Capabilities

Search

Search scenario analysis and planning may be undertaken by the Civil Air Support Search Advisory Group of specialist ex-police officers. All searches are conducted by trained observers. Search is by naked eye from around 800’ above ground with ‘spots’ confirmed with binoculars. This sounds rather basic but it is actually highly effective and does not rely on the availability or serviceability state of complex technology. It does, however, require plenty of practise. Geo-referenced high definition photographs are normally taken of any positively identified targets. All searches are recorded by a GPS trace which is available to agencies after landing. Alternatively, if time is not an important factor, searches may comprise saturation HD aerial photography that is subsequently analysed on the ground. In some areas, Civil Air Support can deploy radio-equipped 4×4 mission support vehicles to liaise and enable better communication between search aircraft and personnel on the ground. Aircraft observers can also guide ground searchers by a variety of means.

Aerial Photography & Survey

All aerial photography is conducted by observers. Still aerial images are normally high definition in either JPEG or RAW format. Images may be transmitted directly to the ground and are normally geo-referenced. Image files can be passed to user agencies after landing by internet links or directly on memory sticks.

Agencies may require hundreds of images in the form of wildlife, geographical, archaeological, pollution, storm damage or other type of survey. A pre-flight meeting with the agency is normally necessary to discuss exact survey requirements. Aerial photographs are normally provided with overlap, GPS tagged and taken in the best conditions and at the very highest resolution.

Observation & Reporting

Once on station Civil Air Support aircraft can loiter in affected areas for extended periods with the observer noting developments on the ground and reporting in real time via a number of techniques. Observation can be of traffic situations, flood development, post storm damage, fires, pollution, wildlife distribution, etc.

Safety Cover

The wide area view afforded by a light aircraft can be invaluable during large scale outdoor events or even wildfires. When the aircraft is communicating directly with ground personnel or medical support, response times to hazardous developments can be drastically reduced.

Communications Relay

Aircraft, particularly when operating in areas of poor phone and/or radio coverage, can provide overhead relay of communications between distant surface groups by using air band, marine band or business radio frequencies.

Transport

Civil Air Support aircraft can provide a courier service for materials, equipment or documentation which needs to be moved rapidly over significant distances or over difficult terrain. People and wildlife can also been transported when circumstances permit.