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Each year there are a large number of Search andRescue (SAR) phases
declared, withmany requiring substantial effort to resolve.Many pilots have
discovered that the comforting phrase, ‘it can’t happen tome’, is far from
correct. If you prepare adequately for all eventualities youwill bebetter able
to deal with any emergency situation inwhich youmay find yourself and thus
enableAMSA, which is responsible for aviation andmaritimeSAR inAustralia
to offer you better assistance.
To help you in this preparation, the following guide is suggested.
Select the routewhich gives you short legs between thebest visual fixes,
and the least rugged terrain.Make sure that yourmaps cover the entire route.
Alwayswear awatch. Remember, that external navigation aids, such asGPS,
should be cross-checked using other navigational methods toensure its
accuracy.
If your planned flight crosses high country or largewater expanses, consider
the alternative routes thatmay be used in conditions of adverseweather.
Remember the problems of rising ground in deterioratingmeteorological
conditions.
Make sure youget a forecast. Take special noteof theweather, freezing level,
significant cloud cover and expected visibility. Relate the forecast to your
planned route and the nature of the terrain.
Always tell someonewhat youaredoing - eitherby lodgingaflightplan
or leavingaflightnote. If theweather isnot suitable, considerusingan
alternate routeorpostponing theflight. Considerdiscussing thesituation
withsomeoneelsewithaviationexperience.
If you aremaking a VFR Flight, plan to arrive at least 10minutes before the
endof daylight, or earlier if your flight time ismore than 1hour, or if the
terrainor theweather could reduce the light. If you are delayed,make sure
that your departure is not too late tomeet this requirement.
Break your flight into route segments,measuredistances carefully and use a
computer tofind time intervals. Do not guess or give just one time interval.
Either lodge a flight plan or leave a flight notewith a responsibleperson. Plan
a realistic SARTIME and don’t forget to amend it if you are delayed for any
reason. Provide a destination telephone number on your flight plan or flight
note. If a pilot or one of the passengers has amobilephone, provide that
number aswell.
planning
5 – P LANN I NG
general