1. Mission Aircrew Course High Altitude and Terrain Considerations

2. Aircrew Tasks
P-2011 DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF DENSITY ALTITUDE ON AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE (O)

3. Objectives Review the effects of high altitude on aircraft performance
Concerning atmospheric pressure:
State the pressure at sea level, and describe how to compensate for ‘other-than-sea level pressures’ when setting the altimeter
Discuss the three factors that affect the density of an air mass.
Define density altitude
State the phases of flight affected by a decrease in atmospheric pressure, and how aircraft performance is affected.
Discuss strategies to compensate for high DA during searches.
Discuss mountainous terrain precautions and strategies.

4. Atmospheric Pressure
A barometer is used to register changes in pressure; measured in inches of mercury
Standard sea-level pressure and temperature:
29.92 inches of mercury
59 degrees F (15 degrees C)
A change of 1000 feet in elevation makes a change of about one inch
To correct for local elevation, set altimeter to latest reading (ATIS/AWOS/ASOS/FSS) or enter field elevation
Demonstrate knowledge of atmospheric pressure: state the pressure at sea level, and describe how to compensate for ‘other-than-sea-level pressures’ when setting the altimeter.

5. Density Altitude Three factors: Pressure Temperature Humidity
Altitude and pressure combined to determine pressure altitude
Add non-standard temperature to get density altitude
Remember: Drag, lift, power available and true airspeed are all affected by density altitude
Discuss the three factors that affect the density of an air mass; Define density altitude, and compute density altitude for a given situation using a chart and a flight calculator.

6. TAS vs. DA

7. Density Altitude
Compute density altitude for a given situation using a chart

8. Flight Computer Density altitude Nautical to statute miles
Circular slide rule
Density altitude
Nautical to statute miles
True airspeed
Other stuff
Compute density altitude for a given situation using a flight computer

9. Aircraft Performance
Density altitude and aircraft weight have a tremendous effect on aircraft performance
Both must be accurately calculated, especially for mountain flying missions
State the phases of flight affected by a decrease in atmospheric pressure, and how aircraft performance is

10. Pressure vs. Performance
As altitude increases pressure decreases; this decrease can have a pronounced effect on flight:
Engine (hp) and prop are less efficient
Take off distance, climb rate, and landing distance effected
Take off distance almost doubles with a 5000 foot elevation increase
Rate of climb slows with higher elevation
Landing distance increases with higher elevation
Higher Humidity, Heat or Height result in reduced aircraft performance

11. DA & ROC

12. Reduced Performance

13. Strategies
Don’t fly at high elevation during the hottest part of the day
Carefully calculate DA and weight
Reduce load:
Less fuel
Crew of three instead of four
Less baggage
Remember “High to Low, Look out Below” (update altimeter setting hourly)
If you fly in the mountains, take the Mountain Fury Course
Discuss strategies to compensate for high DA during searches.
Briefly discuss “High to Low, Look out Below”

14. Flight Near Mountainous Terrain
Crews must be constantly careful that the search never takes them over terrain that rises faster than the airplane can climb. Narrow valleys or canyons that have rising floors must be avoided, unless the aircraft can be flown from the end of higher elevation to the lower end, or the pilot is certain that the aircraft can climb faster than the terrain rises. Careful chart study by the crew prior to flight will help identify this dangerous terrain.
If you fly in the mountains, take the Mountain Fury Course
Discuss mountainous terrain precautions and strategies.
Approach ridges at a 45 degree angle. Cross at least 2,000 ft. above.

15. Flight Near Mountainous Terrain
Discuss mountainous terrain precautions and strategies.
Approach ridges at a 45 degree angle. Cross at least 2,000 ft. above.

16. Flight Near Mountainous Terrain
Enter terrain from above and always have an escape route in mind.

17. Flight Near Mountainous Terrain
Take the Mountain Fury course.

18. Questions?
From 101T-MS
Classroom training covering the applicable material outlined below is required prior to the issuance of a 101T for the Observer Specialty
Visual Search Patterns and Procedures
Electronic Search Patterns and Procedures
Chart Reading / CAP Grid System
Search Coverage
Navigation and Position Determination
Air Crew Coordination
Weather
High Altitude and Terrain Considerations
Coordination with Ground Teams
Flightline Operations
Communications Procedures
Flight Plans and Mission Forms
Reimbursement Procedures
State/Local Agreements
Survival and First Aid Procedures
Safety
Transport Mission Procedures
Scanning Techniques and Sighting Characteristics