Example Manned Aircraft Search Patterns - Revision history

Dmerrick: /* Contour Search */

2018-08-15T20:30:32Z

‎Contour Search

2018-08-15T20:30:03Z

‎Sector Search

2018-08-15T20:29:26Z

‎Expanding Square

2018-08-15T20:28:55Z

‎Creeping Line

2018-08-15T20:28:27Z

‎Parallel Track

2018-08-15T20:27:30Z

‎Track Line

2018-08-15T20:26:51Z

‎Track Line

2018-08-15T20:26:16Z

‎Barrier Search

2018-08-15T20:26:00Z

‎Barrier Search

2018-08-15T20:25:30Z

‎Shore Line Search

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 ==Contour Search==
 Suggested starting altitude: 500-1000 AGL
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 The aircraft starts at an altitude 500 feet above the highest point and follows the contours of the mountain while maintaining altitude. Upon completion of the first circuit, the pilots steps down 500’ and repeats - descending on each pass.  In this manner, the aircraft will circle the mountain, following contours, as it descends in widening circuits.
 ==Shore Line Search==

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 The sector search is appropriate when a good LKP is known, and the terrain is flat and even. The radial approach provides increased search coverage near the center (datum) and is typically easier to fly than an expanding grid.
 This pattern also provides multiple views/angles of the center, helping to mitigate issues with terrain or lighting. It also reduces coverage outside the immediate central search area, so of the datum is incorrect, the POD drops sharply.
 ==Contour Search==

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 If the first search yields negative results, a second search can be conducted with the headings offset by 45 degrees. This results in a diagonally overlapping pattern to the first search.
 Two legs of each length (1S, 2S, etc.) are flown. On the third leg, the distance is increased by 1S. This results in an evenly increasing pattern.
 ==Sector Search==

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 Legs of the Creeping Line run parallel to the shorter side of the search area.
 Upon completion, successive search patterns are conducted along the search line.
 ==Expanding Square==

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 In this example, turns are made inside the assigned grid area. If possible, turns are made outside the area when there are no adjacent aircraft and coordination permits it.
 The initial leg is ½ S from the edge, and each leg thereafter is spaced at 1 S. Legs are run at cardinal headings when possible.
 ==Creeping Line==

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 Flown ½ S offset from the original course or track, then a return course that is offset ½ S in the other direction.  Expanding (subsequent) legs are offset a full S.
-[[File:search_ex_track.png|none|thumb|250px|Track Line Seach / Courtesy Civil Air Patrol]]
+[[File:search_ex_trackline.png|none|thumb|250px|Track Line Seach / Courtesy Civil Air Patrol]]
 ==Parallel Track==

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 ==Barrier Search==
 A search asset is used to patrol a choke point where the subject cannot have passed. Typically used in river searches, where a search asset patrols an area downstream of the datum, preventing the subject from moving past.
-[[File:search_ex_barrier.png|thumb|150px|Courtesy New Zealand Coast Guard]]
+[[File:search_ex_barrier.png|none|thumb|150px|Courtesy New Zealand Coast Guard]]