Minnesota Wing Aircrew Training: Task P-2027

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Minnesota Wing Aircrew Training Task P-2027

• Visual Search Patterns and Procedures

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Visual Search Patterns and Procedures
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Trackline or Track Crawl (Route Search)
Track of missing aircraft
Track of search aircraft
1/2 S
1/2 S
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Trackline

• A.K.A. Track Crawl or Route SearchVariationsTS
  R Trackline Single Unit ReturnTSN Trackline
  Single Unit Non-return
• Used when aircraft disappeared without a trace
  few clues available
• Often used on initial response i.e. often the
  first pattern used
• Sometimes used at night in hope of picking up
  lighted or electronic distress signal

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Multiple Unit SearchesExample Trackline
Multiunit Return (TMR)
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Multiple Unit Searches

• Many search patterns have multiple unit variants.
  
• We generally dont use them, because they require
  more training in order to do them safely

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Parallel Track
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Parallel Track

• PS Parallel Track Single Unit
• A.K.A. Grid Search
• Used when
• Approximate location of target is unknown
• search area is large and fairly level

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Creeping Line
Direction of Search
s
s
s
s
s
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Creeping Line

• CS Creeping Line Single Unit
• Used when
• Search area is long, narrow, and fairly level
• Target thought to be near a track within two
  points

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Expanding Square(second pass rotated 45)
4S
4S
S
3S
5S
2S
3S
5S
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Expanding Square

• Square Pattern
• Used when
• Approximate position of target is known
• Difficult requires precise navigation
• If repeated, pattern is rotated 45 degrees

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Sector Search
S max
The pattern and headings are planned in advance
S mean
Sector search is easier to fly than expanding
square
This pattern is used when an electronic search
has led the crew to a general area to find the
exact location visually
The pattern provides concentrated coverage near
the center of the area
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Sector Search

• VS Sector, Single Unit
• Six sector most common variant
• Used when position of target is known within
  close limits
• Very intensive coverage near center
• Easier than expanding square
• Turns are all to the right (an arbitrary
  standard)
• Four sector search can also be done

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Contour Search
This is a most difficult and dangerous pattern to
fly
Requires special training
Dont try it when winds or turbulence are bad
Watch density altitude
Ensure the aircraft has the required performance
for the mission
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Contour Search (cont.)

• Search starts at highest peak and moves down
• After each contour is completed, altitude is
  decreased (usually 500 feet)
• Decent is done with a turn, opposite in direction
  from search turns

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Contour Search (cont.)

• Record areas searched and not searched some
  peaks or valleys will be shrouded in clouds
• On map, shade areas that were searched