Visual Search Patterns and Procedures P-2027

Minnesota Wing Aircrew Training: Task P-2027

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Visual Search Patterns and Procedures

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 Search Variations: TSR: Trackline Single Unit Return TSN: 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

Multiple Unit Searches

Example: Trackline Multiunit Return (TMR)

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Multiple Unit Searches

  Many search patterns have multiple unit variants. We generally don’t use them, because they require more training in order to do them safely

Parallel Track

1/2 S S S

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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 P-2027

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

Expanding Square

(second pass rotated 45 °) 5S 3S 4S 2S S 2S 4S 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 P-2027

Sector Search

The pattern and headings are planned in advance 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 S max S mean

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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

Contour Search

This is a most difficult and dangerous pattern to fly Requires special training Don’t 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 P-2027

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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