NTAP: Radar-based Detective Work

Modern FAA radar screens actually display a video image of computer-processed radar data, not the original radar return itself. Since it’s video, it can be recorded and preserved for reference.

Working with the FAA, California CAP officer Jim Bigelow and others developed the obvious next step: when a plane is missing, play back the tape for CAP and other searchers.

Knowing the departure airport or aircraft position at a given time, CAP and FAA can scan these radar presentations to find a “radar blip” likely to be the missing aircraft. Where it disappears from the screen, that’s where to center the search area.

Ground Search

CAP also fields ground crews to reach downed aircraft, rescue survivors and recover occupants and their effects. Terrain can be hostile and aircraft may be hidden in trees or other vegetation. Crews use a hand-held tracking device called an “Elper” to home in on any ELT signal.

Cadets can take a special summer course in ground rescue at the famed Hawk Mountain program in Pennsylvania.

CAP aircraft and ground crews practice search and rescue techniques constantly in “SARCAP” practice missions.

Cadets are Involved, too, in Many Ways

I.    The Gathering Threat II.   The CAP Subchasers of WWII III.   Many Other WWII Missions IV.  Post-War: Now What? V.  The Cold War Years VI.  Search & Rescue VII. CAP Today		NEXT >>
	Exhibit VII: CAP Today…