Mission Scanner Training

Post date: Mar 03, 2016 6:2:2 PM

The mission scanner plays an important role on an Airborne Search and Rescue team.  This team is generally comprised of the Mission Pilot (MP), Mission Observer (MO), and the Mission Scanner (MS).  The Mission Scanner is responsible for the vital function of scanning from left, back seat, of aircraft for designated search items then using a state of the art Nikon camera to take clear GPS enabled photographs to meet customer requirements.  The primary customers are U.S. Air Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and Arizona Wing training proficiency profiles.  The scanner also provides an additional set of eyes for non-mission activity--watching for obstacles while the airplane is on the ground as well as noting events on ground and in air while flying to and from the search area .  The scanner works with the MO to keep an accurate log of photos and other mission related events.  Having well trained crew in each of the slots is critical to keep the crew safe and leads to higher mission success rates.

 Recently 388th Glendale Squadron hosted Mission Scanner training for Arizona Wing at our hangar on the Glendale Municipal Airport.  The course was presented over a weekend and attended by 15 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members from throughout the state. Now they move on to AF funded CAP training missions in 388th Composite Squadron's C-182 (Glass Cockpit) to build their mission scanning skills.