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

2.1.5 CAP FM radio reportsAs a minimum, the aircrew must report the following to mission base:• Radio check (initial flight of the day).• Take off time.• Time entering a search area (may be multiple times).• Time exiting a search area (may be multiple times).• Landing time.• Operations normal ("Ops Normal"), at intervals briefed by mission staff.2.2 Non-verbal communicationWhile you are on a mission, nonverbal signals may be the only availablemethod of communication with a crash survivor or with ground teams. Missionaircrews may have to interpret these nonverbal messages and must be able to doso accurately regardless of the method used.2.2.1 Light gun signalsIf the radio in your aircraft fails, it is still very important for you to followinstructions from the tower at a controlled airport. In this case, you may have torely on light gun signals from the control tower in order to receive the necessarylanding and taxi clearances previously described. These clearance requirementsstill apply despite an inoperative radio. Table 2-4 shows each light gun signal,followed by its meaning.Color and Type of Signal On the Ground In FlightSteady Green Cleared for takeoff Cleared to landFlashing Green Cleared to taxi Return for landingSteady Red Stop Give way to other aircraft andcontinue circlingFlashing Red Taxi clear of runway area Airport unsafe—Do not landFlashing White Return to starting place on airport Not applicableAlternating Red and Green General warning — exercise extreme cautionTable 2-42.2.2 Air-to-ground signalsCommunicating by radio is the basic air-to-ground communication method. Ifthis isn’t possible for any reason, the pilot has a limited number of signals that canbe given using the aircraft itself, as illustrated in Figure 2-6. These signals serveas a standard means to acknowledge receiving and understanding signals fromthe ground. An "affirmative, I understand" response to a survivor’s signal canoften be a morale booster, and renew hope for imminent rescue.In addition to the four signals shown in Figure 2-6, there are two more thataircrews use to communicate with ground rescue teams. First, if the crewbelieves a ground team should investigate an area, the pilot may fly over theteam, “race” the engine or engines, and then fly in the direction the team should30