Instruction manual

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12.1.3 The ID Pass
a. When you pass over the target, log the latitude and longitude and verify you have the
right target. If you have DME, log the radial and distance.
b. Enter the coordinates into the GPS as a ‘User Waypoint’, and display this waypoint in
the navigation mode. This will give the Mission Pilot an additional means to ensure
accurate distance from the target during passes.
c. Examine the target, its surroundings, and lighting conditions. Verify that what you
see is what you planned for and that you can properly frame the target; if not, have
the Mission Pilot pick a safe location to loiter and re-plan how to perform the imaging
run (e.g., determine the altitude, angle and directions you need to get the best
photos) and how you wish to frame your photos.
d. If needed, perform a damage survey and plan the imaging pattern(s) necessary to
fully document the damage. Reassess your fuel status and plan a refueling stop if
needed. Update Mission Base on your new sortie time assumptions.
12.1.4 Prepare to Enter the Imaging Pattern
a. Fly at least 1000' AGL during daylight and no slower than Vx.
b. Ensure you’re flying slowly enough to allow the AP to get several photos from each
angle or side of the imaging pattern (usually 75 - 80 knots).
c. While the Mission Pilot sets up for the first run, the AP should ensure the camera’s
neck or wrist strap is secured and the lens cap is removed. If the lens cap has a
strap attaching it to the camera, hold it in your hand so that it will not be blown in front
of the lens while shooting; if it has no strap, store the lens cap in the camera bag.
d. If you’re using a camcorder, make sure you have connected the microphone cable to
the intercom system. If you’re using an automatic noise reduction (ANR) headset
and know this feature interferes with the video’s audio commentary, turn ANR off.
e. Check that the camera is on; it may have automatically turned itself off. [Don’t
confuse this with the ‘sleep’ mode where the camera turns off the LCD to conserve
power; a quick touch of the zoom switch will wake the camera.] Verify portable GPS
connections and that the signal is stable, if applicable.
f. The third crewmember readies the Photo Log. It is important to keep a log of the
photos you take, as it is not always obvious what and how you were looking at a
target after the fact. Which way was North? Was that access road oriented E-W or
ENE-WSW? Good communications between the AP and the Photo Log keeper will
ensure you have all the information you need to explain your photos.
h. Secure loose items (e.g., charts) in the cabin and then open the window.