SAR

Question 1

When should Safety Checklist #1 be completed?

Answer 1

-Prior to take-off.

Question 2

When should Rescue Checklist #2 be completed?

Answer 2

-Prior to opening cabin door.

Question 3

When should On-scene Checklist #3 be completed?

Answer 3

-Prior to hoist operations.

Question 4

When should the Search Checklist be completed?

Answer 4

-10 minutes prior to arriving on-scene.

Question 5

When do you use the Sector Search Pattern (VS)?

Answer 5

• When the last known position of the search object is considered to be relatively accurate and the search area is relatively small-Helicopter Ditching or Vessel in distress with 406MHZ, Recent observed report.
• Generally for Era SAR ops will be flown at 5nm or 10nm radius

Question 6

When do you use the Expanding Square Pattern (SS)?

Answer 6

• Where the search object is known within relatively close limits and very little drift is involved- Searching a lake for a person in the water, stationary or slow moving search object in a wooded area.
• Is inappropriate for use when drift of the search object is suspected due to the time taken to complete the pattern.

Question 7

When do you use the Parallel Sweep Search Pattern (PS)?

Answer 7

-When the search area is large and the location of the survivor is uncertain. Usually used when a large search area must be divided into sub areas for assignment to individual SRU’s.

Question 8

When do you use the Creeping Line (Ladder) Search Pattern (CS)?

Answer 8

-Creeping Line is generally not as efficient as parallel search patterns due to the increased amount of turns. They can however be modified to search irregularly shaped areas, or used to change the direction the SRU is facing in a search, due to sun glare etc.

Question 9

When do you use the Rig Search Pattern?

Answer 9

-Rig search patterns should be used when responding to a man overboard situation.

Question 10

Where can additional information regarding US helideck markings be found?

Answer 10

• Helicopter Safety Advisory Council (HSAC) website.