AIR SAR
Notes from a spotter
by J.M. Bruno Pepin, OstJ
On a search mission, every crewmember performs a particular duty, but
without the spotters raking the ground for signs of the search target,
no successful conclusion could be achieved. Like other members of the
search team, the spotter's task demands alertness and efficiency.
Spotting techniques are mastered by repeating exercises on the ground
and in flight, with an understanding that an aircraft crash site may not
reveal itself as obviously as a complete vehicle. This means the spotter
must watch for abnormalities in the scanned range and keep a sharp eye
until identification is satisfactory.
 |
| Courtesy of CASARA, this picture
shows a spotter training exercise involving 424 Squadron and a C-130
Hercules in Thunder Bay. |
Naturally, open communications between the rear seats and the front seats
about possible target sightings and determining the 'actual visual search'
above the scanning zone will maximize the chances of success, as will
alternating 'on and off' task periods.
Keeping a high level of skill
I had the opportunity to fly to North Bay for a joint SAREX for a weekend.
It was instructive and challenging to conduct nighttime as well as daytime
searches, but also rewarding in terms of experience and teamwork.
Mission briefing and active participation in the task planning should
clearly answer any flight safety concerns, search patterns, area covered
and particulars of the target - a person, a marine vessel or a missing
aircraft.
I joined the Ottawa unit of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association
(CASARA) in 1999 and I believe it is a well-administered organization
with sufficient resources to answer calls from the Joint Rescue Coordination
Centre Trenton, and to be able to continue to refine its work with computer-assisted
GPS. Past missions varied from locating a 'moving ELT' across town to
participating in a demanding five-day air search with the military for
a brand new helicopter missing in Algonquin Park.
Our ground crew, with first aid capability, is the latest addition in
a partnership with St. John Ambulance. Dedicated men and women meet every
month for training and air exercises to maintain their efficiency within
the CASARA guidelines and to be ready to answer the call of duty whenever
a task is presented to them.
J.M. Bruno Pepin is a volunteer with the CASARA Ottawa Unit.
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