SAR Flight Simulation Program
SAR Flight Simulation Program
IntroductionWelcome to our flight simulator program. The road to becoming a qualified Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft commander, flight navigator, or spotter is a long one. Anyone can become a pilot with practice but only a few will reach the qualification of SAR pilot. A combination of low altitude flying at often reduced airspeeds, limited fuel, and near gross weight aircraft configurations - Not to mention the mission induced stress and uncertain environmental conditions, all combine to require a high degree of pilot skill and experience. Perhaps of equal importance is the absolutely necessary requirement of crew communication (Crew Resource Management) to ensure the successful conclusion of any SAR tasking. There are a great many situations, which can not be effectively, or even safely, experienced during actual flight conditions. Highly sophisticated technology has made it possible for professional pilots to experience such flight conditions under safe controlled simulation over the years. However, the cost of such training is prohibitive for non-commercial civilian pilots and volunteer SAR organizations. The benefit of having an approved full motion flight simulator available to our organization is one of tremendous advantage.
Simulation
System ProviderOur simulation system provider is a world leader in bringing highly sophisticated technology together with the most qualified training personnel to effectively prepare individuals who must accept the responsibility of uncompromising proficiency. Our simulation system provider is primarily a training organization who has developed the required technology to meet this goal.
Our simulation system provider has agreed to permit the use of an approved full motion simulator for the purpose of assisting our SAR pilots in developing and enhancing the skills required for SAR tasking. Although no actual training is offered through our arms-length agreement permitting the use of the simulator, our real benefit will be in developing procedure, evaluating pilot readiness, and through simulation, experiencing in-flight emergencies, unusual situations, and fine tuning existing policy and procedure all in a safe and controlled environment.
SafetySafety is an important part of SAR at every operational level of our organization. No where else is this more important than SAR flight operations. Unfortunately in the past there was no real way to monitor or evaluate crew proficiency or effectiveness first hand. The nature of flight simulation allows for an up close and personal opportunity to evaluate, create, and put into practice our own existing operational SAR procedure. The result is an enhanced sense of awareness and confidence, leading to a significantly higher level of operational safety.
Simulator
OperatorOur simulation system provider has provided extensive training to Paul Turner as an approved Simulator Operator (SIMOPS). Our organization will not be utilizing the simulator for specific "type" related training. We have determined that the simulator may be configured to approximate the type of aircraft commonly utilized by civilian SAR organizations. Paul Turner is the link between our simulation system provider and the SAR (qualified and current) personnel who are approved for participation in the simulator program. Any and all questions relating to the simulator program are to be directed to Paul Turner.
Phase
One ParticipationDue to the complexity of the full motion flight simulator, "Phase One" training will provide an opportunity for pilots, flight navigators, and qualified spotters (observers) to have an opportunity to "Learn the Simulator Environment" and gain an understanding of the necessary interaction required with the Simulator Operator. "Phase One" will provide a formal opportunity for pilots and flight navigators to "Learn to fly the Simulator", and sharpen the simulator skills required for more advanced participation. A 30 minute briefing will precede a two (2) hour simulator familiarization flight, followed by a short debrief session. Phase one involves four (4) visits to the facility.
Phase One Participation Certificate - 8 hours in the simulator and 4 hours ground (briefing and debriefing).
Phase
Two ParticipationOnce participants have learned the simulator environment and have learned to fly the simulator, "Phase Two" participation will focus on a programmed lesson plan allowing participants the opportunity to experience a wide variety of simulations relating to SAR operations in general. Phase two involves eight (8) visits to the facility.
Phase Two Participation Certificate - 16 hours in the simulator and 8 hours ground (briefing and debriefing).
Phase
Three ParticipationRecurrent skill development is the goal of "Phase Three" participation. New SAR procedures and techniques, combined with selected operational and emergency conditions will enhance, and provide the highest possible margin of safety for the entire flight crew by putting into practice all the elements involved with successful SAR tasking. "Phase Three" would also provide an opportunity for recurrent visits to the simulator from time to time, to either evaluate or practice new policy and procedure in a controlled simulation. Phase three involves ten (10) visits to the facility.
Phase Three Participation Certificate - 20 hours in the simulator and 10 hours ground (briefing and debriefing).
WaiverAll participants must understand that the use of the simulation system provider facility and simulator are subject to a number of conditions. In order to achieve these requirements the following policy and procedure must be agreed upon and adhered to by all personnel who are approved for flight simulator use.
ArrivalPersonnel scheduled to participate in the simulator program should plan to arrive at the facility no more than 40 minutes prior to the scheduled simulator availability. The Simulator Operator will conduct a 30-minute briefing relating to the session objectives, simulator operator interaction and simulator safety issues. Should participants be delayed or unable to attend as scheduled, the Simulator Operator Paul Turner must be notified immediately.
Although no actual cost will be incurred through our use of the simulator, it is important to remember that our canceling a booking at the last minute may prevent the simulation system provider from booking the simulator for one of their clients, or in scheduling routine simulator maintenance. Participants must be punctual where bookings are concerned. Parking at the facility is limited during normal business hours. Visitors are to park only in authorized areas, and will require a "Parking Permit" during the day, Monday to Friday 0830-1730 hours. No parking permit is required after 1730 hours, or on weekends. Parking permits are issued by reception where required. Contact the simulator operator for the facility address and directions.
What
to Bring with YouIt is requested that all personnel attending the facility dress in an appropriate manner consistent with the professional environment of the simulation system provider. Flight suits are quite acceptable and even recommended. Please bring with you your valid pilot license and LVC. There is a well-stocked cafeteria with various vending machines at the facility and I would recommend bringing change with you. There is a bill changer for $5.00 and $10.00 bills. Absolutely no food or drinks are allowed in the flight simulator or in the simulator bay area. Smoking is not permitted inside the facility.
DepartureAll personnel are to leave the facility at the completion of the simulator session debriefing. No personnel are to attend the facility unless escorted by the simulation system provider trained and approved Simulator Operator. Access to the simulator and other areas of the facility are restricted to authorized personnel only. Exceptions include the cafeteria, and main lobby area during authorized visits to the facility.
ObjectivesOur objectives will develop as our program continues. Our primary goal is to enhance the proficiency and safety of Civilian Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. If you have any ideas, which might benefit our simulator program, your input is welcome.
DO'S
and DON'TSDO arrive at the scheduled time and be prepared to meet the session objectives.
DO arrive properly attired.
DO obtain a "Visitor Pass" from the simulator operator when you arrive.
DO arrive with any necessary, forms, navigation plotting tools, SAR checklists, etc.
DO obtain a parking permit if your authorized visit is between the hours of 0830-1730 Monday to Friday.
DON'T bring anyone with you who is not authorized by the simulator operator.
DON'T contact the simulation system provider on your own. Your questions, comments, concerns, and inquiries must be directed to Paul Turner your Simulator Operator.
AppointmentsOur simulator program is open to all (qualified and current) pilots and navigators, as well as anyone who is working toward such qualification. To gain the greatest benefit and realism our goal will be to include one (1) SAR (qualified and current) Spotter (observer) if available, as part of the simulator flight crew so that the appropriate interaction may take place. In all cases contact Paul Turner as follows;
Scheduling will be based strictly on the simulator being available and will most likely be scheduled outside of the simulation system provider's peak business hours. Review the attached waiver and be prepared to sign the document upon arrival. Remember that simulator use is subject to cancellation at any time by the simulation system provider should the simulator be required for their clients or should a technical problem arise with the simulator or its component systems. The Simulator Operator will give participants as much notice as possible when appointments need to be cancelled or rescheduled.
CertificateUpon successful completion of the flight simulator program the simulator operator will issue a certificate of participation. Our certificate represents participation in the simulator program, and does not imply any approved training standard, or level of proficiency.
