Mission Aircrew Course
Chapter 12: Mission Pilot
(Feb 2005)
Aircrew Tasks
O-2106 PLAN AND COMMAND A CAP FLIGHT (P)
 P-2001 DISCUSS MISSION PILOT DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES (P)
 P-2005 DISCUSS MISSION PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES
DURING A MISSION (P)

Objectives
State MP duties & responsibilities. {P; 12.1}
 Discuss safety matters related to CAP activities.
{12.2}
 Identify where to find the rules on transportation
flights. {P; 12.3.1}
 Discuss special precautions needed for flying
CAP missions at night. {P; 12.3.2}
 Discuss special precautions needed for flying
CAP missions in IMC. {P; 12.3.3}

Objectives
Discuss the special considerations for video
imaging missions, and discuss the typical
video imaging flight profile. {P; 12.3.4}
 Discuss proficiency. {P; 12.3.5}
 Discuss security and airspace restrictions.
{P; 12.4.1 & 12.4.2}
 Describe the three phases of an aircraft
interception, your actions when intercepted,
and discuss visual intercepting/intercepted
signals. {P; 12.4.3}
 Describe the types of items that should be
kept in the aircraft glove box. {P; 12.5}

Objectives
Discuss aircraft paperwork, documents and
minimum equipment, loading, W&B fuel
assumptions and reserve, and pre-start. {P;
12.5.1}
 Discuss startup checks, leaning the engine,
and taxi. {P; 12.5.2}
 State crosswind limitations and discuss
takeoff, climb and departure. {P; 12.5.3}
 Discuss transit to the search area, in the
search area, and departing the search area.
{12.5.4}
 Discuss approach, descent and landing.
{P; 12.5.5}

Objectives
State MP duties & responsibilities.
 Discuss safety matters related to CAP activities.
 Concerning transportation flights:

• State where to find out if someone is authorized to fly in
CAP aircraft
• State the pilot requirements needed to transport the
typical non-CAP person in CAP aircraft
Discuss special precautions needed for flying
CAP missions at night.
 Discuss special precautions needed for flying
CAP missions in IMC.

Objectives
Discuss the special considerations for video
imaging missions, and discuss the typical
video imaging flight profile.
 Discuss proficiency.
 Discuss security and airspace restrictions.
 Describe the three phases of an aircraft
interception, your actions when intercepted,
and discuss visual intercepting/intercepted
signals.
 Describe the types of items that should be
kept in the aircraft glove box.

Objectives
Discuss the importance of the Aircraft Flight
Log and the Discrepancy Log. List the entries
you should be able to locate in the aircraft
log.
 Discuss startup checks, leaning the engine,
and taxi.
 Discuss climb and departure, state crosswind
limitations and describe how to determine
crosswind.
 Discuss approach, descent and landing, and
your after-landing actions.

Objectives
Discuss those items you can control to affect
POD.
 State the normal, assumed number of
aircrew needed for a mission.
 Discuss how you must alter normal search
patterns if you only have one scanner
onboard.
 Discuss special considerations while flying
CAP searches.
 Discuss "go/no go" decision-making.

Objectives
Discuss after-landing, shutdown and postflight. {P; 12.5. 6}
 Discuss those items you can control to affect
POD. {P; 12.6}
 State the normal, assumed number of
aircrew needed for a mission. {P; 12.7}
 Discuss how you must alter normal search
patterns if you only have one scanner
onboard. {P; 12.7.1}
 Discuss special considerations while flying
CAP searches. {P; 12.7.2}
 Discuss "go/no go" decision-making. {12.7.3}

MP Duties & Responsibilities
Primary Responsibility: Be the Pilot-in-Command.
That means fly the aircraft in a safe and proficient
manner, following all FAA and CAP rules and
regulations.
 Remember that you are a pilot, not a scanner.
 In addition to these duties, the pilot is responsible
for the non-scanning duties if no qualified
observer is on board (navigation, radio
communication).
 Thoroughly brief the aircrew before flight,
including a briefing on their responsibilities during
all phases of the upcoming flight

MP Duties & Responsibilities
Responsible for obtaining complete briefings and
for planning sorties
 Obtain a proper flight release
 Utilize CRM techniques and procedures
 Fly search patterns as completely and precisely
as possible; report any deviations from the
prescribed patterns during debriefing
 Monitor the observer and scanner; ensure all
events, sightings and reports are recorded and
reported
 Fill out all forms accurately, completely and
legibly

MP Duties & Responsibilities

Sterile cockpit rules; all unnecessary talk is
suspended and collision avoidance becomes
the priority of each crewmember. Sterile cockpit
rules focus each crewmember on the duties at
hand, namely concentrating on looking outside
the aircraft for obstacles and other aircraft. The
rules will always be used during the taxi, takeoff,
departure, approach, and landing phases of
flight; but the pilot or observer may declare these
rules in effect whenever they are needed to
minimize distractions.
Mission Pilot Requirements


Trainee
• Qualified General Emergency Services (GES)
• Qualified as Mission Scanner
• Current and qualified CAP pilot IAW CAPR 60-1, with at least 175
hours PIC including 50 hours cross-country.
• At least 18 years of age (minimum; should be mature)
• 101T-MP familiarization and preparatory training
• Commanders authorization
Qualification
• 101T-MP requirements and CAPF 91
• Complete Basic Communications User Training and Task L-001
• Current and qualified CAP pilot IAW CAPR 60-1, with at least 200
hours PIC including 50 hours cross-country.
• Exercise participation (two separate missions)
• Unit certification and recommendation
SAFETY
Flying into and taxiing on unfamiliar airports

Small, non-towered, unlighted airports
• Runways
• Taxiways
• Obstacles
• Services
• Local NOTAMS
Flying into and taxiing on unfamiliar airports




Larger, busy airports
• Airspace and obstacles
• Taxiways
• Local NOTAMS
A/FD or Flight Guide (Airguide Publications, Inc.)
Download airport diagrams (AOPA web site)
Taxiing around a large number of aircraft at mission base
• Taxi plan
• Marshallers
• If it looks too close or dangerous – STOP!
AIRPORT RUNWAY SAFETY
AIRPORT
SIGNS
AIRPORT
MARKINGS
SQUAWKS
Use the Discrepancy Log, especially in unfamiliar
aircraft
 Don’t let ‘minor’ squawks linger:

• Lights and bulbs
• Radios and navaids

Keep aircraft windscreen and windows clean
Fuel Management
Maintain a sufficient fuel supply to ensure landing
with one hour of fuel remaining (computed at normal
POH/AFM cruise fuel consumption).
 If it becomes evident the aircraft will not have
that amount of fuel at its intended destination,
the PIC will divert the aircraft to an airport that will
ensure this reserve is met.
 Have a plan
 Accurate Weight & Balance, accurate fuel levels

Fuel Management (con't)

Note your assumptions and brief crew:
• Power setting
• Wind direction and speed
• Leg and total flight distance
Compare assumptions against actual conditions
 Modify plan and refuel, if necessary
 Check fuel status at least hourly
 When in doubt – land and refuel!

Unfamiliar aircraft equipment
Audio Panel, FM Radio, DF, GPS – if you don’t
know it, don’t fly it!
 Even simple differences can matter:

• If you’ve never flown an HSI, now isn’t the time to learn it!
• Sit in the aircraft and get up to speed
• Get another pilot to tutor you
What does the equipment and gear in the
baggage compartment weight? W&B.
 Don’t try to bluff

Unfamiliar terrain and weather

Plan for terrain and weather:
• Enroute
• Area you’ll be operating in
 Clothing,
equipment and survival gear
Trainees & Inexperienced Crew

Trainees:
• Extra time on briefing, duties & responsibilities
• When not to interrupt (sterile cockpit)
 Inexperienced
crew (or not proficient):
• Extra time on briefing
• May have to assume some duties
• Check 101T cards
 Flight
line marshallers may be cadets or seniors
on their first mission
• Be alert and have your crew stay alert
Low and Slow
Often less than 1000 feet AGL
 May be less than 90 knots (no less than Vx)

• Include in your proficiency flying
• Strictly enforce sterile cockpit rules

May lose radar and communications coverage
• Climb to report “ops normal”

Maintain situational awareness
• “If the engine quits now, where do I land”
Low and Slow (Con’t)
Maintain a minimum of 500 feet above the
ground, water, or any obstruction within a 1000'
radius during daylight hours, and a minimum of
2000' AGL at night (except for takeoff and
landing or under ATC control).
 For SAR/DR/CD/HLS reconnaissance, the PIC will
maintain at least 800 AGL.
 Pilots may descend below the designated search
altitude to attempt to positively identify the target
(but never below 500 AGL); once the target has
been identified the pilot will return to 800' AGL or
higher.
 Maintain airspeed above Vx

TYPES OF FLIGHTS
TRANSPORTATION FLIGHTS
Always consult CAPR 60-1, Chapter 2
(Authorized Passengers) when you need to
know who is authorized to fly as passengers
in CAP aircraft and the conditions under
which they are authorized to fly
 As a general rule, anyone other than CAP or
US government employees need special
permission to fly in CAP aircraft
 All non-CAP members eligible to fly aboard
CAP aircraft must execute a CAPF 9, Release
(for non-CAP Members), prior to the flight.

FAR Exemptions
(60-1 Attachment 2)

CAP is under the FARs, but has obtained
exemptions in two areas:
• FAR Part 61 – Reimbursement of Private Pilots
• FAR Part 91, Subpart F – Large and Turbine Powered
Multi-Engine Airplanes

CAPR 60-1 lists CAP Missions and Pilot
Limitations in Attachment 2
Remember to check the credentials
of non-CAP passengers (center)
QUESTIONS?
NIGHT FLIGHT




Typically are transport, route searches and ELT searches
CAPR 60-1 requires pilots to maintain a minimum of 2000'
AGL at night (except for takeoff/landing or when under
ATC control). During night over-water missions, both frontseat crewmembers must be CAP qualified mission pilots
and both will be instrument qualified and current (the rightseat pilot need not be qualified in the specific aircraft).
Must be night current and its preferable to have an
experienced crew aboard
Extra attention to the pre-flight and other preparations
• Weather reports and advisories
• Dew point spread (fog predictor)

Greatest threat is flying into weather you can’t see
NIGHT FLIGHT

Before you launch, ask yourself a few questions:


Are you really night proficient, or did you last fly 89 nights ago?
How long has it been since you’ve done a night cross-country?
How long has it been since you’ve done a night ELT search?
How long has it been since you’ve done night approaches?
When was the last time you practiced a night landing without a
landing light?
How familiar are you with terrain and obstacles along the route?
Did you include all your flashlights in the weight & balance?

Include night flying (and DF) in your proficiency regimen!





ILLUSIONS OF THE NIGHT



Some lead to spatial disorientation while others lead to
landing errors
Illusions are the most common (JFK Jr.)
The ‘leans’: enter a bank too slowly to stimulate the motionsensing system of the inner ear
•
•
•
•
•
•
Coriolis
Graveyard spin or spiral
Inversion
Elevator
False horizon
Autokinesis
ILLUSIONS OF THE NIGHT


Surface conditions and atmospheric conditions can create
illusions of incorrect height above and distance away from
the runway
Prevent these illusions by pre-planning and by flying a
standard approach to all landings:
•
•
•
•
•
Runway width
Runway and terrain slopes
Featureless terrain
Atmospheric
Ground lighting
INSTRUMENT (IFR) FLIGHT
CAP missions are seldom conducted in IMC
 Most likely is a transport flight (not to minimums)
 Can do a route search, but ground teams are
preferable under these circumstances
 Can DF in IMC, but dangerous
 Per CAPR 60-1, IFR flights will not depart unless
weather is at or above the landing minimums at
the departure airport.

INSTRUMENT (IFR) FLIGHT

Other requirements and recommendations:
• PIC has section XIV, Instrument Proficiency, signed off on CAPF
91
• PIC meets FAA instrument proficiency requirements
• PIC is proficient in the type of CAP aircraft she’ll be flying
• For any flight other than a simple transport flight, its highly
recommended that another instrument-proficient pilot fly in
the right seat
• Never fly a search in IMC alone
• Never fly an IMC search if ground teams are available
VIDEO IMAGING
An increasing important CAP mission
 Real-time and near real-time images are
invaluable to emergency response personnel
 Primarily:

• Digital still photos (some 35mm)
• Video (analog and digital) with or without audio
comments
• Slow Scan or Satellite Phone video
VIDEO IMAGING

Essentials for a successful video imaging sortie:
• Ensure everyone knows what the target is and what types of
images are needed
• Ensure you know how to find the target, and brief the route
and video flight patterns to be used
• Ensure frequencies are understood and agreed upon
• Define the duties of the PIC and the photographer; the
photographer will actually be in charge during the shoot
• Ensure video equipment is working and that you have plenty
of fresh batteries and film (media)
• Clean the window, even if you plan to open them for the shoot
• For Slow Scan, make sure everything is connected properly;
make a test transmission before you leave the ground
TYPICAL
VIDEO
IMAGING
PROFILE
TYPICAL
VIDEO
IMAGING
PROFILE
PROFICIENCY





CAPR 60-1 Attachment 9-series (approved MP proficiency
flight profiles)
Practice search patterns with and without GPS
Practice at night
In-flight emergencies and maneuvers will be conducted in
daylight VMC at an altitude high enough to allow recovery
from an inadvertent stall/spin entry and complete a
recovery no lower than 2000’ AGL or the aircraft
manufacturer’s, FAA or CAP approved training syllabi
recommended altitude, whichever is higher.
Simulated forced landings will be discontinued prior to
descending below 500’ AGL (unless you intend to land)
PROFICIENCY

With the GPS, practice:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Maintaining a constant track over ground
Select/display destinations
Determine heading, time and distance to a waypoint
Save lat/long coordinates as a User Waypoint
Save your present position as a waypoint, call it up & rename
Enter and use flight plans
Exercise the nearest airport and VOR features
Practice navigating with ‘present position’ (lat/long) displayed
Take someone with you! Good for them and more fun!
PROFICIENCY




CAPR 60-1 Attachments (C1 & B12)
Practice search patterns, with and without GPS
Practice at night
Get current & proficient at IFR flight
Proficiency
(60-1)
PROFICIENCY

With the GPS, practice:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Maintaining a constant track over ground
Select/display destinations
Determine heading, time and distance to a waypoint
Save lat/long coordinates as a User Waypoint
Save your present position as a waypoint, call it up & rename
Enter and use flight plans
Exercise the nearest airport and VOR features
Practice navigating with ‘present position’ (lat/long) displayed
Take someone with you! Good for them and more fun!
QUESTIONS?
SECURITY CONCERNS & AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS


Heightened security concerns and the potential for flight
restrictions are now part of our world
CAP’s role in Homeland Defense will require greater
attention to aircraft, aircrew and airport security
Security Concerns


CAP resources should be considered national security
assets
Special security precautions must be taken to protect
aircraft and other resources:
• hangar the aircraft whenever possible. May place small
pieces of clear tape (that will break) on fuel caps, the cowling
and/or doors to detect tampering.
• Pay extra attention during pre-flight inspections and look for
signs of fuel contamination
• Be as “low-key” as possible; don’t draw unnecessary attention
to yourself or discuss CAP business in public
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
Airspace Restrictions



FAA may issue Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) at any
time. May establish an ADIZ (see AIM Section 6).
Ask for FDC NOTAMS before each flight; if security is
heightened, check them before each leg.
Even without heightened security, avoid loitering or circling
sensitive areas:
•
•
•
•


Power plants (especially nuclear)
Reservoirs and dams
Government installations
Large stadiums or gatherings of people, air shows
If you need to circle one of these structures for training,
coordinate with the facility and ATC first.
Monitor 121.5 MHz
In-flight Interception


Know how to respond (AIM 5-6-2)
An intercept has three phases:
• Approach
• Identification
• Post-intercept

If intercepted you should immediately:
•
•
•
•
Follow the instructions of the intercepting aircraft
Notify ATC, if possible
Attempt to communicate (121.5 MHz)
Squawk 7700 unless told otherwise
Phases of Flight
Mission Pilot Perspective




Covered in general in Chapter 13 for scanners/observers
Checklist in Attachment 2, Flight Guide
Always follow the aircraft checklists; right-seat should read
each item and you acknowledge
First, an often overlooked asset – the glove box:
• Small laminated sheets for crew and passenger briefings,
crosswind chart, PA card (like CD), FM frequencies and
callsigns, ELT deactivation stickers, and GPS cheat sheet
• Small cleaning cloth (like for glasses) to clean instrument
faces
• Pencil/pen/grease pencil
• Backup flashlight
• Check periodically and purge non-essential stuff
Prior to Startup

Familiarize yourself with the aircraft paperwork:
• Engine, prop, airframe, and avionics logbooks
• Can you tell when the oil change is due? Next 100
hour/Annual? When the 24-month instrument certifications are
due?

Other checks:
• Due date on CO monitor and Fire Extinguisher inspection
• ELT battery due date
• Last VOR check (within 30 days of instrument flight)


Fill out the flight log; double-check Hobbs & Tach times
Check the squawk sheet and make sure none of the
entries make the aircraft unsafe for flight or reduce mission
readiness
Documents and
Minimum Equipment

Certificates and documents:
• Airworthiness and Registration certificates
• Operating limitations
• Passengers’ credentials

Minimum Operable Equipment (FAR 91 Subpart C):
• VFR Day, VFR Night, IFR
• FAR 91.213 to determine if you can take off with inoperable
equipment

Other CAP requirements (CAPR 66-1 & CAPF 71):
• Review of logbooks, W&B data
• Restrictive placards
• Pulselite, Avionics/Control Lock, Fire extinguisher, CO
detector, cargo net, chocks and tie-downs, survival kit
W&B, Loading and Pre-start

Weight & Balance:
• Use accurate weights of passengers and all equipment
• Note all fuel assumptions (fuel burn, winds aloft, etc.)
• Ensure adequate fuel reserve (one hour at normal cruise)

Loading:
• Ensure equipment, crew weights and supplies correspond to your W&B
assumptions
• Charts and maps
• Windows clean (modify for video imaging mission)
• Check and test special equipment
• Parking area clear of obstacles

Pre-start
• Passenger briefing, emergency egress procedure
• Brief fuel management and taxi plan/diagram
• Enter settings into GPS
Prior to Startup



Fill out the flight log; double-check Hobbs & Tach times
Check the squawk sheet and make sure none of the entries make
the aircraft unsafe for flight
A related subject is the aircraft’s paperwork; you should
familiarize yourself with:
• Engine, prop, airframe, and avionics logbooks
• Can you tell when the oil change is due? Next 100 hour/Annual?
When the 24-month instrument certifications are due?

Other checks:
•
•
•
•
Due date on CO monitor
Due date for fire extinguisher inspection
ELT battery due date
Last VOR check (within 30 days of instrument flight)
Startup

Aircraft checklists:
• Always use them (habit) and keep them close at hand
• Seat belts, and shoulder harness at or below 1000 AGL

Startup:
•
•
•
•
Ensure DF, FM radio & Audio Panel properly set up
Rotating Beacon ON and signal marshaller
Lean the engine after starting (> 3000 DA)
Set up radio and navigation instruments
Taxi Mishaps
Becoming a bigger problem each year (#1 trend
in CAP)
 Pilots are:

• straying from designated taxi routes
• not allowing adequate clearance and not considering
the tail and wings during turns
• taxiing too fast for conditions and taxiing with obscured
visibility
• distracted by cockpit duties
• not using other crewmembers to ensure clearance
Startup & Taxi

Aircraft checklists:
• Always use them (habit) and keep them close at hand
• Seat belts, and shoulder harness at or below 1000 AGL

Startup:
•
•
•
•

Try to include DF self-test in your scan when applying power
Ensure FM radio properly set up (radio and audio panel)
When >3000 MSL, lean the engine after starting
Set up GPS; enter first waypoint if applicable
Taxi:
• Collision avoidance!
• Review crew assignments for taxi
• Sterile cockpit rules are now in effect
Taxi Mishaps

Strategies:
• Thorough planning and preparation eliminates distractions
• Crew assignments for taxi
• If within ten feet of an obstacle, stop, and then taxi at a pace
not to exceed a “slow walk” until clear
• Do not follow other taxiing aircraft too closely (e.g., 50 feet
behind light aircraft; 100 feet behind small multi-engine and
jet aircraft; 500 feet behind helicopters and heavies)
• Use proper tailwind/headwind/crosswind control inputs
• Treat taxiing with the seriousness it deserves
• Use exterior lights (be considerate of others)
• Sterile cockpit rules
Taxi
Collision avoidance! Follow CAPR 60-1
requirements for taxi operations. Read back
taxi/hold-short.
 Review crew assignments for taxi, takeoff, &
departure
 Sterile cockpit rules are now in effect
 Remind crew that most midair collisions occur:

• Daylight VFR
• Within five miles of an airport (especially un-controlled)
• At or below 3000 AGL
Signal marshaller before taxi, test brakes
 Exterior lights on (be considerate at night)

Takeoff, Climb and Departure

Takeoff:
• Collision avoidance! Check for landing traffic; turn on landing light
when you begin rolling
• Cross-wind limits (POH or 15 knots, whichever is less)
• High density altitude – lean for full power before takeoff

Climb:
• Collision avoidance!
• Lean (burn gas; not valves)
• Use shallow S-turns and lift wing before turns to check traffic

Departure:
•
•
•
•
Collision avoidance! Keep crew apprised of conflicts.
Sterile cockpit rules can be relaxed when clear
Organize the cockpit, review assignments, set up for next task
Check fuel status and altimeter setting hourly
The Search Area

Transit:
• In none assigned, use odd altitudes during transit to minimize
chance for midair collision
• Cross military training routes perpendicular. If you see one
fighter, look for the wingman
• Double-check settings and review methods to reduce crew
fatigue or high altitude effects
• Update weather, file PIREP, review procedures

Approaching the search area:
•
•
•
•
Review assignments
Check navigational instruments against each other
Stabilize aircraft at least two miles out
Exterior lights on
The Search Area

In the search area:
•
•
•
•
Log and report “In the Search Area”
Log deviations from assigned search parameters
Hourly updates of altimeter (closest source) and fuel status
Limit time spent below 800 AGL (no lower than 500 AGL during
daylight; 2000 AGL at night)
• Airspeed > Vx
• Monitor yourself and crew for fatigue and high altitude effects

Departing the search area:
• Log and report “Leaving the Search Area;” reorganize cockpit
• Double-check heading and altitude assigned to transit to next
search area or return to base
• Reorganize the cockpit
Approach, Descent and
Landing

Approach:
• Get ATIS/AWOS, review airport/airspace diagram, taxi plan
• Sterile cockpit rules are now in effect
• Collision avoidance! Lights on within 10 miles of airport.

Decent:
• Collision avoidance! Shallow S-turns and lift wings before turns
• Richen mixture as you reduce power

Landing:
•
•
•
•
•
Read back all clearances and hold-short instructions
Defer after-landing check until off the active
Remember to “fly the plane ‘till you shut off the engine”
Taxi back per taxi plan, watch for Marshallers
At engine shutdown, show Marshaller the keys, install chocks
Shutdown and Post-Flight

Shutdown:
• Fill out logs
• Enter any discrepancies (be specific and complete)
• Secure aircraft

Post-flight. If this was the last flight of the day:
• Install chocks, tie-downs, avionics/control lock, Pitot cover
and engine plugs
• Check Master Switch and Parking Brake OFF
• Remove trash, personal equipment, and special equipment
• Lock windows, doors and baggage compartment
• Inspect aircraft; check oil and refuel
• Clean the aircraft (at least the windshield and windows)

Sign off any 101T tasks that were accomplished
QUESTIONS?
How can I improve POD?







Pay attention and ask questions during briefings
Plan thoroughly so you can concentrate on the mission at
hand
Hit your numbers! Altitude, airspeed, position
Use the GPS – very accurate, especially with no landmarks
Be mindful of your crew – no unnecessary steep turns; look
for less turbulence or cooler air if possible; ensure sufficient
breaks; ensure sufficient fluid consumption; watch for the
crewmember who’s obviously not feeling well but doesn’t
want to complain.
Give a thorough debriefing and be totally honest
Stay proficient!
Flying the Mission


Mechanics of planning and executing search patterns are
covered in Chapters 10 and 11
Number of scanners:
• Most planning (and tables) assume there are at least two
scanners on board, one looking out each side of the aircraft
• Remember – you (the pilot) are not a scanner!
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If there is only one scanner:
• Will only be scanning out one side, usually the right
• You must plan and fly so as to keep the right side of the
aircraft facing the search area at all times, on each leg
• Increases the time needed to search a given area
• Reduces search effectiveness (less double coverage)
• Parallel track or creeping line patterns not recommended
Flying a Search Pattern
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Your primary contribution to the success of the mission is to
fly assigned search patterns completely and precisely
This must be done while fulfilling the duties of a PIC;
primarily “see and avoid” obstacles and other aircraft
Must consider the possibility of engine trouble or failure at
low altitudes; always have an ‘out’
• Low and slow and the engine quits. Where do you land?
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Always be honest and forthright with yourself and crew:
• Not at the right airspeed or altitude when you enter the
pattern? Exit and re-enter when you’re set up.
• Made the last turn a tad wide? Redo the leg, if necessary.
• Scanner complaining that he can’t see anything? Slow to
something less than 120 knots.
To Go or Not to Go?
That is the Question
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Let’s see…..been briefed, planned the sortie, got my
releases, preflight is done and the crew is briefed
A mission pilot may accomplish all of this and still not be
safe to fly the mission
How can this be?
To Go or Not to Go?
That is the Question
It all comes down to the individual and the circumstances:
• How long has it been since you’ve taken off with a 14 knot
cross-wind?
• Have you ever taken off and landed on an icy runway?
• When did you last fly cross-country at night?
• When was the last time you flew in actual IMC?
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Two primary stupid (mission) pilot traits:
• Overconfidence (Who? Me?? No!!!)
• The need to accomplish the mission no matter what
To Go or Not to Go?
That is the Question
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The most effective way to prevent you from becoming the
weak link in an accident chain:
• Be brutally honest about your abilities, given the present (or predicted)
circumstances
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A mission pilot must have the courage and integrity to
decline a mission you don’t feel comfortable doing
• Always remember that others are putting their lives in your hands!
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DISCUSS SOME SITUATIONS from the text and from the pilots
QUESTIONS?
Pilot Records and
Form 91 Review
Introduction
The purpose of this section is to review the CAPF
91 (CAP Mission Pilot Checkout)
 First, a look at what records should be in your
Pilot File
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Pilot Records
(from 60-1 2-8 and 60-2)
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Copy of FAA pilot certificate
Copy of current FAA CFI certificate, if applicable
Copy of current FAA Medical certificate
Documentation of flight review or equivalent (may be
annotated on current CAPF 5) *
Copies of most recent Form 5s establishing aircraft
qualification in each type in which qualified *
Copy of each completed Aircraft Questionnaire *
Pilot Records
(from 60-1 2-8 and 60-2)
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Proof of completion of annual Form 5 written exam
(certificate or answer sheet) *
Copy of most current Form 91 *
Signed Statement of Understanding
Copies of current designation (CAPF 2a signed by current
wing commander) as Cadet Orientation Pilot, ROTC Cadet
Orientation Pilot, Check Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Mission Check
Pilot, and/or Subordinate Stan/Eval Officer *
Copy of letter or certificate indicating successful
completion of the National Check Pilot Standardization
Course *
* Need not be maintained in records once all the Wing’s records are in
the Flight Management System (FMS)
Optional Records
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FRO Personal authorization
Current CAP Membership card
Current CAP 101 card and CAPF 114 (training record)
CAP Communications certificate (CAPF 76, ROA)
Award of Aeronautical Rating (CAPF 2a)
Documentation of total PIC hours (photocopy of last page
of your logbook)
FAA A&P certificate
Emergency Notification Data (CAPF 60)
FAA Wings certificate (highest level held)
Current CPR, Basic Care, Bloodborne Pathogens cards
Keep expired Form 5s at home
CAPF 91
Mission Pilot Checkout
This section reviews the CAP Mission Pilot
Checkout
 CAPR 60-1, Attachment 6 describes what to
expect before, during and after your CAPF 91
checkout
 Remember, you can use CAPR 60-1, Attachment
9-5 to practice for your checkout

ORAL DISCUSSION
(CAPF 91, I.)
Ensure current CAPF 116 Exam Passed (CAPT
116 Parts 1 & 2)
 Mission Base Procedures
 Air-to-ground signals
 Mission safety procedures (as required)
 CAP Radio Procedures (as required)
 Individual & Crew Equipment/Clothing
 Search Procedures
 Map and Chart Reading
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ORAL DISCUSSION
(60-1, Attch. 6)
Mission flight planning, including CAPF 104
 Search patterns and procedures
 Observer/Scanner briefing and utilization
 Use of the standardized chart grid system
 Debriefing procedures
 Procedures for completing and submitting
CAPF 108
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PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING
Determine Performance Limitations
 Obtain Mission Briefing
 Gridded Sectional
 Observer Briefing
 Fuel Planning & Reserve
 Ground Team Coordination
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VISUAL SEARCH PATTERNS & PROCEDURES
Locate Grid or Area (without electronic aids)
 Establish Search Altitude and Speed
 Parallel Search Procedures
 Creeping Line Search Procedures
 Expanding Square Search Procedures
 Ground Team Coordination
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ELECTRONIC SEARCH
PATTERNS & PROCEDURES
Locate Starting Point (with & without electronic aids)
 Establish Appropriate Search Altitude
 VHF-DF Procedures
 Wing Null Procedures
 Aural (build-fade) Procedures
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MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN PROCEDURES
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Locate Grid/Area (with & without electronic nav)
Establish Search Altitude
Contour Search Procedures
Canyon Search Procedures
Ridge Crossing procedures
Communications Procedures
Wing/Updrafts/Downdrafts
Mountain Wave Effect
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Low Altitude Engine Failure
 Ditching
 Landing on Unprepared Surface
 Deteriorating Weather
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MISSION FLIGHT MANEUVERS
720° Steep Turns
 Turns About a Point
 Message Drop Procedure (verbal)
 Airspeed Control
 Low Speed Maneuvering
 Low Level Navigation (without electronic navaids)
 Judgment
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SAFETY AWARENESS
Clearing Turns and Collision Avoidance
 Vigilance
 Cockpit Resource Management
 Risk Management
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PROFICIENCY
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CAPR 60-1 gives considerable attention to
proficiency:
• Attachment 7: Self-Conducted Proficiency Flight
Guidelines
 Attachment
with B12):
9-series Mission Flight Profiles (use
• 9-1: Visual Search
• 9-2: Video Imaging
• 9-3: Electronic Search
• 9-4: Transportation
• 9-5: CAPF 91 Practice
• 9-6: Mountain Search
QUESTIONS?