SAR Fundamentals/Air observer/Question bank

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#QuestionAnswer

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

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