Civil Air Patrol California Wing Weather Mission Scanner

Civil Air Patrol – California Wing Weather Mission Scanner Course Chapter 6 Version 1. 3 (22 February 2014)

Objectives v Discuss how reduced visibility affects search operations, and precautions for flight during reduced visibility conditions v Describe how turbulence can affect search operations

AIRCREW TASKS P-2023 DISCUSS HOW REDUCED VISIBILITY AND TURBULENCE EFFECT SEARCH OPERATIONS

Weather v The most important aspect of weather is its impact on flight conditions v Safety is paramount and not OPTIONAL! v Effects on Search v. Prevailing visibility v. Search patterns and altitudes v Details in the Mission Observer ground school

Reduced Visibility v Fog v Rain v Haze v Snow v White out v Blowing dust v Affected by sun angle and direction Low sun and cloud shadows

Turbulence v Can reduce scanning effectiveness v. Increases fatigue v. Interferes with scan v Plan flights around high terrain carefully v Wind on downwind side can be very strong v Clear ridges and peaks by 2000 feet

Flight Precautions v Each member of the aircrew must be vigilant during all phases of flight v. Assign each an area to watch v. Don’t forget to “check six” – conditions can sneak up! v Characterize visibility in the search area to establish the proper scanning range v. May be different than assumed v Visibility conditions or turbulence may increase fatigue. Take care of yourself and your crew!

Obstacles and Other Dangers TALL TOWER How many can you count in this picture?

Obstacles and Other Dangers GUY WIRES

Obstacles and Other Dangers POWER LINES

Obstacles and Other Dangers LOW-FLYING or HEAVY AIRCRAFT

QUESTIONS?