MART Vol. II MO/MP - NESA - Civil Air Patrol

Wind = 330°/20 ktsMaximum Possibility AreaLast Known Position (LKP)40 nmWind vector200 nmFlight level winds = 330/20 ktsAircraft speed = 100 ktsEndurance = 2 hoursDisplaced Last KnownPosition (LKP)Maximum PossibleDistanceFigure 6-1Radar nets provide almost complete coverage of the continental U.S., Alaska,Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The National Track Analysis Program (NTAP) canretrieve computer-sorted radar data up to 15 days old to pinpoint a missingaircraft's last known position (LKP). NTAP information should be requestedthrough AFRCC.Other FAA recording radar nets include Air Route Traffic Control Centers(ARTCC) facilities and Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facilities.Both record primary and secondary radar data that is retained for 15 days andmay be obtained in hard copy format.6.2.2 Probability areasPlotting the probability area, the area in the possibility circle where thesearchers are most likely to find the aircraft, is the second major factor in searchplanning. The probability area is determined by the accuracy of the last knownposition (LKP) in the possibility circle. Primary factors that contribute to theaccuracy of the LKP are:• The aircraft disappearance point on radar.• The bearing or fix provided by other ground stations.• Dead reckoning position based on the time of LKP.• Reports of sightings-either ground or air.• Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) reports.There are instances where the above information is not available to assist theplanner. To establish a probable position in these instances, the planner mustrely on less specific secondary sources of information including:• Flight plan.• Weather information along the intended route or track.• Proximity of airfields along route.• Aircraft performance.102