observer scanner training by 1 st lt. alan fenter
TRANSCRIPT
Observer Scanner Training
by 1st Lt. Alan Fenter
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Purpose of this course
Increase the skills and knowledge of the interested scanner to become a mission observer
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This course will cover…
Search PlanningElectronic SearchNavigation assistanceNavigation elementsGrid system for locating positionsNavigation aids
ADF and VOR devicesCommunication TechniquesNon-Verbal SignalsWeather conditionsAircraft Familiarity
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Section 1: Conducting a Search
Objective:Describe basic scanning procedures during a search and rescue mission
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Scanning
The scanner should pause each three or four degrees of lateral or vertical distance. This is known as Fixation.This pattern should be used at a rate which covers about 10 degrees per second.
At side windows or waist positions, eye movements are directed away from the aircraft to the effective visibility range and then back toward the aircraft to a point under the aircraft which can be seen comfortably.
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Routine Scanning Pattern
Minimum effective range
Maximum effective range
Flight Path
10°
4°
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Check for Understanding
The scanner uses an eye movement pattern that allows ____________________Systematic Scanning
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Check for Understanding
During scanning, a pause every three or four degrees of lateral distance is known as getting a ________________
Fixation
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Check for Understanding
This search pattern should cover _____ degrees per second
A. 4B. 5C. 7D. 10
10
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Check for Understanding
Eye movements from the aircraft to the edge of visibility range and back toward the plane is the most effective method when the scanner is seated at ___________________Side Windows
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Section 2
Objective:Discuss the need for fixations in night searches, the clock position for reporting sightings, and list some common accident signs
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Night Searches
Scanners have fewer fixations at nightDistress victims more likely to use fire, flares, or lights for signalsScanner should use the routine scan pattern regardless of day or night
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Sightings
Light colored or shiny objectsSunlight reflections on MetalPeopleDistress SignalsBlackened or burned areasBroken tree branchesFresh or bare earthDiscolored water or snow
Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etcExcessive bubbles in the waterOil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on waterDeep furrows in snowAny other abnormalities in the environment
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Sightings
Light colored or shiny objectsSunlight reflections on Metal
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Sightings
Blackened or burned areas
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Sightings
Broken tree branches
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Sightings
Fresh or bare earthDiscolored water or snow
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Sightings
Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etc
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Sightings
Excessive bubbles in the waterOil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on water
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This is if you’re lucky…..
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Sightings
Any other abnormalities in the environment
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Sightings
Most of the time, it’s not all that easy to spot
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Sightings
Wooded areas add more difficulty
Aircraft Tail
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Ouch
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Crash site at 100 mph….
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no it’s not the white area…
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Reporting the Sighting12
3
9
6
4
5
11
10
8
7
2
1
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Check for Understanding
Why are fewer fixations necessary in night search patterns?
The scanner would be looking for Contrasts. For example, Lights, fires, or flares would eliminate the need to concentrate on making numerous eye fixations.
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Check for Understanding
Name 10 common accident signs for which to look while scanning.
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Common Accident SignsLight colored or shiny objectsSunlight reflections on MetalPeopleDistress SignalsBlackened or burned areasBroken tree branchesFresh or bare earthDiscolored water or snow
Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etcExcessive bubbles in the waterOil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on waterDeep furrows in snowAny other abnormalities in the environment
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Check for Understanding
In the clock position used for reporting locations of sightings, where would the following time be in relation to the aircraft?
A. 12 O’Clock _________B. 3 O’Clock _________C. 6 O’Clock _________D. 9 O’Clock _________
Nose
Tail
Left Wing
Right Wing
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Section 3:
Objective:Match each term relating to probability of detection with it’s meaning
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Terminology
Maximum area of PossibilityProbability areaSweep WidthSearch VisibilityTrack SpacingSearch Altitude
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Check for Understanding
Large circle with center representing the last known position of the aircraft
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Geographic area where the missing aircraft is most likely to be
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Maximum visual range at which a sighting can be detected from a search aircraft’s flight pattern
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
The distance at which an object can be seen and recognized at the height the search aircraft is flying
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Distance between adjacent search areas
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Height aircraft flies above ground during a search
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Above ground level symbol
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Check for Understanding
Last known position symbol
AGL LKP
Possibility Area Probability Area
Search Altitude Search Visibility
Sweep Width Track Spacing
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Section 4
Objective:Given certain facts, determine the single search probability of detection (POD) and the cumulative search POD.
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Cumulative Probability of Detection5-10% 15
11-20 % 20 25
21-30 % 30 35 45
31-40 % 40 45 50 60
41-50 % 50 55 60 65 70
51-60 % 60 65 65 70 75 80
61-70 % 70 70 75 80 80 85 90
71-80 % 80 80 80 85 85 90 90 95
80+ %85 85 90 90 90 95 95 95
95+
5-1
0%
11-
20%
21-
30%
31-
40%
41-
50%
51-
60%
61-
70%
71-
80%
80+
%
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Section 5:
Objectives:Describe how mission observers can help pilots with their primary responsibilities.Describe the search advantages of having observers on board and list the fatigue-reducing tips.
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Mission Observer Duties
Involvement with other SAR membersProvide pilot with Navigational and Radio assistanceOther duties as specified by the PIC, such as reading the checklist when asked
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Fatigue Reducing Tips
Change Scanning Positions if possible every 30 min. to 1 hourRotate Scanners from side to sideClean aircraft windowsScan through open hatches when feasible
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Fatigue Reducing Tips
Keep lights to a minimum at night to reduce reflectionsAllow a reasonable amount of communication between crew membersUse binoculars to aid in sighting verificationPermit on/off periods if enough scanners are on board
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Mission Observer Advantages
Greater SafetyAssists with Management of ResponsibilitiesFamiliarity with various phases of overall operationGreatly assists the Mission Pilot
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Check for Understanding
What two types of assistance can the observers give to the pilots that will enable the pilots to concentrate on their primary responsibility?
Radio and Navigation
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Check for Understanding
What are three search advantages of having a mission observer on board?
Greater Safety
Assistance with management responsibilities
Overall familiarity of operations
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Check for Understanding
List 6 fatigue-reducing tipsChange Scanning Positions if possible every 30 min. to 1 hourRotate Scanners from side to sideClean aircraft windowsScan through open hatches when feasible
Keep lights to a minimum at night to reduce reflectionsAllow a reasonable amount of communication between crew membersUse binoculars to aid in sighting verificationPermit on/off periods if enough scanners are on board
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