Basic Search and Rescue Pattern Practice
following discussion and practice exercises are designed to help Ensigns
improve their learning rate focused on the Search and Rescue (SAR)
patterns required to graduate from the Ensign Pilot Training Program.
Swimmer and survivor are hoisted about a USCG Dauphin helicopter
|All five patterns have
several basic parameters:
Commence Search Point (CSP) given as a Lat/Lon position, a Nav Aid fix such as cross radials from two VORs or a single VOR radial with DME, or an RNAV fix. Easiest way to identify and fly to the CSP is using a flight planner such as FSNav where any of them can be entered and flown to directly.
Major/Minor Axis basically defines the box you will search. Each pattern uses these somewhat differently to define the direction of the Legs and Spaces
Leg/Space Defined as distances. Using FSNav or other flight planning tools, these are easy to program. After plotting in the CSP and heading for it, the SAR pilot can set up the pattern while enroute. Without these tools, one is left with an E6B flight computer (circular slide rule), a ruler, and a map to lay out the search pattern. Then you would fly it using a stopwatch, adjusting for wind direction and speed to keep a constant ground track and speed (whew!). Leg is also called the Search Leg, and space is sometime referred to as the creep distance.
Altitude Affects the visual distance you can see. Between 500 1000 ft for helos and between 1000 2000 ft for fixed wing is normal.
Track the general direction the search pattern should progress.
Airspeed If the target is large, you can go faster, if it is small, youll need to go slow. Also go slow if your crew is tired. If you fly above 180 kts, the Spaces will need to be at least 5 NM.
Types of Basic SAR Patterns
Some Patterns are better for certain situations and aircraft types. Further study will make the choices clearer; for now they will be assigned to you to fly and the parameters provided. Click on the pattern title to see the graphical representation.
SAR Pattern Practice Exercises
|These five scenarios use the same
CSP. They only differ slightly
in the area they cover, but should help the Ensign visualize each pattern
and their differences and similarities.
These patterns can be flown in either fixed of helicopter aircraft.
If you are flying a helicopter and fuel gets low, fly to Dauphin's
Island Airport. There is a
helipad located there and gas is available, and is about 26 NM closer than
You can download the FSNav files for each of
the situations below to help in this exercise. SAR_Scenarios
1 Creep Pattern
After reaching the CSP, you will turn right to 125 for 10 NM, then left to 035 for 5 NM, then 305 for 10 NM, 035 for 5 NM, 125 for 10 NM, 035 for 5 NM, 305 for 10 NM, 035 for 5 NM, etc, etc. Fly at least five Legs before stopping.
2 Parallel Pattern
Again, reach the CSP and turn right to 180 for 10 NM, then 090 for 5 NM, then 000 for 10 NM, 090 for 5 NM, 180 for 10 NM, 090 for 5 NM, 000 for 10 NM, etc etc. Fly at least four Legs.
3 Trackline Pattern
At the CSP, fly 40 NM heading 090.
4 Multi Trackline Pattern
At the CSP, fly 40 NM heading 090, turn right 180 for 20 NM, then right again to 270 for 40 NM. This pattern tracks along the course from scenario 3.
5 Sector Pattern
After reaching the CSP and turn to 090 for 10 NM, then make each turn after a 10 NM leg is completed. A little knowledge of basic triangle math will help (the sum of all angles in a triangle = 180 degrees).
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Revised: December 07, 2008 .