1. Emergency Services Search Patterns
Mission Pilot
CAPR 50-15
Attachment 10
Paragraph a
Richard Shulak
Wasatch Sqdn.
RMR-UT-008
November 1999

2. 6 Types of Searches Track line (route) search Parallel track search
Creeping line search
Expanding square search
Contour search
Coordination with ATC

3. Track Line (Route) Search

4. 1. Track Line (Route) Search
Used when no idea of target location
Along intended path of flight at ½ search track spacing
Can follow several routes if no flight plan filed
Hope to hear ELT on the route

5. Parallel Track Search

6. 2. Parallel Track Search
Used for uniform coverage of a large area, usually a grid
Start at corner of the area at ½ search track spacing
A variation is the PARALLEL SWEEP PATTERN
Uses several aircraft

7. Creeping Line Search

8. 3. Creeping Line Search Flights back and forth across the search area
Used when search area is narrow, long and fairly level
Probable location of target is between two points
Immediate need for coverage on one end of search area

9. Expanding Square

10. 4. Expanding Square Search
Used when area is small and target positions is known with close limits
Start at suspected target location
Fly first leg into wind
Fly second pattern diagonal to first
Elongate pattern to follow suspected movement of target

11. Contour Search

12. 5. Contour Search Used over mountainous and hilly areas
Start at highest point
Successive contours are flown 500 ft lower
Do not get yourself in trouble
Crew must be experienced in contour flying techniques
Weather conditions should be good
Wind gusts should be minimal

13. 5. Contour Search (Cont)
Aircraft must be maneuverable with a good climb rate and capable of making turns in a small radius
Fly clockwise or counterclockwise?????
Beware of canyons and valleys
Don’t fly into a valley that you cannot fly out of
Fly down the canyon with the mouth leaving a way out

14. Coordination With ATC Characteristics How to do it Advantages
Disadvantages