JP 3-50 National Search and Rescue Manual Vol I - US Navy

procedures for aircraft SRUs should be coordinated in advance with
controlling agencies. Preplanned departure routes can be established
with ATC agencies, and designated mission frequencies should be used for
briefing information. A large-scale search using many light aircraft
will often be staged from a single airport, with the entire mission
flown in visual flight conditions. The preferred method is to stage
aircraft at a variety of suitable sites, if available. In this case,
the SMC should assign both en route and on scene search altitudes,
ensuring separation. SAR vessels and land SRUs can often be briefed
after departure.
621 Family Member Participation
Presence of family members aboard SRUs should normally be limited
because of safety considerations, and the next of kin should be spared
the potential emotional impact of landing in a helicopter at the
distress site. The presence of family aboard SRUs should be governed by
agency directives.
622 SRU En Route
A. SRU preparations en route should be completed prior to arriving
on scene. Scanners should be assigned, briefed, and positioned, and a
relief/rotation schedule established. Homing, monitor, and on scene
communication channels should be tuned and guarded, and navigational
charts laid out and readied, including plotting search pattern legs.
Smoke floats, drift signals, droppable supplies, and similar devices
should also be readied.
B. SRU en route search may sometimes be used to increase the
search area and the effectiveness of the search. Figure 6-1 shows en
route searching with a mix of search aircraft.
630 SRU ARRIVAL ON SCENE
A. Each SRU should contact the OSC about 15 minutes prior to
arrival on scene, giving ETA, limitations on operational capability,
search airspeed
6-1