Instruction manual

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12.1.1 Transit to the Target Area
a. Once you’re out of busy airspace, relax the sterile cockpit rules but maintain
situational awareness.
b. Double-check navigational settings to be used in the search area.
c. Review search area terrain and obstacles.
d. Update in-flight weather and file a PIREP.
e. Review methods to reduce fatigue or combat high altitude effects during the sortie.
Note
Don’t set the camera on the glare shield or on a seat in direct sunlight. Image noise
doubles with every 6-8 °F increase in the temperature of the camera sensor.
12.1.2 Approaching the Target
a. Turn on exterior lights to maximize your visibility so others can "see and avoid."
NOTE: You may need to turn off the strobe lights so they will not affect the photos,
particularly in low-overcast conditions.
b. Review sortie objectives and crew communications, and set the audio panel and
intercom for imaging pattern communications.
c. Double-check radio and navigational settings and check navigational equipment
against each other (detect abnormalities or failures).
d. Remember hourly updates - Altimeter setting (closest source) and fuel assumptions,
and times to report “Operations Normal.”
e. If applicable, connect the portable GPS unit to the camera and ensure it locks onto
the satellites (usually denoted by solid “GPS” symbol or letters on the camera
display).
f. Stabilize at ‘Target ID Pass’ heading, altitude and airspeed (not < Vx) at least two
miles out. This allows time for everyone to get set for the photo or video run, and
gives everyone the opportunity to see what visibility and turbulence conditions will be
encountered over the target area. Implement sterile cockpit rules.
g. Log the time (and Hobbs) and report "In the Search Area."