1. Observer Scanner Training
Visual Searches
Section 2
by 1st Lt. Alan Fenter

2. Purpose of this Section
The Observer and Mission Pilot must assess carefully several important factors and their effects that go into the planning phase of a search operation.
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3. Section 1: Search Planning
Objective:
Define maximum possibility area and give the reasons for and key factors in setting one up.
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4. Key Factors for Maximum Area of Possibility
Average wind conditions and velocity at Flight level
Missing aircraft’s LKP
Remaining Flight time and airspeed at the LKP
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5. Maximum Possibility Area
330°
Max Possibility Area
Last Known Position (LKP)
40 NM
Wind Vector
Max Possibility Distance (200 miles)
Displaced (LKP)
Flight Level Winds: 330/20 kts
Aircraft Speed: 100 kts.
Endurance: 2 hours
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6. Check for Understanding
Define maximum area of possibility.
Last known position is the center of a circle where the radius is the maximum possible distance with respect to wind and fuel.
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7. Check for Understanding
What are two reasons for setting up a maximum area of possibility?
Allows search planner to concentrate initial search in the most likely area.
Enables the search planner to screen sightings and other reports.
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8. Check for Understanding
What are three factors considered by a planner in setting up the maximum area of possibility?
Wind at flight level
Last known position
Remaining flight time and airspeed at LKP
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9. Level II Technician Rating
Section 2
Objective:
Discuss the factors and information used to establish a last known position, and in estimating an aircraft’s location within the probability area.
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10. Key Probability Area Factors
Aircraft disappearance on Radar
Bearing or fix from ground stations
DR based on time of LKP
Reports or sightings on ground or air
ELT reports
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11. Secondary Sources of Data
Flight Plan
Weather Information along route
Proximity of airfields along route
Aircraft Performance
Pilot’s Flying record
Radar Coverage along intended track
Nature of terrain along intended track
Position and ground reports
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12. Level II Technician Rating
Search Priorities
Mission Planners have 2 options:
Search the entire probability area
Select a portion of the probability area for a concentrated search
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13. Level II Technician Rating
Probability Areas 1 & 2
Destination
Area 2
Turning Point
52.5 NM
200 NM
LKP
150 NM
22.5 NM
15 NM
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14. Estimating the location
Areas of Thunderstorm activity, severe turbulence, icing, and frontal conditions
Areas where low clouds or poor visibility may have been encountered
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15. Estimating the location
Deviations in wind velocities from forecast
Areas of high ground
Areas not covered by Radar
Any reports from ground sightings or hearing of low-flying aircraft
Point of last radio contact or MAYDAY broadcast
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16. Check for Understanding
List five factors which contribute to the accuracy of the last known point.
Disappearance on Radar
Bearing/fix provided by qualified stations
Dead Reckoning position based on time at LKP
Reports of Sightings
ELT reports
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17. Check for Understanding
List eight secondary sources to establishing a last known point for the missing aircraft.
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18. Level II Technician Rating
Answer
Flight Plan
Weather info along intended route
Proximity of airfields along route
Aircraft Performance
Pilot’s Previous flying record
Radar coverage along the intended route
Nature of terrain
Position & ground reports
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19. Check for Understanding
List seven factors used in estimating the location of the missing aircraft within the probability area.
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20. Level II Technician Rating
Answer
Areas of Thunderstorm activity, turbulence, icing, and frontal conditions
Areas where poor visibility may have been encountered
Deviations in wind velocity from forecast
Areas of high ground
Areas not covered by Radar
Reports of ground sightings/hearing low-flying aircraft
Point of last radio contact or MAYDAY broadcasts
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21. Level II Technician Rating
Section 3: Equipment
Objective:
Complete statements concerning equipment and its preparation for a search.
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22. Level II Technician Rating
Use a Checklist
Personal needs
Other special equipment
Prohibited Items
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23. Level II Technician Rating
Personal Needs
Dress properly for the Climatic conditions
Parkas, Mittens, woolen underwear, dark glasses, etc…
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Light clothes, Sunglasses, caps, insect repellant, etc…
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25. Other Special Equipment
Updated Maps, Flashlight, notebook, pencil, field glasses, strobe light, mirrors, flares, compass, survival kit, CAP membership Card, and Emergency Service Card.
Poloroid Camera to assist in relaying information about location and condition of aircraft/survivors
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26. Level II Technician Rating
Prohibited
Firearms
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27. Check for Understanding
The best way to insure that an adequate amount of essential equipment is included on a search is to prepare a ____________.
Checklist
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28. Check for Understanding
Checklists of essential equipment vary according to ___________________, ________, and _________ of the search area.
Geographic location
Climate
Terrain
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29. Check for Understanding
The first items on a checklist concern ________________ of the observer.
Personal needs
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30. Check for Understanding
One example of an item prohibited on a search is _________.
Firearms
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31. Check for Understanding
A piece of equipment that is useful in relaying information about the location of aircraft or survivors is a _________________.
Poloroid Camera
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32. Section 4: Search Patterns
Objective:
Complete statements concerning dead reckoning, track line search, and above ground level.
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33. Track of Missing Aircraft
Track Line Search
Assumption that aircraft crashed along it’s intended route
Often used at night in suitable weather C
½ SM B
½ SM
Track of Missing Aircraft A
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34. Check for Understanding
Estimating the position of an aircraft by using several factors including speed, heading, and wind is called _______________.
Dead Reckoning
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35. Check for Understanding
The least effective way to aid aircrews in adequately covering a search area is __________________.
Dead Reckoning
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36. Check for Understanding
When an aircraft has disappeared without a trace, the search pattern most frequently used is the __________________.
Track Line (route)
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37. Check for Understanding
The above ground level altitude for searches is determined primarily by ______ _______.
Weather Conditions
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38. Level II Technician Rating
Section 5:
Objectives:
Complete statements concerning the parallel search pattern and the creeping line search pattern, and list the conditions that determine which pattern to use.
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39. Parallel Search Pattern
Used when search area is fairly large
Grids are usually assigned by the mission planner
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40. … you’ve been assigned Grid 37 on the Dallas-Ft.Worth Sectional
Let’s assume…
… you’ve been assigned Grid 37 on the Dallas-Ft.Worth Sectional
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41. Parallel Search Pattern
Grid Entry Point
Looking at our sectional, we determine how we intend to fly our assigned grid
1st track is at a distance equal to ½ track spacing from the side of the area
Grid Exit Point
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42. Grid No.37 Sectional Dallas Date____ Sortie 7
Times: Take off____ Enter Grid___Exit Grid___Landing___
100 0’
99 45’
35 30’
35 45’
35 44’
35 43’
35 42’
35 41’
35 40’
35 39’
35 36’
35 35’
35 34’
35 33’
35 32”
35 31’
35 37’
35 38’ A D C B
Using your grid sheet, draw your search pattern and label the Lat./Long. on the margins
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43. Level II Technician Rating
By completing the Grid worksheet ahead of time, you’ll find that you’ll be able to fly your search pattern with greater precision using the GPS.
W N
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44. Parallel Sweep Pattern
Grid Entry Point
Requires large number or aircraft
Simultaneous sweep of an area is desired
Grid Exit Point
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45. Creeping Line Search Pattern
Used when the search area is long, narrow, and fairly level
Target is thought to be on either side of the search track within 2 pts
Need for immediate coverage of one end of the search area
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46. Level II Technician Rating
Creeping Line Search
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47. Check for Understanding
The first search track is at a distance equal to ______ track spacing.
1/2
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48. Check for Understanding
The form of parallel track search that requires a large number of aircraft to simultaneous search an area to maximum radius is called the
______ _____ ______.
Parallel Sweep Pattern
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49. Check for Understanding
The two forms of creeping line pattern are ____________ and ___________ line.
Parallel
Creeping
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50. Check for Understanding
List three conditions that determine the parallel search pattern will be used.
Large
Fairly Level
Only approximate location of aircraft is known
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51. Check for Understanding
List three conditions that determine the creeping line search pattern will be used.
List three conditions that determine the creeping line search pattern will be used.
Area is narrow, long and fairly level
Probable location is either side of the search track within 2 points
There is a need for immediate coverage of one end of the search area
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52. Level II Technician Rating
Section 6:
Objective:
Discuss the expanding square and contour search patterns by matching characteristics with the proper pattern.
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53. Expanding Square Search Pattern
1st leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errors
Precision navigation required
Might be used if approximate location is known
2nd Search if needed
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54. Contour Search Pattern
Start Search above the highest peak
Crew should be experienced, well briefed, & have large scale maps with contour lines
Extremely Dangerous
Weather conditions must be good with minimal wind gusts
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55. Check for Understanding
First leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errors.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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56. Check for Understanding
Best adapted to searches over mountainous terrain.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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57. Check for Understanding
This pattern requires precise navigation.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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58. Check for Understanding
Second leg flown diagonally to the first.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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59. Check for Understanding
An extremely dangerous pattern.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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60. Check for Understanding
At a certain point, the pilot turns 360 degrees to continue the search.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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61. Check for Understanding
Accurate, large-scale, terrain maps are a necessity.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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62. Check for Understanding
Second leg begins at the same point as the first leg.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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