Search Pilot Qualification Course
Course Objectives
Provide a foundation for CAP pilots to fly safely in mountainous terrain. The primary
emphasis of this clinic will be on practical applications of mountain flying. Search
Operations will not be covered in this clinic.
Academic Blocks of Instruction
High Altitude Flying
Mountain Weather
Mountain Flying
Mountain Searching
Written Examination
Flight Training
1. High Altitude Flying
 Pressure altitude
 Density altitude
 Predicting density altitude
 Aircraft performance
 Maximum safe operating altitude
 Aircraft maneuvering
 Physiological effects of altitude
2. Mountain Weather
 Slopes
 Wind
 Turbulence
 Standing Wave
 Clouds
 Ceilings
 Visibility
 Thunderstorms
 Weather forecasts
3. Mountain Flying Techniques
 Flying with Mountain Winds
 Exiting Downdrafts
 Crossing ridges
 Canyon Flying
 Sensory illusions
 Mountain Airport Operations
 Night flying
4. Mountain Flying Safety
 Mountain Searching
 Route and ELT searching
 Grid navigation
 Search strategies
 Contour searching
 Steep valley searching
5. Written Exam 40 multiple-choice
Successful completion prior to flying
6. Flight Training
7. Pre-Flight Preparation
 Accurate weight and balance
 Weather
 Current and forecast weather at departure and destination airports
 Current and forecast weather, winds and temperature aloft
 Density altitude at departure airport and operating altitudes
 Aircraft performance data
 Takeoff and landing distance
 Best rate and angle of climb speeds at takeoff and operating altitudes
 Maximum safe search altitude, stall speed, turn radius, etc.