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Section G. Search Visibility
Introduction
This section describes the various factors of search visibility.
G.1. Maximum Detection Range
Maximum detection range is the distance at which an object can be seen and recognized from the height above ground or water at which the aircraft is flying. This is a critical factor in determining the characteristics of the search pattern as it limits the sweep width of the pattern. The maximum detection range is always less than the meteorological visibility. The sweep width (W) is usually selected to be considerably less than twice the search visibility in order to increase the probability of detecting the search target. (see Figure 11-1)
Sweep Width
Figure 11-1 Sweep Width
G.2. Altitude
Depending on the search object, altitude should be appropriate to the mission. (see Table 11-1) There are always trade-offs between higher and lower altitudes in searches. Higher altitudes provide a greater margin of safety and potentially greater detection distance, but they may compromise search effectiveness when attempting to locate smaller objects. Smaller targets, such as persons in the water, will remain difficult to detect regardless of the altitude, although they may be easier to detect at lower altitudes. Lower altitudes require the pilot to be trained and current in the low-level flight regimen.
Table 11-1 Recommended Visual Search Altitudes
Search Target
Terrain
Altitude AGL
Person, Cars, Light Aircraft Crashes
Moderate
500
Trucks, Large Aircraft
Moderate
500-1000
Person, 1 Person Rafts, Surfboards, Light Aircraft Crashes
Water or Flat
500
Small to Medium Sized Boats, Life Rafts, Trucks, Aircraft
Water or Flat
1000-3000
Distress Signals
Night - all
1500-2000
G.3. Low Pass Verification
The chance of detecting a person in the water by air search is quite low. Obviously, a low pass for verification in the event a person or debris is sighted in the water might be in order. However, it is more prudent to take a latitude/longitude position and report the position to surface vessels. Risk-reward factors, generally speaking, are not favorable for small fixed-wing aircraft. As Auxiliary aviators we do not want to jeopardize our crew or aircraft and become part of the problem, rather than assisting in the solving of a SAR case.
Keep in mind that low altitude flights increase the risk factor and may be in violation of FAA regulations.
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