Search and Rescue Pilot Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Search and Rescue Pilot Exam

The Search and Rescue (SAR) Pilot Exam evaluates knowledge and skills specific to SAR operations. This includes advanced navigation, mission planning, crew coordination, and emergency response techniques. Below is a guide to help you prepare effectively:

Key Topics to Study:

1. SAR Operations Overview

Purpose of SAR Missions:
- Rescue individuals in distress (at sea, on land, or in disaster scenarios).
- Provide humanitarian aid in emergencies.
SAR Frameworks:
- International Aeronautical and Maritime SAR (IAMSAR) Manual.
- Regional SAR organizations and their roles.

2. Mission Planning and Coordination

Pre-Mission Briefing:
- Understanding the mission objective and area of operation.
- Crew assignments and equipment checks.
Search Patterns:
- Parallel (grid), expanding square, creeping line, and sector searches.
- Factors affecting pattern selection: weather, terrain, and size of the search area.
Navigation Skills:
- Using GPS, maps, and radar to locate distressed individuals or objects.
- Compensating for drift due to wind or currents.

3. Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Communication among crew members during high-stress situations.
Task prioritization and delegation in SAR missions.
Situational awareness and decision-making under pressure.

4. Aircraft Systems and Equipment

SAR-Specific Aircraft Features:
- FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) cameras for locating individuals.
- Hoist systems for personnel extraction.
- Emergency medical equipment onboard.
Maintenance and Inspections:
- Ensuring aircraft readiness for SAR missions.

5. Environmental and Weather Considerations

Operating in challenging environments:
- Overwater: Handling sea state, wave heights, and drift.
- Mountainous areas: High-altitude performance and terrain awareness.
- Night missions: Use of night vision goggles (NVGs) and lighting systems.
Weather impacts on SAR:
- Wind, turbulence, low visibility, and precipitation.

6. Survivor Recovery and Medical Aid

Hoist operations: Safe retrieval of survivors.
Survival gear drops (e.g., life rafts, medical kits).
Basic emergency medical procedures, such as CPR.

7. Emergency Procedures

Dealing with engine failures during low-altitude hover.
Ditching in water and subsequent survival techniques.
Loss of communication or navigation systems.

8. Legal and Ethical Considerations

SAR responsibilities under ICAO and regional regulations.
Legal protection for SAR crews.
Prioritizing missions based on urgency and feasibility.

9. Search and Rescue Communication

Use of SAR frequencies and communication protocols.
Coordination with other agencies (e.g., Coast Guard, military, or police).
Handling distress signals (ELTs, EPIRBs).

Example Questions:

Which search pattern is most effective when the location of the target is known with high accuracy?
- a) Parallel track.
- b) Expanding square.
- c) Sector search.
- d) Creeping line.
(Correct Answer: c)
What is the primary factor in selecting a search pattern?
- a) The availability of rescue personnel.
- b) Weather conditions and visibility.
- c) Time of day.
- d) Proximity to the nearest base.
(Correct Answer: b)
What is the purpose of the Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) system?
- a) Enhance communication with ground teams.
- b) Detect heat signatures from survivors or objects.
- c) Improve aircraft engine performance.
- d) Navigate during high winds.
(Correct Answer: b)
What is the recommended action if a survivor cannot secure themselves to the hoist?
- a) Abort the rescue and notify ground teams.
- b) Perform a low hover and deploy a crew member to assist.
- c) Leave survival equipment and return later.
- d) Use the aircraft's loudspeaker to provide instructions.
(Correct Answer: b)
Which search pattern is ideal for searching a large area with no precise target location?
- a) Parallel track.
- b) Expanding square.
- c) Creeping line.
- d) Sector search.
(Correct Answer: a)