1. Electronic Search Patterns & Procedures
Familiarization and Preparatory Training For:
Mission Pilots
Mission Observers
4/5/2019

2. 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

3. 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) signal
4/5/2019

4. 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

5. 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

6. Wing Shadow (Null)
4/5/2019

7. No Shadowing Cone
4/5/2019

8. Wing Shadow with Parallel Tracks
4/5/2019

9. Aural (Build-Fade)
4/5/2019

10. Aural (Build-Fade) with Signal Strength Meter
4/5/2019

11. 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

12. 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

13. ELT To Left of Flight Path
4/5/2019

14. ELT On Flight Path
4/5/2019

15. Dual Meter DF Unit
4/5/2019

16. Set-Up of DF Unit Normal Flying or Visual search
Power - on
Frequency
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

17. DF Needle Indications
4/5/2019

18. Resolving Ambiguity
4/5/2019

19. Elevation Effects
4/5/2019

20. Signal Blocking and Reflections
4/5/2019

21. Use of Signal Blocking
4/5/2019

22. Signal Bounce
4/5/2019

23. Altitude Considerations
4/5/2019

24. Line of Sight Distances
4/5/2019

25. Electronic Route Search
4/5/2019

26. Expanding Circle
4/5/2019

27. Signal Blocking
4/5/2019

28. Test Time!!
4/5/2019