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

Observer Scanner Training

Visual SearchesSection 2

by 1st Lt. Alan Fenter

Level II Technician Rating

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.


Section 1: Search Planning

Objective:Define maximum possibility area and give the reasons for and key factors in setting one up.


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


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


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.



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.



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


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.


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


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


Search Priorities

Mission Planners have 2 options:1. Search the entire probability area2. Select a portion of the probability area

for a concentrated search


Probability Areas 1 & 2

LKP

Turning Point

Destination

150 NM

200 NM52.5 NM

22.5 NM15 NM

Area 2


Estimating the location

Areas of Thunderstorm activity, severe turbulence, icing, and frontal conditionsAreas where low clouds or poor visibility may have been encountered


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



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



List eight secondary sources to establishing a last known point for the missing aircraft.


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



List seven factors used in estimating the location of the missing aircraft within the probability area.


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


Section 3: Equipment

Objective:Complete statements concerning equipment and its preparation for a search.


Use a Checklist

Personal needsOther special equipmentProhibited Items


Personal Needs

Dress properly for the Climatic conditionsParkas, Mittens, woolen underwear, dark glasses, etc…


Light clothes, Sunglasses, caps, insect repellant, etc…


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


Prohibited

Firearms



The best way to insure that an adequate amount of essential equipment is included on a search is to prepare a ____________.Checklist



Checklists of essential equipment vary according to ___________________, ________, and _________ of the search area.

Geographic locationClimate Terrain



The first items on a checklist concern ________________ of the observer.

Personal needs



One example of an item prohibited on a search is _________.Firearms



A piece of equipment that is useful in relaying information about the location of aircraft or survivors is a _________________.Poloroid Camera


Section 4: Search Patterns

Objective:Complete statements concerning dead reckoning, track line search, and above ground level.


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



Estimating the position of an aircraft by using several factors including speed, heading, and wind is called _______________.Dead Reckoning



The least effective way to aid aircrews in adequately covering a search area is __________________.Dead Reckoning



When an aircraft has disappeared without a trace, the search pattern most frequently used is the __________________.Track Line

(route)



The above ground level altitude for searches is determined primarily by ______ _______.Weather

Conditions


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.


Parallel Search Pattern

Used when search area is fairly largeGrids are usually assigned by the mission planner


… you’ve been assigned Grid 37

on the Dallas-Ft.Worth Sectional

Let’s assume…


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


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


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


Parallel Sweep Pattern

Requires large number or aircraftSimultaneous sweep of an area is desired

Grid Entry Point

Grid Exit Point


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


Creeping Line Search



The first search track is at a distance equal to ______ track spacing.

1/2



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



The two forms of creeping line pattern are ____________ and ___________ line.

Parallel Creeping



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



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


Section 6:

Objective:Discuss the expanding square and contour search patterns by matching characteristics with the proper pattern.


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


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



First leg flown into the wind to minimize navigation errors.

Contour or Expanding Square?



Best adapted to searches over mountainous terrain.




This pattern requires precise navigation.




Second leg flown diagonally to the first.




An extremely dangerous pattern.




At a certain point, the pilot turns 360 degrees to continue the search.




Accurate, large-scale, terrain maps are a necessity.




Second leg begins at the same point as the first leg.


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

Documents

lkp slide

technician rating section

technician rating check

technician rating purpose

technician rating key

nm area

concentrated search

likely area