SAR scanning techniques

[SLFMS]

Hi All

I am a SAR pilot and am trying to research correct techniques for scanning on a search, inparticular eye movements, resting periods and refocus periods.
Does anyone know of any reference websites or litrature that I could refer to? Any help would be appreciated
:ok:

[SARBlade]

I would use a search engine and search "SAR Manual". This will give you some government sites that have their SAR procedures and policy online. The CCG has a section in Chapter 11 (http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/eng/CCG/SAR_Reference_Manual) regarding a scan technique that is used in Canada on the seas.:ok:

[Um... lifting...]

Effective scanning is accomplished with a series of short, regularly spaced
eye movements that bring successive areas of the ground or water into the
central visual field. Each movement should not exceed 10 degrees. Each
area should be observed for at least two seconds, plus time to refocus if
necessary.
Although horizontal back-and-forth movements are preferred by most
scanners, each scanner should develop the scanning pattern that is most
comfortable and then adhere to it. Effective scanning patterns involve the
block system; the viewing area is divided into segments and the scanner
methodically scans for the search object in each block in sequential order:
• Side-to-side scanning method:
• Start at the far left of the visual area,
• Make a methodical sweep to the right,
• Pause very briefly in each viewing block to focus the eyes,
• At the end of the scan, repeat.
• Side scanners in aircraft should scan from bottom to top and then top
to bottom to avoid longer times for refocusing and allow the forward
motion of the aircraft to move their field of vision along the track.
• Know what your track spacing is and only search out to that distance.

services.d11nuscgaux.info/training/docs/SRU_duties_20_Jun_07.pdf (http://www.pprune.org/services.d11nuscgaux.info/training/docs/SRU_duties_20_Jun_07.pdf)

This is adapted from the U.S. Coast Guard SAR Manual, which has a great deal in common with the CCG manual.

[[email protected]]

In brief, keep your eyes moving and avoid the thousand yard stare. One major problem is that of scale - try to find objects on the water (especially seabirds) which are of a known size - then at least you know if you can see those you are searching effectively and are more likely to see the person in the water.

All the timing theories in the world are great in a classroom but you are more likely to miss the target as you count 2 seconds plus allowance for refocussing - what is important is to get your search height and speed correct and ensure that all the crew are happy with it.

The IAMSAR manual is a useful guide.

[Freestream]

Go to the AMSA web site down load the PDF SAR Manual amsa.gov.au

[Um... lifting...]

what is important is to get your search height and speed correct and ensure that all the crew are happy with it.

...and your pattern, and track spacing, and so on. A good autopilot and flight director is worth at least one additional scanner, probably more.

[SLFMS]

Thanks very much everyone, the links to the manuals is excatly what I was after.

[Blue Rotor Ronin]

The most important thing is to investigate anything you 'think' you saw.:ok: