Instruction manual

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you have of getting the required photos; therefore, allow for plenty of time over the
target. Then plan extra time to review the photos and reposition the aircraft to re-
shoot one photo. A good rule of thumb is to allow:
• 5-10 minutes to assess the target after the ID pass
• At least 15 minutes to fly an imaging pattern (the Bird’s Eye may take
more time to determine the proper altitude for the shot)
• 5 minutes to review the photos
• 15 minutes to re-position the aircraft to re-shoot one of the photos.
If the customer really doesn’t know exactly what they want (e.g., they just
want you to perform damage assessment and take video or pictures), plan extra
time after the ID Pass for an assessment survey of the damage; the crew will then
decide what pictures are needed and how to get them.
Plan to check fuel status (at least hourly) to determine if a refueling stop will
be necessary to safely complete the sortie. Also plan to check altimeter settings
at least hourly.
Weather can be more of a factor in video imaging than in other missions (e.g.,
overcast or high clouds can affect the quality of your photos). Get as much
information as you can, especially in the target area. If a front is passing through,
it may be best to delay launch in order to improve your chances for a successful
imaging mission.
Determine Photography Log requirements and brief the log keeper on data
needed and how the Mission Pilot and AP will communicate this information. If
necessary (you don’t know what damage to expect over the target area), discuss
whether or not to draw a sketch of the damage to aid in planning your imaging
patterns.
If shooting video, determine what needs to be included in the commentary
and discuss how to set up the Audio Panel and Intercom during the run in order to
minimize extraneous conversation (including ATC communications).
As with all CAP mission planning, the Mission Pilot and/or Observer must
ensure you get enough information to fill out the left front of the CAPF 104:
• Objectives and Search Area/Route
• Terrain and ground cover
• Direction of tracks, track spacing, search altitude and airspeed
• Hazards to flight and military routes (local and search area)
• Aircraft separation
• Weather (local and search area)
• Communications call signs, frequencies and procedures
• Actions to be taken if target sighted
• Estimated time of departure and time enroute
• Inbound and Outbound headings and altitudes
• Whether using Local (preferred) or Zulu time (synchronize crew watches)
• Type and location of ground assets, and how to contact them and when