Instruction manual

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pilot must be aware these maneuvers may be necessary, and the AP must
know how to direct the pilot. Keep the directions clear and simple: “Lift your
wing” or “Move the strut forward” or “Left 10°” tells the pilot all she needs to
know. The pilot also needs positive feedback, especially if you are shooting
out of the right-side windows; use simple words such as “Good, good” to let
the pilot know they’re on the right track and speed. Finally, tell the pilot when
the adjustments are no longer required by saying something like “OK, I have
the photos”.
NOTE
Sometimes wind direction/speed forces the pilot to tilt the wings or crab
so much (in order to maintain the planned flight path) that the AP can’t
properly frame all of the photos as planned. In this case, try taking the
photos from another direction (e.g., from the northwest rather from the
north) or note the difficulty and discuss it during debriefing.
The AP also has to clearly and concisely communicate her intentions and
actions to the log keeper. Also, if the AP will be taking several photos per leg,
she should tell the log keeper “the following photos will be taken looking east
(or looking northeast or looking between the northern-most buildings), then
call out “shot 1, shot 2, etc.” This allows the log keeper to quickly and
accurately log the photos.
The AP must decide whether the pictures satisfy all mission requirements.
Don’t be afraid to admit that you didn’t get a particular shot, and ask the
Mission Pilot to reposition for another try. Never hesitate to make another
pass or to reposition the aircraft to ensure a good photo, and don’t let any
other crewmember rush you. Remember, you should take as many photos as
you think you need to fulfill mission requirements – there’s plenty of room on
your storage media, and the extra time you spend doing this on-scene is
much less expensive and time-consuming than having another sortie go back
to the target because you didn’t get the right photos.
Effective crew communications also depends on a thorough
understanding of the operation of the aircraft Audio Panel and Intercom,
especially when there is a third crewmember on board to keep the
Photo/Recon Log. Plan how you will set up these instruments during all
phases of flight, particularly when you are in the target area.
11.4 Factors Affecting Success of the Sortie
11.4.1 Artificial Deadline
If you don’t plan for enough time to assess the target after the ID Pass,
properly fly the imaging patterns, review the photos, and possibly re-shoot a photo
before returning to base, you can create an “artificial” deadline that may cause
you to hurry your shots and risk returning to base without all the photos you were
tasked to get. The result can be an unsuccessful sortie that will have to be re-
flown.
For example, assume your target is 50 nm from mission base and you’re
tasked to take photos from above (Bird’s Eye) and from all sides (4-Square). You