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AERIAL OBSERVATION
OF OIL
TECHNICAL INFORMATION PAPER No 1 2009
Strategy for aerial reconnaissance
At the outset of an incident, reports from reconnaissance flights are often vital to establish the nature and scale of the pollution problem. Subsequent flights should be made regularly, commonly at the beginning or end of each day, so that the results can be used to plan response operations (Figure 1). The flights, including their time-tabling and flight paths, should be coordinated to avoid unnecessary duplication. As the pollution situation is brought under control the need for flights will reduce and disappear.
Safety considerations are paramount and the aircraft pilot should be consulted on all aspects of the reconnaissance operation prior to departure. Those taking part in a flight should be regularly and thoroughly briefed beforehand on the safety features of the aircraft and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. Suitable personal protective equipment, such as life jackets, should be available and used.
When selecting the most appropriate aircraft, consideration needs to be given to the location of the spill, the nearest airstrip and refuelling stations, and the likely extent of sea and coastline to be included in a reconnaissance flight. Any aircraft used for aerial observation must feature good all-round visibility and carry suitable navigational aids. For example, if there is a choice of aircraft design, better visibility is afforded by high-mounted wings. Over near-shore waters the flexibility of helicopters is an advantage, for instance in surveying an intricate coastline with cliffs, coves and islands. However, over the open sea, there is less need for rapid changes in flying speed, direction and altitude, and the speed and range of fixed-wing aircraft are more advantageous. Aircraft selection should take into account the operating speed, for if this is too fast the ability to observe and record oil will be reduced, and if it is