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

Review search assignments and double-check radio, audio panel andnavigational settings. Check navigational equipment against each other (detectabnormalities or failures).Stabilize the aircraft at the assigned search heading, altitude and airspeed(not < best angle-of-climb, Vx) at least two miles before you enter the searcharea. Sterile cockpit rules are now in effect.Turn sufficient aircraft exterior lights on to maximize your visibility, so otherscan "see and avoid".In the Search AreaLog (time and Hobbs) and report "In the Search Area."Note any deviations from the assigned search parameters (e.g., altitude,direction, or areas omitted).Perform hourly updates of the altimeter (closest source) and fuelassumptions; report "Operations Normal" at assigned intervals.Periodically check navigational equipment against each other to detectabnormalities or failures.During actual or training SAR/DR operations, pilots may only descend belowthe designated search altitude (1000’ AGL minimum) to verify potential crash sitesor the presence of survivors, to prevent loss of life, property, or human suffering,provided such descent is accomplished IAW FAR 91.119. At no time will the pilotallow the aircraft to come within 500 feet of terrain or obstructions. Prior todescent below the designated search altitude, the PIC will evaluate terrain, winds,turbulence, and obstructions to determine the best flight path to conduct acontrolled descent and low altitude reconnaissance. The low altitudereconnaissance will be conducted along a short, planned flight path based on thePIC’s evaluation and should provide the observer or scanner the best view of thearea of interest. The low altitude reconnaissance will not include sustainedmaneuvering below the designated search altitude. Once the area of interest hasbeen evaluated, the objective verified, or upon reaching the end of the plannedlow altitude reconnaissance path, the aircraft will return to the minimum searchaltitude specified by the IC and will not descend again except to evaluate newpotential sightings or areas of interest. Never let your airspeed drop below Vx.Monitor yourself and your crew for fatigue or the effects of high altitude.Departing the Search AreaLog (time and Hobbs) and report "Out of the Search Area."Double-check your heading and altitude with what was assigned for transit tothe next search area or return to base. Relax sterile cockpit rules.Reorganize the cockpit in preparation for landing.9.5.5 Approach, Descent, and LandingApproachNow is the time to obtain ATIS (or AWOS) and contact approach control.Review the taxi plan and airport taxi diagram with the crew, and make crewassignments for approach, landing and taxi. Make sure each crewmember knowsin which direction they should be looking during each. Remind the crew that177