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

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. Level II Technician Rating

Section 1: Search Planning Objective: Define maximum possibility area and give the reasons for and key factors in setting one up. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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. Level II Technician Rating

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. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Estimating the location Areas of Thunderstorm activity, severe turbulence, icing, and frontal conditions Areas where low clouds or poor visibility may have been encountered Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding List eight secondary sources to establishing a last known point for the missing aircraft. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding List seven factors used in estimating the location of the missing aircraft within the probability area. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Section 3: Equipment Objective: Complete statements concerning equipment and its preparation for a search. Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Use a Checklist Personal needs Other special equipment Prohibited Items Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Personal Needs Dress properly for the Climatic conditions Parkas, Mittens, woolen underwear, dark glasses, etc… Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Light clothes, Sunglasses, caps, insect repellant, etc… Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Prohibited Firearms Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Checklists of essential equipment vary according to ___________________, ________, and _________ of the search area. Geographic location Climate Terrain Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding The first items on a checklist concern ________________ of the observer. Personal needs Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding One example of an item prohibited on a search is _________. Firearms Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding A piece of equipment that is useful in relaying information about the location of aircraft or survivors is a _________________. Poloroid Camera Level II Technician Rating

Section 4: Search Patterns Objective: Complete statements concerning dead reckoning, track line search, and above ground level. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Estimating the position of an aircraft by using several factors including speed, heading, and wind is called _______________. Dead Reckoning Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding The least effective way to aid aircrews in adequately covering a search area is __________________. Dead Reckoning Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding When an aircraft has disappeared without a trace, the search pattern most frequently used is the __________________. Track Line (route) Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding The above ground level altitude for searches is determined primarily by ______ _______. Weather Conditions Level II Technician Rating

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. Level II Technician Rating

Parallel Search Pattern Used when search area is fairly large Grids are usually assigned by the mission planner Level II Technician Rating

… 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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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. W99 48.021 N35 31.001 Level II Technician Rating

Parallel Sweep Pattern Grid Entry Point Requires large number or aircraft Simultaneous sweep of an area is desired Grid Exit Point Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Creeping Line Search Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding The first search track is at a distance equal to ______ track spacing. 1/2 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding The two forms of creeping line pattern are ____________ and ___________ line. Parallel Creeping Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Level II Technician Rating Section 6: Objective: Discuss the expanding square and contour search patterns by matching characteristics with the proper pattern. Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

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 Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding First leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errors. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Best adapted to searches over mountainous terrain. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding This pattern requires precise navigation. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Second leg flown diagonally to the first. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding An extremely dangerous pattern. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding At a certain point, the pilot turns 360 degrees to continue the search. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Accurate, large-scale, terrain maps are a necessity. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating

Check for Understanding Second leg begins at the same point as the first leg. Contour or Expanding Square? Level II Technician Rating