FLIR Operations

Question 1

What is Infra-red Radiation?

Answer 1

Thermal radiation spanning the electromagnetic spectrum that is of shorter wavelength than visible light

Question 2

What is Emissivity?

Answer 2

The effectiveness or capacity for a surface to emit infra-red radiation

Dark, matte and textured surfaces are better at emitting infra-red radiation

Question 3

What is Thermography?

Answer 3

Videography and imaging that captures and records thermal radiation emitted from the surface of an object or landscape

Question 4

The AW139 SAR aircraft is equipped with what make and model of FLIR?

Answer 4

WESCAM MX15i V2

Question 5

What does the FLIR highlight in the environment during search operations?

Answer 5

The temperature differential between people, objects and the surrounding environment

Question 6

What does the FLIR highlight in the environment during search operations?

Answer 6

The temperature differential between people, objects and the surrounding environment

Question 7

What may a FLIR be used to detect?

Answer 7

Vessels, life rafts, missing persons over land, missing persons over water

Question 8

What are the best operating conditions?

Answer 8

Cold clear nights - there is a large temperature differential between land and sea and targets such as people and vessels, and the surrounding environment

Question 9

Is the FLIR still effective in hazy conditions?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

What conditions adversely effect the performance of the FLIR?

Answer 10

Rough sea states

Fog

Mist

Rain

Question 11

What conditions affect FLIR performance?

Answer 11

Diurnal temperature

Mist / light precipitation

Heavy snow and rain

Industrial haze

Question 12

After take-off, at which elevation AGL should the FLIR be switched to ‘Operate’ ?

Answer 12

50ft AGL

Question 13

Upon descending, at which elevation AGL should the FLIR be switched to ‘STBY’ or ‘OFF’?

Answer 13

50ft AGL

Question 14

When the FLIR operator obtains visual with the target during search operations, how should they direct the crew and aircraft to the ‘on top’ position?

Answer 14

“Contact XX O’clock, turn left/right”

Continue the calls until target is in the 12 O’clock position

Question 15

During search operations, what calls should the FLIR operator make when amendments are to be made to the approach to the target?

Answer 15

” Easy right / left”

Question 16

During search operations, what call will the FLIR operator make when heading is good on approach to target?

Answer 16

“Heading good, maintain”

Question 17

During search operations, how will the FLIR operator call the elevation angle to the crew to indicate distance to run to target?

Answer 17

‘XX degrees tilt’ - indicated on FLIR

Question 18

During search operations, how will the FLIR operator indicate to the crew approaching the ‘on top’ position

Answer 18

“Standby on top”

“On top now, now, now”

Question 19

What determines the ‘on top’ position on the FLIR?

Answer 19

Elevation indicator passing through 90° of tilt

Question 20

If the FLIR operator loses contact with the target what call should be made to the crew?

Answer 20

“Lost Contact”