*** Aircraft Probability of Detection ***

To:               Search & Rescue Info <SARINFO@mindlink.bc.ca>
Date sent:        Fri, 29 Mar 96 07:57:36 -0800
From:             pkeane <pkeane@slip.net>
Subject:          Aircraft Search POD's

To: sarinfo@mindlink.bc.ca

I am looking for some help in identifying "generally accepted - benchmark -
PODs for aircraft search for lost persons, as opposed for downed aircraft.

Information I received from the US AFRCC indicates that the PODs for air
search from an aircraft are as follows:

Flat terrain - limited vegetation                     49%
Hilly terrain - moderate vegetation                   29%
Mountainous terrain - heavy vegetation                19%

As an air observer, I think these are fairly close for search from a
helicopter. Are there any corresponding PODs for fixed wing aircraft?

In addition, we also utilize a FLIR industries 2000 infrared mounted on
either a Bell 206 L3 helicopter or on a Cessna 337 fixed wing.  Are there
any established PODs for air search with an infrared in each of the above
scenarios?

Any help you can give me would be appreciated

Perhaps a contact with the Canadian SAR squadrons?

Thank you.

By the way, I have been using your "Search Master" software in Illinois, and
it has proven to be an excellent tool.

Patrick J. Keane
Illinois Emergency Management Agency

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