1. CIVIL AIR SEARCH AND RESCUE ASSOCIATION
PILOT TRAINING COURSE
Phase 2
Search Procedures

3. GEOREF System rectangles of 1 degree of latitude and longitude
identified by a two-letter symbol
each rectangle is divided into four
identified by numbers 1-4 starting at upper left hand corner then each box is again sub-divided by 4 with letters a-d

4. GEOREF

5. Maps using the GEOREF system rough in the boundaries with a pencil
study the area for terrain features
draw search patterns on map
identify possible check-points
check the height of the terrain, mark on map

6. Search Planning Methods
Search planning can be done either manually or by computer
The two manual methods are:
Canadian Search Area Definition (CSAD)
Mountain VFR (MVFR) Method
The computer method is:
Search HQ which is being used by Search Coordinators in some provinces and territories
Minimax is used for marine distress incidents and is based on the US National SAR Manual.
The CSAD and MVFR methods establish two probability areas, in descending order of priority. These methods are designed for searches over land. They require knowing the LKP, intended route, and intended destination. They utilize three planning sequences
1. Initial search to include a track crawl, ELT search and Co-operative Survivor
2. Comprehensive search of Area 1
3. Comprehensive search of Area 2
The SARP and CASP programs are available through the US Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centers in New York and Seattle. RCC contacts the appropriate center for use of these programs. SARP is usually used to determine a single search area, and the incident position can be readily defined. CASP uses simulation methods and is used when the incident position is vague.

7. Canadian Search Area Definition (CSAD) Method
Two probability areas are computed as follows
AREA 1- a rectangle 10 nautical miles (NM) each side of the track, beginning 10 NM before LKP and extending 10 NM beyond the destination.
AREA 2- a rectangle 15 NM each side of the track, beginning at LKP and extending 15 NM beyond destination. Area 2 includes the overlapping portion of Area 1.
Where there is an enroute turning point of greater than 20 degrees, the outside boundary of each area is an arc. Using the turning point as center the radius is 10 NM for area 1 and 15 NM for area 2.

8. Canadian Search Area Definition

9. Mountain Visual Flight Rules (MVFR) Method
AREA 1- An area 5 NM each side of the track, beginning 5 NM before LKP and extending 5 NM beyond destination.
AREA 2- An area 10 NM each side of the track, beginning 10 NM before LKP and extending 10 NM beyond destination.

10. Mountain Visual Flight Rules

11. Search Patterns

12. Search Patterns Track Crawl Creeping-Line-Ahead (CLA) Parallel Track
Expanding Square
Sector Searches
Contour Search
Coast Crawl or Shoreline Search

13. Search Patterns
coverage st search - day 1500 and 3nm, night 3000ft and 5nm visibility
2nd search ft and 1nm visibility
3rd search - 500ft and 1/2nm visibility
ELT - 1st search 10,000ft 30nm reception
2nd search 5000ft 15nm reception

14. Search Patterns Track Crawl
search crew flies to LKP and begins to fly a track parallel to the intended flight route: see page 3.2 in handbook (illus.1) distance = visibility distance
search crew flies to LKP and along intended flight route to destination then re-track with given visibility distance (illus.2) page 3.2

15. Search Patterns Track Crawl
searching during turns is very important, otherwise areas will not be searched unless tasked with turns outside the assigned area
careful on the search assigned, parallel or following the intended route

16. Track Crawl (illus. 1)
LKP
Destination
3nm
visibility 3 miles

17. Track Crawl (illus. 2)
3nm
6nm
LKP
Destination
6nm
3nm

18. Search Patterns Creeping Line Ahead
after being briefed on the area to be searched, altitude to be flown, visibility distance, commence search point and direction of flight, search crew proceeds to the Commence Search Point (CSP)
track spacing will be twice the visibility distance

19. Search Patterns Creeping Line Ahead
the Creeping Line Ahead is flown parallel to the shortest side of the search area
the search track is plotted one visibility distance from the search area boundary
for example, if the search requested is 500 and 1/2 nm then the 1st line is drawn at 1/2 nm from edge of block then the rest are drawn at 1 nm

20. Creeping Line Ahead 2v boundary search area 1v CSP
flight planned track
CSP

21. Search Patterns Parallel Track
the Parallel Track is flown parallel to the longest side of the search area
the search track is plotted one visibility distance from the search area boundary
for example, if the search requested is 500 and 1/2 nm then the 1st line is drawn at 1/2 nm from edge of block then the rest are drawn at 1 nm

22. Parallel Track
Destination
visibility 1 mile

23. Search Patterns Expanding Square
you need LKP, altitude to be flown and visibility distance
fly lines at right angles to each other with a track spacing of two vis distances, increasing by twice the visibility
assess the drift and apply correction before the search starts
fly the cardinal headings

24. Search Patterns Expanding Square
accurate navigation is mandatory when utilizing the expanding square
draw a run in line prior to LKP to establish heading, airspeed, and altitude with the spotters searching
this is also a difficult search to fly due to the tight turns at the beginning of the search

25. Expanding Square 8v 4v commence search point (CSP) 4v 6v 8v 2v LKP 6v
v = visibility distance

26. Search Patterns Sector Search
used when the LKP is established with a high degree of accuracy and the search area is small
when persons are lost in bushland and they are in a small area
on completion of an ELT homing when the source of the signal cannot be readily seen

27. Search Patterns Sector Search
you will need LKP, altitude to be flown and visibility distances
fly to the LKP or CSP (commence search point)
fly lines radiating from the centre every 60 degrees
for 2nd coverage rotate the search pattern 30 degrees left or right (illus. 3.5)

28. Sector Search
2nd
search
LKP
csp

29. Search Patterns Contour Search
plot the area, study the topography, check the weather, proceed to the area, check out the area, cross 1000ft above the highest peak, check the weather again, plan your search, plot an escape route, note all prominent features (3.6 handbook)
use 3.6 of the casara handbook, explain this is rarely used, stress mountain wave and rotor clouds on the leeward side

30. Contour Search Patterns are flown left or right hand turns based on
aircraft requirements and the terrain to be searched.

31. Coast Crawl or Shoreline Search
Similar to a Contour Search, follow the contour of a shore line or coast line
The altitude flown, distance from shore and visibility distance will depend on the terrain
The above tasking information should come from Search Headquarters or JRCC but if left to the discretion of the pilot should be flown at an operationally safe altitude and distance from shore

32. Search Pattern Choice
If you are operating as a lone aircraft such as on a missing person search, you may have to decide which pattern best fits the search situation
For a small area, a Sector Search works well giving numerous passes and different angles to spot from
Track Crawl, Parallel Track and Creeping Line Ahead work well for larger areas such as a search for an overdue aircraft

33. Search Pattern Choice
ELT searches for a missing or overdue aircraft, without ELT signal heard, can be searched well with a Parallel Track at a high altitude for better signal coverage
An ELT hit, with coordinates given, can be searched well with an Expanding Square until the ELT is heard, then ELT homing should take place

34. ELT Homings use either aircraft or ground homer
set frequency, DF mode, SENS minimum, Vol at 12 o’clock
turn SENS up until meter needle goes left or right and signal is audible
left to right needle swing is normal when flying. Follow heading that keep swings equal
the ELT homer is most accurate when the aircraft is in straight and level flight

35. ELT Homings
as volume increases and/or needle becomes too sensitive, decrease SENS. Slight left-right swing and audible signal is enough.
the closer the target, the more rapidly volume and sensitivity increase.
to evaluate the quality of the bearing, turn a full circle. If the needle centres more than twice 180 degrees apart, fly a circle, keeping needle either left or right constantly

36. Location of Search Object
Contact JRCC/Searchmaster/CASARA Search Coordinator or On-Scene Commander
use radio frequency assigned
relay through nearest FSS or ATC unit
provide a Notice of Crash Location (NOCL) message

37. AURAL NULL PROCEDURE “A”
In the event that your homer is not working, you must know Aural Null methods, “A”, and “B”.
The only equipment you need is:
VHF receiver
clock
map
pen

38. Beware of a difference of signal reception on the nose of the search aircraft, as compared to the signal off of the tail. Signal strength may vary enough between the two so as to make the results inaccurate. If this occurs it is recommended that readings be taken off of the nose. It will mean flying out of the signal, then making a 180 degree turn and coming back on the same track. When flying back towards the signal, take your readings once the signal is heard again.

39. When signal detected: Pinpoint your position on map
Descend to minimum reception altitude
Disable squelch if possible and adjust radio volume to minimum reception
Fly a constant heading and draw a track made good on the map
Once signal is lost, do a 180º turn and mark the spot (A) where the signal is acquired
Maintain constant altitude and volume setting at all times

40. When signal fades out
Fly across the same track and pinpoint position of fade out (B), do another 180º
Calculate mid-point of track made good (C)
From this mid-point plot at 90 degrees, a new desired track which extends on both sides of track made good
Return to mid point and fly either direction to make good, the new track

41. When signal strength fades out, plot this point on your map (D)
Reverse course, signal will build and then fade. Plot point at which signal fades (E)
In theory, the ELT should be located at the mid point of the second track

42. D
C B A E

43. AURAL NULL PROCEDURE “B”
This method has both an advantage, and disadvantage:
ADVANTAGE: It is faster than Procedure “A”
DISADVANTAGE: It requires sufficient cockpit space to adequately plot the information
Requires:
VHF receiver - pen - dividers
map ruler triangle

44. Position of the aircraft is plotted as soon as the signal is heard
Continue on same heading for a short distance
Turn 900 either left or right, and proceed until the signal fades. Note this position
Turn aircraft 1800 and again plot where the signal is heard, and where it fades

45. Approximate position of ELT is plotted by:
drawing chord lines between each set of “signal heard” and “signal fades” positions
Drawing perpendicular bisectors of each chord
Aircraft proceeds to the point where the perpendicular bisectors intersect. The ELT should be there

46. Extreme radius of signal
Beware of a difference of signal reception on the nose of the search aircraft, as compared to the signal off of the tail. Signal strength may vary enough between the two so as to make the results inaccurate. If this occurs it is recommended that readings be taken off of the nose. It will mean flying out of the signal, the making a 180 degree turn and coming back on the same track. When flying back towards the signal, take your readings once the signal is heard again.

47. Search Procedures
End of Phase 2