Post on 13-Dec-2015
Observer Scanner Training
Visual SearchesSection 2
by 1st Lt. Alan Fenter
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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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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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Key Factors for Maximum Area of Possibility
Average wind conditions and velocity at Flight levelMissing aircraft’s LKPRemaining Flight time and airspeed at the LKP
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Maximum Possibility Area
Last Known Position (LKP)
Displaced (LKP)
Wind VectorMax Possibility
Distance (200 miles)
40 NM
330° Max Possibility Area
Flight Level Winds: 330/20 kts
Aircraft Speed: 100 kts.
Endurance: 2 hours
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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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Check for Understanding
What are two reasons for setting up a maximum area of possibility?
1. Allows search planner to concentrate initial search in the most likely area.
2. Enables the search planner to screen sightings and other reports.
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Check for Understanding
What are three factors considered by a planner in setting up the maximum area of possibility?
1. Wind at flight level
2. Last known position
3. Remaining flight time and airspeed at LKP
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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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Key Probability Area Factors
Aircraft disappearance on RadarBearing or fix from ground stationsDR based on time of LKP
Reports or sightings on ground or airELT reports
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Secondary Sources of Data
Flight PlanWeather Information along routeProximity of airfields along routeAircraft Performance
Pilot’s Flying record Radar Coverage along intended trackNature of terrain along intended trackPosition and ground reports
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Search Priorities
Mission Planners have 2 options:1. Search the entire probability area2. Select a portion of the probability area
for a concentrated search
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Probability Areas 1 & 2
LKP
Turning Point
Destination
150 NM
200 NM52.5 NM
22.5 NM15 NM
Area 2
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Estimating the location
Areas of Thunderstorm activity, severe turbulence, icing, and frontal conditionsAreas where low clouds or poor visibility may have been encountered
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Estimating the location
Deviations in wind velocities from forecastAreas of high groundAreas not covered by Radar
Any reports from ground sightings or hearing of low-flying aircraftPoint of last radio contact or MAYDAY broadcast
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Check for Understanding
List five factors which contribute to the accuracy of the last known point.
1. Disappearance on Radar
2. Bearing/fix provided by qualified stations
3. Dead Reckoning position based on time at LKP
4. Reports of Sightings
5. ELT reports
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Check for Understanding
List eight secondary sources to establishing a last known point for the missing aircraft.
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Answer
1. Flight Plan
2. Weather info along intended route
3. Proximity of airfields along route
4. Aircraft Performance
5. Pilot’s Previous flying record
6. Radar coverage along the intended route
7. Nature of terrain
8. Position & ground reports
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Check for Understanding
List seven factors used in estimating the location of the missing aircraft within the probability area.
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Answer1. Areas of Thunderstorm activity,
turbulence, icing, and frontal conditions
2. Areas where poor visibility may have been encountered
3. Deviations in wind velocity from forecast
4. Areas of high ground
5. Areas not covered by Radar
6. Reports of ground sightings/hearing low-flying aircraft
7. Point of last radio contact or MAYDAY broadcasts
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Section 3: Equipment
Objective:Complete statements concerning equipment and its preparation for a search.
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Use a Checklist
Personal needsOther special equipmentProhibited Items
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Personal Needs
Dress properly for the Climatic conditionsParkas, Mittens, woolen underwear, dark glasses, etc…
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Light clothes, Sunglasses, caps, insect repellant, etc…
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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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Prohibited
Firearms
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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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Check for Understanding
Checklists of essential equipment vary according to ___________________, ________, and _________ of the search area.
Geographic locationClimate Terrain
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Check for Understanding
The first items on a checklist concern ________________ of the observer.
Personal needs
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Check for Understanding
One example of an item prohibited on a search is _________.Firearms
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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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Section 4: Search Patterns
Objective:Complete statements concerning dead reckoning, track line search, and above ground level.
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Track Line Search
Assumption that aircraft crashed along it’s intended routeOften used at night in suitable weather
A
C
B
½ SM
½ SM
Track of Missing Aircraft
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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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Check for Understanding
The least effective way to aid aircrews in adequately covering a search area is __________________.Dead Reckoning
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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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Check for Understanding
The above ground level altitude for searches is determined primarily by ______ _______.Weather
Conditions
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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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Parallel Search Pattern
Used when search area is fairly largeGrids are usually assigned by the mission planner
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… you’ve been assigned Grid 37
on the Dallas-Ft.Worth Sectional
Let’s assume…
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Parallel Search Pattern
Looking at our sectional, we determine how we intend to fly our assigned grid1st track is at a distance equal to ½ track spacing from the side of the area
Grid Entry Point
Grid Exit Point
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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
DC
B Using your grid sheet, draw your search pattern and label the Lat./Long. on the margins
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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
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Parallel Sweep Pattern
Requires large number or aircraftSimultaneous sweep of an area is desired
Grid Entry Point
Grid Exit Point
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Creeping Line Search Pattern
Used when the search area is long, narrow, and fairly levelTarget is thought to be on either side of the search track within 2 ptsNeed for immediate coverage of one end of the search area
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Creeping Line Search
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Check for Understanding
The first search track is at a distance equal to ______ track spacing.
1/2
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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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Check for Understanding
The two forms of creeping line pattern are ____________ and ___________ line.
Parallel Creeping
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Check for Understanding
List three conditions that determine the parallel search pattern will be used.
1. Large
2. Fairly Level
3. Only approximate location of aircraft is known
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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.
1. Area is narrow, long and fairly level
2. Probable location is either side of the search track within 2 points
3. There is a need for immediate coverage of one end of the search area
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Section 6:
Objective:Discuss the expanding square and contour search patterns by matching characteristics with the proper pattern.
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Expanding Square Search Pattern
1st leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errorsPrecision navigation requiredMight be used if approximate location is known
2nd Search if needed
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Contour Search Pattern
Crew should be experienced, well briefed, & have large scale maps with contour lines
Extremely Dangerous
Weather conditions must be good with minimal wind gusts
Start Search above the highest peak
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Check for Understanding
First leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errors.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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Check for Understanding
Best adapted to searches over mountainous terrain.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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Check for Understanding
This pattern requires precise navigation.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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Check for Understanding
Second leg flown diagonally to the first.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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An extremely dangerous pattern.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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At a certain point, the pilot turns 360 degrees to continue the search.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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Accurate, large-scale, terrain maps are a necessity.
Contour or Expanding Square?
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Check for Understanding
Second leg begins at the same point as the first leg.
Contour or Expanding Square?