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

the points are well separated, the null vector lines will intersect at a larger angle,and the position will be more accurate.Figure 7-6 shows an entire null signal search. Notice that several fixes maybe taken before deciding the limits for the subsequent visual search. Finally, fly tothe area indicated by the null-vector intersection and attempt to pinpoint the ELT.Low Wing NullSignal HeardHigh Wing NullNull vector from first turnPath ofAircraftHigh Wing NullLow Wing NullHigh Wing NullHigh Wing NullLow Wing NullHigh Wing NullNull Vector from second turnNo nulls detected at low altitudeLow Wing NullLow Wing NullFigure 7-6Upon reaching the area, the pilot can descend to a lower altitude and executesimilar steep turns. If you are very close to the ELT, you can expect to hear nonull, due to the higher signal strength near the transmitter and the inability of thewing to block the signal. When an ELT tone is continuous through a full 360° turn,the ELT transmission is very likely in the area beneath the search aircraft. Youcan then chart the probable location of the missing aircraft or transmitter to withina small area.If descending to a lower altitude brings the aircraft within 1,000-2,000 feetabove the terrain, you should discontinue null procedures. Instead, you shoulddescend to an appropriate lower altitude and begin a visual search.7.5.2 Special Considerations in Wing Null SearchesFour special considerations must be made prior to and during wing nullsearches. The most important is crew ability. Maintaining altitude throughoutsteep turns requires skill and extensive practice. Some aircraft may stall and thenspin if over-controlled in poorly executed turns. This can result in a great loss ofaltitude, structural damage to the airplane during recovery, or collision with theground. The pilot must be skilled in executing steep-banked turns.Second is positive knowledge by the search crew of its actual position whenthe null is heard. By constantly monitoring the search aircraft's position in theturn, you can plot each null vector more precisely.Third, the search crew must know what to do if the signal is lost during asearch. If you lose the signal while trying to pinpoint the ELT location, you can126