Electronic Search Patterns & Procedures Familiarization and Preparatory Training For: Mission Pilots Mission Observers 4/5/2019
Electronic Search Patterns & Procedures Aural Search Method (Build Fade) Wing Shadow (Null) Method Use of Direction Finding Equipment Electronic Search Procedures Night Search Procedures IFR Search Procedures Coordination with ATC Altitude Selection 4/5/2019
Signal Frequencies 121.775 MHz - Practice frequency 121.5 MHz - Civilian ELT/EPIRB frequency 243.0 MHz - Military ELT frequency (also civilian as civilian beacons are dual frequency) 406.0 MHz - New civilian ELT/EPIRB frequency On 406, only 1 second data burst once/minute emits a low power (25 mw) 121.5 signal 4/5/2019
Sortie Procedures Search crew will normally be directed to the most probable location of the signal source Search crew normal reporting requirements Briefing (in person or by telephone) Off ground (airborne) Check-in as assigned (normally every 30 minutes) Reaching assigned search area Departing assigned search area On ground Debrief (in person or by telephone) 4/5/2019
Sortie Procedures Electronic Search specific reporting requirements Crew is to promptly report first acquisition of signal to mission base If upon reaching assigned area, no signal is acquired - contact mission base for further instructions If signal acquired prior to reaching assigned search are report immediately to mission base Report location of signal source once obtained Report silencing of signal 4/5/2019
Wing Shadow (Null) 4/5/2019
No Shadowing Cone 4/5/2019
Wing Shadow with Parallel Tracks 4/5/2019
Aural (Build-Fade) 4/5/2019
Aural (Build-Fade) with Signal Strength Meter 4/5/2019
Non DF Procedures Immediately report to mission base DF equipment problems Failed unit DF function only inoperable Biggest error when performing non DF procedures - Failure to note/plot positions 4/5/2019
Non DF Procedures Wing Shadow (null) position information required Position of aircraft when bearing to signal obtained when plotting bearing remember map is oriented to true north & bearing is magnetic Aural (Build-Fade) requires to positions for each leg Position signal aquired Position signal lost 4/5/2019
ELT To Left of Flight Path 4/5/2019
ELT On Flight Path 4/5/2019
Dual Meter DF Unit 4/5/2019
Set-Up of DF Unit Normal Flying or Visual search Power - on Frequency - 121.5 Sensitivity - max Alarm mode - on Volume - as desired Electronic Search procedures Power - on Frequency - as assigned Sensitivity - max Volume - as desired Note: Once signal acquired - adjust sensitivity to keep signal strength between half & full scale 4/5/2019
DF Needle Indications 4/5/2019
Resolving Ambiguity 4/5/2019
Elevation Effects 4/5/2019
Signal Blocking and Reflections 4/5/2019
Use of Signal Blocking 4/5/2019
Signal Bounce 4/5/2019
Altitude Considerations 4/5/2019
Line of Sight Distances 4/5/2019
Electronic Route Search 4/5/2019
Expanding Circle 4/5/2019
Signal Blocking 4/5/2019
Test Time!! 4/5/2019