Observer Scanner Training

1. Observer Scanner Training by 1st Lt. Alan Fenter

2. Increase the skills and knowledge of the interested scanner to become a mission observer Purpose of this course Level II Technician Rating

3. Search Planning Electronic Search Navigation assistance Navigation elements Grid system for locating positions Navigation aids ADF and VOR devices Communication Techniques Non-Verbal Signals Weather conditions Aircraft Familiarity This course will cover… Level II Technician Rating

4. Section 1: Conducting a Search • Objective: • Describe basic scanning procedures during a search and rescue mission Level II Technician Rating

5. 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. Scanning Level II Technician Rating

6. Routine Scanning Pattern Flight Path Maximum effective range 4° 10° Minimum effective range Level II Technician Rating

7. The scanner uses an eye movement pattern that allows ____________________ Check for Understanding Systematic Scanning Level II Technician Rating

8. Check for Understanding • During scanning, a pause every three or four degrees of lateral distance is known as getting a ________________ Fixation Level II Technician Rating

9. Check for Understanding • This search pattern should cover _____ degrees per second • 4 • 5 • 7 • 10 10 Level II Technician Rating

10. 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 Level II Technician Rating

11. Section 2 • Objective: • Discuss the need for fixations in night searches, the clock position for reporting sightings, and list some common accident signs Level II Technician Rating

12. Night Searches • Scanners have fewer fixations at night • Distress victims more likely to use fire, flares, or lights for signals • Scanner should use the routine scan pattern regardless of day or night Level II Technician Rating

13. Light colored or shiny objects Sunlight reflections on Metal People Distress Signals Blackened or burned areas Broken tree branches Fresh or bare earth Discolored water or snow Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etc Excessive bubbles in the water Oil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on water Deep furrows in snow Any other abnormalities in the environment Sightings Level II Technician Rating

14. Sightings • Light colored or shiny objects • Sunlight reflections on Metal Level II Technician Rating

15. Sightings • Blackened or burned areas Level II Technician Rating

16. Sightings • Broken tree branches Level II Technician Rating

17. Sightings • Fresh or bare earth • Discolored water or snow Level II Technician Rating

18. Sightings • Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etc Level II Technician Rating

19. Sightings • Excessive bubbles in the water • Oil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on water Level II Technician Rating

20. This is if you’re lucky….. Level II Technician Rating

21. Sightings • Any other abnormalities in the environment Level II Technician Rating

22. Sightings • Most of the time, it’s not all that easy to spot Level II Technician Rating

23. Sightings • Wooded areas add more difficulty Aircraft Tail Level II Technician Rating

24. Ouch Level II Technician Rating

25. Crash site at 100 mph…. Level II Technician Rating

26. no it’s not the white area… Level II Technician Rating

27. Reporting the Sighting 1 12 2 11 10 3 9 4 8 5 7 6 Level II Technician Rating

28. 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. Level II Technician Rating

29. Check for Understanding • Name 10 common accident signs for which to look while scanning. Level II Technician Rating

30. Common Accident Signs Light colored or shiny objects Sunlight reflections on Metal People Distress Signals Blackened or burned areas Broken tree branches Fresh or bare earth Discolored water or snow Tracks or movement patterns in snow, grass, sand, etc Excessive bubbles in the water Oil slicks, floating debris, or rafts on water Deep furrows in snow Any other abnormalities in the environment Level II Technician Rating

31. Check for Understanding • In the clock position used for reporting locations of sightings, where would the following time be in relation to the aircraft? • 12 O’Clock _________ • 3 O’Clock _________ • 6 O’Clock _________ • 9 O’Clock _________ Nose Right Wing Tail Left Wing Level II Technician Rating

32. Section 3: • Objective: • Match each term relating to probability of detection with it’s meaning Level II Technician Rating

33. Terminology • Maximum area of Possibility • Probability area • Sweep Width • Search Visibility • Track Spacing • Search Altitude Level II Technician Rating

34. Check for Understanding • Large circle with center representing the last known position of the aircraft Level II Technician Rating

35. Check for Understanding • Geographic area where the missing aircraft is most likely to be Level II Technician Rating

36. Check for Understanding • Maximum visual range at which a sighting can be detected from a search aircraft’s flight pattern Level II Technician Rating

37. Check for Understanding • The distance at which an object can be seen and recognized at the height the search aircraft is flying Level II Technician Rating

38. Check for Understanding • Distance between adjacent search areas Level II Technician Rating

39. Check for Understanding • Height aircraft flies above ground during a search Level II Technician Rating

40. Check for Understanding • Above ground level symbol Level II Technician Rating

41. Check for Understanding • Last known position symbol Level II Technician Rating

42. Section 4 • Objective: • Given certain facts, determine the single search probability of detection (POD) and the cumulative search POD. Level II Technician Rating

43. Cumulative Probability of Detection Level II Technician Rating

44. 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. Level II Technician Rating

45. Mission Observer Duties • Involvement with other SAR members • Provide pilot with Navigational and Radio assistance • Other duties as specified by the PIC, such as reading the checklist when asked Level II Technician Rating

46. Fatigue Reducing Tips • Change Scanning Positions if possible every 30 min. to 1 hour • Rotate Scanners from side to side • Clean aircraft windows • Scan through open hatches when feasible Level II Technician Rating

47. Fatigue Reducing Tips • Keep lights to a minimum at night to reduce reflections • Allow a reasonable amount of communication between crew members • Use binoculars to aid in sighting verification • Permit on/off periods if enough scanners are on board Level II Technician Rating

48. Mission Observer Advantages • Greater Safety • Assists with Management of Responsibilities • Familiarity with various phases of overall operation • Greatly assists the Mission Pilot Level II Technician Rating

49. 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 Level II Technician Rating

50. 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 Level II Technician Rating