FL051 Imaging Sortie Checklist

FL051 Imaging Sortie Checklist

(From the CAP Aerial Photographer Reference Guide (April 2010) Attachment 2

Aircrew Assignment / Briefing Detailed briefing prior to each sortie; pay attention and ask questions. Include entire aircrew, if space allows, but the Mission Pilot and AP must attend
Mission Objectives
Target(s), including description and exact locations (approximate data if an on-scene damage survey will be required)
Terrain, obstacles and ground cover around the target(s)
Weather (local and search area)
Acceptable target lighting conditions (no clouds or midday only?)
Type of imaging pattern, including altitude and angle to target
Hazards to flight, temporary flight restrictions, special use airspace and military training routes (local and search area)
Aircraft separation (will others be in the area?)
Communications call signs, frequencies and procedures
Time format (local or Zulu)
Customer Requirements(See Customer Imaging Request Checklist)
Sortie Planning
Determine if the weather meets customer photo needs
Determine type of imaging flight pattern(s) to be used and fill in data needed to fly the pattern(s)
Consider time over the target, with a margin to re-shoot images
If needed, plan time to perform a damage survey.
Decide if extra time warrants a refueling stop
Discuss and finalize AP/MP communications over the target, including set up of the Audio Panel and Intercom
Determine Photography Log requirements and brief log keeper on data needed and communications with the AP
Identify your routes to and from the target area
Define safe minimum altitudes, and identify hazards, obstacles, temporary flight restrictions and special use airspace
Identify all FAA, CAP and participating agency communications requirements and frequencies.
Ensure you have the correct sectional charts (and IFR charts and plates for unanticipated weather conditions), plus any maps you may need (e.g., road maps, DOT maps or topographical maps).
Determine fuel reserve (CAPR 60-1) and needed refueling stop.
Completing CAPF 104 (WMIRS)
Ensure 'Route of Flight' describes intentions for fuel or rest stops
Synchronize watches (time hack)
Double-check est. sortie time, fuel reserve and est. fuel burn
Review your planning aids (marked-up charts, maps and notes)
After Reviewing plan with crew, take form to the Briefer
After Briefer checks your planning, Flight Release Officer will brief on any changes and release flight
Inventory and Set Equipment (Follow Camera Ops Manual and Checklist)
Photo Log, Recon Sketch and Imaging Pattern planning sheets
Clipboard for logs and sketch sheets
For stops away from mission base between sorties, take the battery charger or extra batteries
Consider taking a large dark T-shirt or jacket as a “Portable Darkroom” for reviewing photos on Camera LCD screen
Prepare the Aircraft
Clean the aircraft windows before you leave, and make sure you have cleaning supplies on board
If shooting out right front window, remove the window holding screw. Place screw in secure container.
Enter waypoints into GPS before takeoff
Set up Audio Panel and Intercom. Check operation of intercom (all positions) and perform Comm check of CAP FM radio.
If required, turn on laptop and check battery charge and settings
Connect portable GPS to camera and check operation
Check imaging equipment. If transmitting pictures from aircraft, take test shot of ‘N’number and transmit to receiving station; to test camera, laptop, and satellite phone. If shooting video, test camcorder and audio connection for proper operation.
Arrange equipment for easy access, but secure Heavy Cases
Secure Lightweight objects (charts and Camera logs) to keep from bing blown when you open window to take pictures
Fly Sortie
Transit to the Target Area -
Relax sterile cockpit rules but maintain situational awareness
Double-check navigational settings to be used in the search area
Review search area terrain and obstacles
Update in-flight weather and file a PIREP
Review methods to reduce fatigue or combat high altitude effects
Approaching the Target -
Check that the camera is ON
Exterior lights on to maximize visibility so others “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
Review sortie objectives and crew communications, and set the audio panel and intercom for imaging pattern communications
Double-check radio and Nav settings, check navigational equipment against each other (detect abnormalities or failures)
Remember hourly updates - Altimeter setting (closest source) and fuel assumptions, and when to report “OPS NORMAL”
Connect portable GPS unit to camera and locks onto satellites (Solid GPS symbol or letters on camera display)
Stabilize at ‘Target ID Pass’ Heading, altitude and airspeed at least two miles out. Implement sterile cockpit rules.
Determine if lighting conditions are acceptable
Log time (and Hobbs) and report “In the Search Area”
The ID Pass -
Log Lat/Long (& radial/DME) to verify you have correct target
Enter coordinates as a “User Waypoint” and display for pilot use
Examine target, surroundings, and lighting. Verify what you planned for and if you can properly frame target;
If not, have Mission Pilot pick safe location to loiter and re-plan imaging run (e.g., determine altitude, angle and directionsto get best photos) and how you wish to frame your photos
If needed, perform damage survey and plan imaging pattern(s) to best document damage.
Reassess fuel status and plan refueling stop if needed. Update Mission Base on your new sortie time assumptions.
Prepare to Enter the Imaging Pattern -
Fly at least 1000' AGL during daylight and at least 2000' AGL at night, and no slower than Vx
Ensure you’re flying slowly enough (90 kts normal or 75 – 80 Kts Slowest)to allow AP to get photos from each angle or side
Secure camera neck and/or wrist strap and hold or store lens cap
Check (again) that the camera is ON
Ready the Photo Log
Secure loose items in the cabin and open the window
Taking Photos with the Camera -
Frame and take photos, keep log keeper informed of photos
Determine Photo Mission Success or Failure -
Pilot selects safe area away from the target to circle the aircraft
AP reviews photos on LCD screen. (if using a portable GPS, ensure the coordinates were recorded with the images)
Plan and re-shoot as necessary
Log time (and Hobbs) and report “Out of the Search Area”
Double-check heading altitude for transit to next target or RTB
After Sortie-
Remove all equipment from the aircraft, (unless using again)
Clean windows
If no other AP sorties to be flown in aircraft, replace aircraft window screw (and bushing or washer) and secure aircraft
Debrief
Transfer photos to computer ASAP.Verify pictures were transferred by reviewing each photo before erasing media card
IfMission basewants media card, mark for return, and put spare card in camera, check it is empty, and put camera back in bag.
Meet to complete the CAPF 104-
Fill in ‘ATD’ and ‘Actual Landing Time’Complete Summary
Results/Deliverables section can be “no sightings” or “no damage noted”. However, you must list results such as sightings (including negative sightings), the number of photos you took, etc
Complete actual Weather Conditions section by entering "as forecast",or any negative affect on sortie effectiveness
Complete remarks section with any helpful information not entered elsewhere on CAPF 104.
Complete Sortie Effectiveness section mission assessment
Complete Attachments & Documentation.Label attachments with mission and sortie number in case they become separated.
Ensure 'Hobbs To/From' and 'Hobbs in Area' equal 'Hobbs Total'
Ensure all entries and sketches/drawings are clear and legible
Check in with Debriefing Officer -
Tell how you did your job and what you saw
Review information you entered on reverse of the CAPF 104
Review photos or video (plus Photo Logs and sketches), and compare against mission objectives and requirements
If scheduled for another sortie, find place to rest and refresh for next sortie.