SAR Fundamentals/Air observer/Question bank

1

When searching for a lost person from the air, what clues should you look for?

• tracks
• signals
• smoke/fire
• colour contrasts
• movement
• odd angles of light
• debris
• shiny objects
• anything that appears out of the ordinary

2

What is the most important element of scanning, in an air search?

The ability to concentrate and maintain interest in the task.

3

How are sightings from an aircraft reported to the pilot and other team members?

State bearing & approximate range. Bearings are in terms of the hours of a clock.

4

Name some signals to keep an eye out for on the helicopter when looking at the ground?

• smoke (fire)
• flames (fire)
• coloured smoke
• single torch tree
• flares
• sunlight reflection
• messages printed on snow, field or sand
• parachutes
• broken tree tops

5

How long is the maximum visual efficiency of an air observer?

2-3 hours.

6

What type of spotting will the helicopter pilot be doing in an air observation mission.

The pilot does not spot, only flies the helicopter.

7

What is the primary responsibility of an Air Observer?

To identify clues from the air and report their location