Instruction manual

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An imaging mission may require photos of a target from a specific angle, most
often 45 degrees. The diagram and table below shows how to obtain the proper
angle. The customer may specify the altitude, and all the crew needs to do is
consult the table to see how far from the target they need to be in order to
establish a 45° angle. If the customer doesn’t specify the altitude, then the crew
will have to determine what altitude/distance relationship is required to frame the
target properly.
Basic steps:
a. Fly the “ID Pass” to verify the target and note its coordinates. Note the
direction that will result in the best shot. In this type of imaging sortie you may
only need a good shot from one direction.
b. Enter the target’s coordinates into the GPS as a waypoint and select it. This
will allow you to determine the correct distance to the target per the table.
[Note: Even though the table gives distances to the 1/1000th of a nautical
mile, for practical purposes getting the distance to the nearest 1/100th nm will
suffice.]
Determine if the altitude you planned for (e.g., 2000 AGL) will allow you to
frame the entire target when shot from the required distance (as determined
from the table). If not, you will have to select another altitude/distance
relationship to frame the shot.
c. Once you’ve established the correct altitude, the pilot will maneuver onto the
desired heading and stabilize the aircraft at approximately 75 knots (never
below the aircraft’s published best angle of climb speed Vx).
d. As you approach the target, the pilot will give a countdown so the AP will be
prepared to take the photos when the aircraft is at the proper distance from
the target.
e. Once the AP takes the photos, inform the pilot so that he can return to normal
flight attitude. The AP will then review the results to see if another run is
required.
11.3 Crew Communications in Imaging Patterns
The first pass by the target is very important. This is the time to
determine if you are at the correct altitude for best results; that you are at the
correct distance from the target; if you are flying at the correct speed; and
whether or not you need to (and can) use the zoom to properly frame the
photo. If any of these conditions aren’t met, have the pilot turn around,
correct the problem, and redo the first pass.
The Mission Pilot must put the AP in the proper position for a shot. Small
adjustments, not obvious to the pilot, must often be made to get the right
angle or position. Lifting the wing, moving the strut out of the frame or making
minor course (heading) changes are the most common adjustments. The