircraft Marshalling Hand Signals
	- Flightline Safety
	- Safety Considerations
	- Scanning Patterns
	- Lighting Conditions
	- Visual Clues
	- Wreckage Patterns
	- Reducing Fatigue Effects

## Flight Training/Qualification Requirements

**Minimum of two separate sorties as a trainee under the direct supervision of a qualified Mission Scanner**
**Demonstrate Thorough Knowledge and Understanding of:**
**Visual Search Pattern Procedures**
**Electronic Search Pattern and Procedures **
**Coordination with Ground Teams/Air-Ground Signals**
**Aircrew Coordination**

**Notes:**
- Trainee must demonstrate to a qualified mission observer a thorough understanding of SAR/DR operations procedures.
- CAPF 101T-MS,MO,MP show list of training requirements:HAND OUT
- Visual Search
Track Line, Parallel Track, Creeping Line, Expanding Square, Sector, Contour/Mountainous Terrain
- Electronic Search
Wing Shadow (Signal Null), Aural, DF/Metered,Mountainous Terrain 
- Coordination with ground team: Directing ground teams along a desired route to specified objectives, with and w/o radio communication and correctly sending and receiving signals
- Demonstrate proficiency in working with assigned crew members

## PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: Visual Search
Be prepared to fly the mission — clothing, equipment, credentials, etc.
Complete mission paperwork 
Attend briefings
Maintain an observer’s log
Conduct the mission as planned
Report observations accurately
Return borrowed or assigned equipment
Complete all post-mission paperwork 

**Be prepared to fly the mission — ****clothing, equipment, credentials, etc.**
**Complete mission paperwork **
**Attend briefings**
**Maintain an observer’s log**
**Conduct the mission as planned**
**Report observations accurately**
**Return borrowed or assigned equipment**
**Complete **_**all**_** post-mission paperwork **

**Scanner Duties**

**Notes:**
Primary responsibility - Visual Search; allows the pilot to fly safely and accurately.  You are the Eyes and Ears of the Mission Coordinator (MC).

Briefings include:  Mission, safety, comm, preflight/aircrew, passenger/crew  and debrief 

CAPF 60 (Emergency Notification Form)
CAPF 103 (Sign In Rosters)
CAPF 121 (Aircraft and Vehicle Sign In Rosters)
CAPF 104 (Flight Plan / Mission Briefing/Debriefing Form)
Observer’s Log
Source documents for Scanner/Observer are:
CAPR 60-3, CAP Emergency Services Training and  Operational Missions
CAPR 60-1, CAP Flight Management

## Mission Observer Requirements

**Trainee**
**Qualified Mission Scanner**
**Qualification**
**Preparatory Training per CAPF 101T-MO**
**CAP Radio Operator Authorization Card**
**Complete ECI 02130B Observer Course**
**Plan & conduct two sorties**
**Demonstrate knowledge of Procedures and Plans**
**Recommendation of a qualified Mission Observer**

## Flight Training Requirements

**Minimum of two separate sorties as a trainee under the direct supervision of a qualified Mission Observer**
**Visual and electronic search procedures**
**Visual search patterns as applicable**
**Electronic search with direction finding equipment**
**Electronic search without direction finding equipment**
**Aircrew coordination**
**Other search mission procedures**

**Notes:**
Trainee must demonstrate to a qualified mission observer a thorough understanding of SAR/DR operations procedures.
- CAPF 101T-MS,MO,MP show list of training requirements:
	Visual Search Procedures to include
		a.  Track line (route) search
		b.  Parallel track search
		c.  Creeping line search
		d.  Expanding square search
		e.  Contour search
		f.  Mountainous terrain procedures (if applicable)
	Electronic Search Procedures
		a.  Wing shadow method
		b.  Aural search
		c.  Use of direction finding equipment
		d.  Mountainous terrain procedures (if applicable)
	Coordination with Ground Teams/Air-ground Signals
	Navigation and Position Determination
	Air Crew Coordination

## Be prepared to fly the mission — clothing, equipment, credentials, etc.
Complete pre-mission paperwork 
Attend briefings
Maintain an observer’s log
Conduct the mission as planned
Advise the mission base of status
Report accurately
Return borrowed or assigned equipment
Complete all paperwork 

**Complete pre-mission paperwork **
**Attend briefings**
**Maintain an observer’s log**
**Conduct the mission as planned**
**Advise the mission base of status**
**Report accurately**
**Return borrowed or assigned equipment**
**Complete **_**all**_** paperwork **

**Observer Duties**

**Notes:**
Primary responsibility - Visual Search; allows the pilot to fly safely and accurately.  You are the Eyes and Ears of the Mission Coordinator (MC).

Briefings include:  Mission, safety, comm, preflight/aircrew, passenger/crew  and debrief 

CAPF 60 (Emergency Notification Form)
CAPF 103 (Sign In Rosters)
CAPF 121 (Aircraft and Vehicle Sign In Rosters)
CAPF 104 (Flight Plan / Mission Briefing/Debriefing Form)

Source documents for Scanner/Observer are:
CAPR 60-3, CAP Emergency Services Training and  Operational Missions
CAPR 60-1, CAP Flight Management

## Mission Pilot Requirements

**Trainee**
**Qualified Mission Scanner**
**Current CAP Pilot with 175 Hrs. PIC incl. 50 Hrs. X/C**
**Preparatory Training per CAPF 101T-MP**
**Qualification**
**CAP Radio Operator Authorization Card**
**Complete MISSION AIRCREW Course**
**Fly two separate training sorties**
**Demonstrate capability to fly search patterns**
**Complete evaluation flight check  - CAPF 91.**
**Recommendation of a qualified Mission Pilot**

## Radio Operator Authorization Card

**CAP Form 76 (ROA)**
**CAPR 100-1**

**Mission Forms**

**Notes:**
This is a prerequisite to Observer & Mission Pilot qualification.

Wing Director of Communications issues this card.

Requires an understanding of CAP Manual 100-1.

## Form 101T

**Form 101T Specialty Training Forms**
**CAPR 60-3**
**101T-MS - Mission Scanner**
**101T-MO - Mission Observer**
**101T-MP - Mission Pilot**
**etc.**

**Notes:**
Need these forms to begin training. 
Complete information and instructions found in CAPR 60-3 pp 2-3.
Individual can train in up to 3 specialties at a time.
To receive credit for field training the instructor must endorse the Form 101T.
Form 101T expires in 2 years, but is no longer used  when a person becomes qualified in an area and it is added to the CAPF 101.
Form 101T should be retained for continued participation in a training status until receipt of the CAPR 101.
CAPF 100 documents the request for CAPF 101T and the Unit Commander issues CAPF 101T.

## Form 101T-MS

## Form 101T-MO

**Form 101T-MO**

## Form 101T-MP

**Form 101T-MP**

## Form 101

**Form 101 Specialty Qualification Card**
**CAPR 60-3**

**Notes:**
Complete information is contained in CAPR 60-3 pp 2-1
Issued by the wing or region commander.
Currency requirement - as a minimum qualified personnel should participate in at least one mission (actual, training or proficiency sortie) every two years in each specialty.
Reciprocity is granted between states.
Scanner and observers must also maintain currency IAW CAPR 60-1 which now means satisfactorily completing a biennial refresher qualification program covering the subjects in this course.
Lost currency may be regained IAW procedures in CAPR 60-3 pp 2-5.

## Forms 104 and 108

**CAPF 104 Mission Flight Plan / Briefing / Debriefing Form**
**CAPR 60-1**
**Completed for each mission sortie**
**CAPF 108 CAP Payment / Reimbursement Document for Aviation / Automotive / Miscellaneous Expenses**
**CAPR 173-3**
**Completed for each mission**
**File within 30 days after mission completion**
**Processing may take weeks**

**Notes:**
Observer log information is transferred to the back of the CAPF 104 for debriefing / recording.  
Is used in lieu of the FAA Flight Plan for operational missions.  

## FAA Flight Plan

**FAA Form 7233-1**

**Notes:**
CAPR 60-1 para 2-1g requires this be filed any flight over 50 NM distance except where CAPF 104 or CAPF 84  flight plan forms are used.
Filed with FAA to record your intended flight and will start a search if you don’t arrive/return.
Observer may need to fill this out for some non-mission sorties.
BE SURE TO CLOSE YOUR FLIGHT PLAN WITH FAA.

## Radio Communications& Procedures

**There are many radios in aircraft**
**ALL have similar features, tuning, volume, squelch**
**Learn how to operate the radio you will be using**
**Keep radio transmissions brief and clear**
**Use “Code words” **
**Use “Prowords”**
**Figures**
**Time**
**Phonetic Alphabet**

**Notes:**
Code words are used to prevent unauthorized individuals from obtaining information (news media, etc.)  Example “Blackjack” means recall (return to base). 

## CAPR 60-3
Ground to Air Signals
Size equals visibility
Natural materials (contrast is important)
Body signals
Paulin signals
Air to Ground Signals
Aircraft motion
Circling and heading
Racing the engine
Message drop

**Ground to Air Signals**
**Size equals visibility**
**Natural materials (contrast is important)**
**Body signals**
**Paulin signals**
**Air to Ground Signals**
**Aircraft motion**
**Circling and heading**
**Racing the engine**
**Message drop**

**Ground Team Coordination**

**Think BIG!**

**Notes:**
A radio is not always available, so you may have to communicate with ground teams using non-verbal means.
IAMSAR Vol II Apx A and Vol III Sect 2 establishes standard signals
Contrast and size are most important elements of ground signals 

## Ground Signals

## Aircraft Motion Signals

**YES**

**NO**

**Message received and understood**

**Notes:**
Also, to direct the ground team in a certain direction, fly over the team on the appropriate heading and race the engine.

## Low Level Navigation

**THE DANGER**
**The biggest single problem is crew workload**
**Your perception of speed varies with altitude**
**SPECIAL ATTENTION**
**Man-made obstructions**
**Air crew duties**
**These items should be covered during the pre-flight briefing.  **

## Position Determination

**Electronic means**
**Radial and distance (DME) from an identified station**
**Intersection of two radials**
**Intersection of two reverse courses**

## Position Determination

**Pilotage**
**Work from larger to smaller**
**Work from a known location to present location**
**Watch the scale on maps**
**Remain suspicious if all points don’t seem to line up right**
**Use groups of 3 characteristics to verify position**

**Notes:**
Pilotage is using primarily VISUAL REFERENCES or landmarks along with some computations of time, speed, heading, and wind.
Dead Reckoning is navigation using ONLY time, heading, wind and airspeed.  No visual references are used.

## Pilotage

**Get a current chart**
**Plot course**
**Choose checkpoints**
**Enclose the Course**
**Measure true course**
**Adjust for magnetic variation**
**Correct for wind**
**Note compass deviation**

## CAP Grid System

**Overlays standard sectional maps**
**Subdivides the map into distinct working areas**
**Each grid is ****1/4°**** of latitude by ****1/4°**** of longitude and is assigned a number**
**Grids are further divided into sub-grids labeled ****A****, ****B****, ****C****, and ****D**
**Each sectional has a standard for assigning grid numbers — for areas of overlap the grid number of the ****most westerly**** chart is used**

**Notes:**
The grid system is used to uniformly identify areas for search. 
Only a couple of charts in the US have overlaps.

## Aeronautical Chart Grid System

**Each grid on the sectional is assigned a number**
**In this example, the grid depicted is numbered 159**
**Grids are subdivided into smaller sections**
**Letters are used to define sub-grids**

**103-00 W**

**103-00 W**

**102-00 W**

**102-00 W**

**36-00 N**

**37-00 N**

**A**

**B**

**C**

**B**

**C**

**D**

**159 AA**

**36-30 N**

**102-45 W**

**102-30 W**

**A**

**B**

**C**

**D**

**159 ADB**

**Notes:**
The first full 15 minute quadrangle in the northwest corner of the chart is numbered “One” and numbered in sequence from west to east.  Continue in this manner until reaching the southeast corner of the gridded area which serves as the last full 15 minute quadrangle.

## Standardized Latitude/Longitude Grid System

**This system does not require special numbering**
**Lat-long of lower right corner defines the grid**
**Letters are used to define sub-grids**

**103-00 W**

**103-00 W**

**102-00 W**

**102-00 W**

**36-00 N**

**37-00 N**

**A**

**B**

**C**

**B**

**C**

**D**

**36/102 AA**

**36-30 N**

**102-45 W**

**102-30 W**

**A**

**B**

**C**

**D**

**36/102 ADB**

**Notes:**
This is another type of grid system that uses the Lat/Long to define the grid number.  Otherwise, it is very similar to the aeronautical chart grid system

## Making Grid Charts

**You can use a new sectional — normally not updated unless it gets worn out**
**Use a hi-lighter (not pink) to mark grid boundaries on the chart using a long ruler**
**Mark grid identification in black ink for easy visibility**
**You should always keep a current sectional with you even if you have a sectional which is marked with grids**

**Notes:**
You can make a master grid chart and then mark up you current navigation chart with selected grids as needed.
Red or pink marks on your charts will not be visible at night when the red light is the only light on.

## Search Planning& Coverage

**Search Involves**
**Estimating the position of the wreck or survivors**
**Determining the area to be searched**
**Selecting the search techniques to be used**
**Possibility Area**
**Circle around the ****Last Known Position**** (LKP)**
**The radius is equal to the endurance of the aircraft**
**Correct for wind**
**Probability Area**
**Where is the aircraft likely to be**

**Notes:**
Searches must be planned and conducted in an orderly, methodical fashion to be sure the target is found quickly and important areas are covered properly. 
These issues are usually handled by the Mission Coordinator.
You need to be familiar so you can understand where your sortie fits into the mission and what information is important in your debriefing report.

## Determining the Possibility Area

**LKP**

**Corrected for wind**

**Wind vector**

**No wind endurance**

**Maximum possibility area**

**Flight level winds:   330/20**
**Aircraft Speed:     100 Kts**
**Endurance:           2 Hours**

**200 NM**

**40NM**

**Notes:**
Take the radius of the endurance of the aircraft (possible range from last known position, LKP), and offset it by the current wind velocity times the endurance.

## Probability Area

**Where was the last point where RADAR had the aircraft identified?**
**Is there an ELT?**
**Was there a flight plan (even if not on file with the FAA)?**
**Dead reckoning from LKP and heading**
**Reports of sightings**
**Other aircraft**
**People living along the intended route of flight**

**Notes:**
Not necessarily a written flight plan.  It could be a report of what the pilot planned to do or would usually do.
Many pilots follow interstates, roads, and railroads.

## Narrowing the Probability Area

**Flight plan**
**Weather information**
**National Track Analysis Program data**
**Airports along the intended flight track**
**Aircraft performance**
**Pilots flying habits**
**Radar coverage as a limiting factor**
**Nature of terrain along the flight track**
**Position reports — fuel stops, etc.**
**Most likely within 5 miles of intended track**

## Search Priorities

**Areas of bad weather**
**Low clouds and poor visibility**
**Areas where weather was not as forecast**
**High terrain**
**Areas not covered by radar**
**Reports of low flying aircraft**
**Survival factors**
**Radio contacts or MAYDAY calls**

**Notes:**
The MC will assess the conditions and facts to determine the priorities for search.

## Search Coverage

**Factors which affect detection**
**Weather & lighting conditions**
**Type of Terrain**
**Search Visibility**
**Scanning Range**
**Track Spacing (S)**
**Determining factors for search area coverage**
**Type and number of aircraft available**
**Search visibility**
**Possibility Area**
**Probability Area**
**Probability Of Detection (POD)**

**Notes:**
ECI 2130A & B defines the process in great detail
probability of detection  = mathematically expressed measure of detection capability - see table in ECI 2130A, figure 2-11
track spacing = distance between adjacent search tracks - should never exceed a distance equal to twice the search visibility
search visibility = distance at which an object can be recognized on the ground - always less than the meteorological visibility 
search altitude - 1000ft for aircraft crash over open terrain in good weather

## Search CoverageProbability Of Detection (POD)

**POD expressed as a “percent” that the search object can be detected**
**Four interrelated factors used to calculate**
**Track Spacing (S)**
**Search Visibility**
**Search Altitude**
**Type of Terrain**
**Cumulative POD calculated using a chart**
**“****Effectiveness” must also be considered**

**Notes:**
Crew ability, training, fatigue also contribute to the POD.

## Search Coverage

**Probability of Detection Chart**

**Notes:**
Visibility, altitude and track spacing all directly affect your ability to spot the target (POD).

## Search Coverage

**	****5-10%****	****15**
**	****11-20%****	****20****	****25**
**	****21-30%****	****30****	****35****	****45**
**	****31-40%****	****40****	****45****	****50****	****60**
**	****41-50%****	****50****	****55****	****60****	****65****	****70**
**	****51-60%****	****60****	****65****	****65****	****70****	****75****	****80**
**	****61-70%****	****70****	****70****	****75****	****80****	****80****	****85****	****90**
**	****71-80%****	****80****	****80****	****80****	****85****	****85****	****90****	****90****	****95**
**	****80+%****	****85****	****85****	****90****	****90****	****90****	****95****	****95****	****95****	****95+**
**	****	****5-10%****	****11-20%****	****21-30%****	****31-40%****	****41-50%****	****51-60%****	****61-70%****	****71-80%****	****80+%**

**POD For This Search**

**Previous**
**POD**

**Cumulative Probability of Detection Chart**

**Notes:**
The cumulative POD increases with each repeated search of an area.

## Emergency Locator Transmitter

**Normally set off by the impact of an airplane crash; can be set off by a hard landing--check 121.5 before engine shutdown**
**TSO 91 ELTs are most common**
**121.5 MHz**
**98%  of all ELT activations are false alarms**
**TSO 91A ELTs also available**
**406 MHz**
**Signal includes registration information**
**Has lower false alarm rate - only 90%**

**Electronic Search Patterns**

**Notes:**
Electronic search require special skills that must be learned and practiced.

## Electronic Search

**Area of Reception**

**Area of Reception**

**Line-of-sight ELT signals can be blocked**

**Signal blocked by the**
**curvature of the earth**

## Done using Track Line or Creeping Line pattern

**Altitude is normally 5,000 to 10,000 AGL**
**Use a search pattern assigned by the Mission Coordinator**
**Track Line (route)**** search or ****Creeping Line**** may be used **

**Notes:**
Track Line  (route) is flown out and back on either side of the expected track.

Creeping Line is flown back and forth covering a large area.  The legs are flown perpendicular to the general direction the target would have been traveling but the exact track may not be known.

## Homing with DF Equipment

**Direction Finding Equipment for 121.5 MHz**
**Use standard homing procedures**
**Determine direction from the needle indications**
**Turn toward the direction indicated by the needle**
**Proceed until you get a strong “crossover” indication**
**Descend if needed to locate the signal**
**Homing at low altitudes may cause problems due to interference from the ground or man-made obstacles**

## Signal Null Method

**Signal Heard**

**High Ant Null**

**High Ant Null**

**High Ant Null**

**Low Ant Null**

**Low Ant Null**

**Low Ant Null**

**Low Ant Null**

**Low Ant Null**

**High Ant Null**

**High Ant Null**

**No nulls detected at low altitude**

**Null vector from first turn**

**Null Vector from second turn**

**Path of**

**Aircraft**

**Notes:**
Requires a receiver AND a SPECIALLY PLACED antenna, i.e. directly between the wings.
Fly the turn, record the heading of the null (where the signal disappears), calculate the direction to the signal (add or subtract 90 deg.)
Works best to have a visual aid showing the antenna placement with relation to the wing.

## Aural Search Pattern

**Signal faded**

**Signal heard again**

**Signal heard**

**First heading**

**Second heading**

**Third heading**

**Chord 1**

**Chord 2**

**Chord 3**

**Barely audible signal in aircraft receiver at search altitude**

**Commence low**

**altitude search**

**Signal faded again**

**Signal heard again**

**Notes:**
Only requires a receiver.
Don’t touch the volume, or squelch controls while working the pattern.
One person should determine the points where the signal fades or returns.

## Metered Search

**First pass- signal detected**

**2**

**8**

**7**

**6**

**5**

**5**

**6**

**7**

**8**

**Signal fades out**

**ELT**

**4**

**8**

**2**

**4**

**6**

**Second pass -turn**

**to locate ELT**

**Notes:**
Only requires a receiver with a signal strength meter.  
Watch the strength meter on the receiver.

## Electronic Search Problems

**Pattern distortion due to terrain**
**Signal loss due to terrain**
**Determination of aural signal**
**Volume problems**
**Volume control and Squelch**
**Automatic volume controls**
**Individual differences in people**
**Success requires**
**Equipment**
**Knowledge**
**Practice**

**Notes:**
Beware, the signal may lead you away from the actual target depending on terrain.
Different people hear sounds differently.

## Visual Search Patterns& ProceduresTrack Line (Route Search)

**Track of missing aircraft**

**1/2 S**

**1/2 S**

**Track of search aircraft**

**Notes:**
Used when aircraft missing without a trace - also used at night
Rapid and reasonably thorough coverage near the expected track.

## Visual Search Patterns Parallel Track 

**Notes:**
Used for large and fairly level search areas.

## Visual Search PatternsCreeping Line

**s**

**s**

**s**

**s**

**s**

**Direction of Search**

**Notes:**

Used when search area is long, narrow, fairly level and target is thought to be on either side of the expected track.

## Visual Search PatternsExpanding Square(second pass rotated 45°)

**4S**

**S**

**3S**

**5S**

**4S**

**2S**

**3S**

**5S**

**Notes:**
Used when the approximate location of target is known, very difficult to fly without a GPS.
Gradually will cover a larger and larger area.

## Visual Search PatternsSector Search

**Sector search is easier to fly**
**than expanding square**

**The pattern provides concentrated**
**coverage near the center of the area**

**This pattern is used when an **
**electronic search has led the**
**crew to a general area to find**
**the exact location visually**

**The pattern and headings**
**are planned in advance**

**S  max**

**S mean**

**Notes:**
Easier to fly than expanding square.  
Provides excellent coverage over the central point.  
Used when the position of the distress incident is known to be within close limits i.e. there was a MAYDAY call with definite location.

## Visual Search PatternsContour Search

**This is a most difficult and**
**dangerous pattern to fly**

**Requires special training**

**Don’t try it when winds**
**or turbulence are bad**

**Watch density altitude**

**Ensure the aircraft has the**
**required performance for**
**the mission**

**Notes:**
Density altitude and aircraft performance limitations can cause you to get into a situation that you can’t get back out of.

## Vision Physiology

**The maximum visual acuity is a circle 10° in diameter around a fixation point**
**Dark adaptation requires 30 minutes**
**At night **
**Use off-center vision**
**Fewer scans**
**Rest between scans**
**Lighting conditions**
**Shadows**

**10 degrees**

**Notes:**
During the day, peripheral vision is good to pick up things, then focus on them with your central vision.
At night, don’t look directly at the object as it may disappear in the central vision area which can’t see in low light levels.

## Visual Clues

**Light colored or shiny objects**
**Smoke, fire, blackened areas**
**Disturbed or discolored foliage**
**Fresh bare earth**
**Breaks in cultivated field patterns**
**Disturbances in water and snow**
**Birds and animals**
**Signals and messages**

## Wreckage Patterns

**Hole in the ground**
**Cork screw or auger**
**Creaming or smear**
**The four winds**
**Hedge-trimming**
**Splash**

**Notes:**
Hole in the ground - steep dive into the ground
Cork screw or auger - uncontrolled spin
Creaming or smear - level flight into the ground
The four winds - in-flight breakup, pieces scattered everywhere.
Hedge-trimming - aircraft strikes high ridge or obstruction and continues on.  Some wreckage at first impact, most of it further away.

## Scanning Technique

**Scanning Technique**

**Follow a routine pattern**
**Cover area systematically**
**Pause to “fix” on a point every 3° to 4°**
**Cover 10° per second**
**Lateral pattern**
**Vertical pattern**
**Limitations**
**Weather**
**Altitude**
**Windows**

**Focus**

**points**

**Fixation area**

**Farther**

**Nearer**

**Notes:**
Using proper scanning techniques and understanding sighting characteristics is essential to proper search.

## Effect of flight path

**Movement of the aircraft across the ground can adversely affect coverage**

**Notes:**
Be aware of your movement and it’s effect on you scans.

## Direction of Flight

**11**

**12**

**13**

**14**

**15**

**6**

**1**

**2**

**7**

**3**

**4**

**5**

**Direction of Flight**

**Aircraft Ground Track**

**Scanning Range**

**1000’ AGL ( 1/2 - 1 mile )**

**500’ AGL       (1/4 - 1/2 mile****) **

**Scanning from **_**RIGHT REAR**_** Window**

**8**

**9**

**10**

## Direction of Flight

**Direction of Flight**

**Aircraft Ground Track**

**Scanning Range**

**1000’ AGL     ( 1/2 - 1 mile )**

**500’ AGL       (1/4 - 1/2 mile) **

**1**

**6**

**11**

**2**

**3**

**4**

**5**

**7**

**8**

**9**

**10**

**12**

**13**

**14**

**15**

**Scanning from the**** **_**LEFT REAR**_** ****WINDOW**

## Diagonal Scanning

**Diagonal Scanning**

## Fighting Fatigue

**Change positions every 30 minutes if the size of the aircraft permits**
**Switch sides of the aircraft**
**Find a comfortable scanning position**
**Ensure aircraft windows are clean**
**Scan through open hatches when possible**
**Keep inside lighting low to reduce reflections**
**Only use binoculars to check sightings**
**Focus on close objects periodically**

**Notes:**
If you need to rest your eyes occasionally, let the rest of the crew know your not scanning so they can compensate.
Switching sides in a small aircraft is not easy and may not be possible.
Using binoculars to scan will limit your view and probably make you ill.

## Time conversion

**Travel across time zones makes local time difficult to use**
**Coordinated Universal Time, Greenwich Mean Time, or Zulu time usually used**
**Conversion factor can be found in flight planning material**

**Flight Planning**

**Notes:**
Proper flight planning is essential to safe flight and it will make for much more effective sorties. 
You add the correct number of hours to local time to get Zulu time.

## VFR / IFR Flight Plans

**Visual Flight Rules (VFR)**
**VFR flight plans are not required by the FAA, but are highly recommended**
**Minimum weather conditions and clearance from clouds must be observed**
**Pilot assumes complete responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft**
** ****Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)**
**IFR flight plan and clearance are required**
**Minimum weather conditions are much lower than VFR**
**Controller assumes responsibility for aircraft separation**

**Notes:**
The VFR flight plan helps make sure someone will come looking for you if you don’t reach your destination.
During Search Missions, your CAPF 104 is you flight plan.  The MC and mission staff will know if you don’t return.
Visual search is not done under IFR.

## Preflight Briefing

**Mission Objectives**
**Weather**
**Search Altitudes**
**Duties**
**Emergency procedures**

**Notes:**
Understanding all of the conditions of the flight will better prepare you to do your job.
Prior to each flight the pilot-in-command will brief the crew and passengers.  This briefing will include essential information regarding the flight, such as route, weather, altitudes, and duties, and specific information concerning  the aircraft, such as survival equipment, emergency exits and in-flight emergency procedures.  Pay attention.  
Know what your looking for, where you’ll be going, what to expect, what you’ll be doing.
When you have an emergency it’s too late to discuss what you’re going to do.
If you don’t understand something ask.

## Aircrew Coordination

**Scanner / Observer qualifications are contained in CAPR 60-3**
**Scanner / Observer responsibilities are contained in ECI 2130A & B Course Books**
**Maintain flight log**
**Report observations**
**Use effective scanning techniques**

**Notes:**
The Aircrew is a TEAM.
Each has a job to perform.
They must work together to be effective. 
Remember your job is to look for targets. 
You must record what you see. 
You need to be aware of where you are and the status of the sortie at all times.

## Observers Log

**Provides a record of**
**	****the flight**
**Preflight calculations**
**Record of observations**
**Basis for debriefing**
**Used to complete CAPF 104**
**Information is forwarded to Mission Coordinator to guide mission management**
**Good logs can be combined from several sorties to give the Mission Coordinator a better picture of how the search is going**

**Notes:**
There are many forms of log sheets.  Ask others what they use.  A log can record check points, headings, distance, speed, ETE, ETA, ATA, fuel, time, observations, conditions.

## Team concept and communication

**Pay close attention to all briefings**
**Understand the “big picture”**
**Watch for task overload in yourself and other crewmembers**
**67% of aircraft accidents occur during 17% of the flight time - taxi, takeoff, climb, approach and landing.  Keep casual conversation and distractions to a minimum during these phases of flight**
**Begin critical communication with instructions, then explain**

**Notes:**
Begin critical communication with instructions, then explain.  Example - you are taxiing toward the runway when a car approaches the taxiway and presents a danger of collision.  Don’t say “there’s a car.”  Instruct the pilot to turn or stop as necessary to avoid the accident.  
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

## Debriefing

**Note both ****Positive**** and ****Negative**** results**
**Use the back side of CAPF 104**
**Used to determine effectivity of  the search**
**Weather — ****shadows, visibility, snow cover**
**Terrain — ****open flat, mountainous, rough**
**Ground Cover — ****barren, forest, scrub, sparse, dense**
**Other information — ****hazards, changes from plan**
**Used to calculate the “****probability of detection****” which is used for subsequent search planning**

**Notes:**
You may not have seen anything but, the conditions may have been such that it will be necessary to send another sortie to that same area.  Such as the sun angle and the terrain made it difficult to see.
Be sure to report any possible targets spotted that were identified as other things, refrigerators, scrap metal, etc.  This will help others who search the same area if they know you’ve already identified the object.

## Crew Efficiency

**Communications**
**Clock Position**
**High, Low, Level**
**Maneuvers**
**Straight ahead**
**Stop turn**
**Small Corrections**
**5 degrees right**
**10 degrees left bank**
**External References**

- 12

- 1

- 2

- 3

- 4

- 5

- 6

- 7

- 8

- 9

- 10

- 11

**Notes:**
The efficient crew works together and communicates well.
When a target is sighted, keep your eyes on it and tell the pilot the position.  Something like, “I have a target, 3 o’clock low.”  
Then give the pilot maneuver instructions to guide them to it without losing sight of it yourself.
Use reference points like “straight out the road to the east”.
Don’t expect the pilot to be able to see the target immediately.  You must guide them to it.

## Summary

**Successful missions hinge on each and every member**
**Learn how to use the procedures and tools available to you, and use them correctly**
**Never stop learning**
**Don’t be afraid to ask questions**
**Never criticize someone for asking questions**
**Practice, practice, practice**

## Now, Let’s Go Flying !!

**Now, Let’s Go Flying !!**

**** Revision 2 - Feb. 2003 - TN133/R.Hischke ****

**Notes:**
Review material as appropriate and administer test.