The document discusses guidance from IAMSAR on the role and duties of an Aircraft Coordinator (ACO) in SAR operations. It provides details on qualifying as an ACO and the ACO's responsibilities for coordinating air assets, maintaining flight safety, and cooperating with the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator and On-Scene Coordinator. It also reviews options for ACO communication plans and procedures for tasks like search missions, providing briefings, and coordinating aircraft during missions.

1. AGENDA
1. IAMSAR guidance on ACO
2. Lessons learned – Rescue Plan
1. The BALTIC ACO Manual

2. IAMSAR
ORGANISATION
Aircraft Coordinator: (Volume II para 1.2.6.)
The purpose of the Aircraft Coordinator (ACO) function is to maintain high
flight safety and co-operate in the rescue action to make it more effective.
The ACO should be seen as a cooperating, supporting and advisory service.
The ACO should normally be designated by the SMC, or if that is not practical,
by the OSC. The ACO function will normally be performed by the facility with
the most suitable mix of communication means, radar, GNSS combined with
trained personnel to effectively co-ordinate the involvement of multiple
aircraft in SAR operations while maintaning flight safety.
Generally the ACO is responsible to the SMC; however, the ACO work must be
co-ordinated closely with the OSC, or if no SMC or OSC, as the case may be,
the ACO would remain in overall charge of operations.
Duties of the ACO can be carried out from a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter,
ship, a fixed structure such as an oil rig, or an appropriate land unit.
Depending on needs and qualifications, the ACO may be assigned duties that
include the following:

3. IAMSAR
ACO DUTIES
• Co-ordinate the airborne resources in a defined geographical area
• Maintain high flight safety – issue flight information
• Practise flow planning (example: point of entry and point of exit)
• Prioritize and allocate tasks
• Co-ordinate the coverage of search areas.
• Forward radio messages (can be the only duty)
• Make consolidated SITREPs to the SMC and the OSC,
as appropriate; and work closely with the OSC; and
• It is important that the ACO is aware of the fact that the participating units,
if possible avoid disturbing other participating units with, for example, noise
and rotor wind
NOTE: Additional guidance in Volume III, page 3-4 and 3-5.

4. IAMSAR
ACO COMMUNICATION
• Volume II para 2.2.9.: 123.1 Mhz “common VHF channel between aircraft”.
• Volume II para 1.2.5.: “Joining Entry Report”:
• Call sign
• Nationality
• Type (specify fixed wing or helicopter and type)
• Position
• Altitude (on pressure setting used)
• ETA (at relevant point or search area)
• Endurance on scene
• Remarks (+/- DOC/MEDIC, FLIR, PAX capacity, expected hoist duration)

5. Speed of operations
Continous hoist operations
Obtainable speed of operations (1 hoist position, double lift)
• 6 firefighters and 4 x equipment = 10 – 20 min
• 1 person/equipement pr. 1-2 minut
• 30-60 hoists pr. hour in good conditions

6. Helicopters required
15 min average hoist time
30 NM
• Total 4-5 HELOs if distress position is 15 min (30 NM) from evacuation point
• Additional 2 pr. 30 NM distance!
• Double if 2 hoist positions!
• Relief crews for prolonged operations!

7. Conclusion
Use of helicopters
1. You need another big ship!
2. Evacuation of injured people
3. Search for PIW.
4. Search for rafts (POB count and
condition, evacuation if needed)
5. Transport of fire fighters and
medical teams etc.

8. Speed of operations
Options to adjust
• Next helo hold visual on hoisting helo 5-10 min
before finished hoisting
• Land on ship
• Twin lift
• 2 or more hoist positions
• Extra hoist positions on ships in the area
• Evacuate to life rafts
• Deliver assistance teams to ships in the area

9. Lessons learned
SKAGEX 2011
Time
HELOs
Hoist PAX
Search
Hoist Assistance
Holding
Refuelling
Required
Actual
4-5 HELOs 180 hoists in 9 hours

10. Flow control by ETA
1 hoist position (only hoist)
Time
HELOs
+ 45 Min
First 2-3 HELOs
+ 45 Min
Next HELO
+ 15 Min
Next Helo

11. BALTIC ACO MANUAL
OVERALL PRINCIPLES
Guidelines only, may be altered
• Common sense and initiative
• Mission accomplishment
• Flight safety
Goal
• Safety (first)
• Efficiency (will quickly follow)

12. WHEN TO ASSIGN AN ACO
FACTORS
1. Number of aircraft involved
2. Aircraft from different countries
3. Weather conditions
4. Communication problems
5. Logistic problems

13. ACO QUALIFICATION
• Aeronautical understanding
• SAR background
• Good English skills
• Familiar with ATC communication
• Familiar with SAR communication
• ACO course with a minimum of one
scenario acting as ACO
• Regular recurrent training

14. ACO COOPERATION
SMC AND OSC
ACO OSC
SAR MISSION COORDINATOR
SRU
AIR
SRU
AIR
SRU
AIR
SRU
AIR
SRU
AIR
SRU
SURFACE

15. ACO - SMC
1. SMC should inform the ACO of the objectives
of the mission, organisation and units
2. SMC organise below in coordination with
ACO
• Refuelling and crew support
• Evacuation sites
• Temporary restricted airspace
1. SMC should coordinate alerting and re-
alerting of HELO (ETA assignments),
with the ACO

16. ACO - OSC
1. Coordinate SAR plan closely
2. OSC request HELO support via the ACO
3. Coordinate approach sector free of
surface vessels, if possible, for radar
approaches (if required)
4. Coordinate hoisting in order not to
disturb surface vessels operations, if
possible
5. ACO should explain his role to the
distressed vessel if possible (radio)

17. ACO – AIRCRAFT
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The ACO instructions are advisory
information!
2. Aircraft must follow instructions as closely as
possible.
3. When necessary, for safety, aircrew must
take necessary actions, regardless of
instructions received
4. If deviating from instructions, the ACO must
be notified immediately
5. The ACO will not in any respect overtake the
flight safety responsibility from the pilot in
command

18. ACO
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Decisive factors:
1. Area of operation
2. Radio coverage of the SMC (RCC)
3. Capabilities of ACO platform (if not SMC)
4. Capabilities of the SRUs

19. HELO Capability
HF UHF MVHF AVHF SATCOM DOC ICE
S76 + + +
SEAKING + + + + NO+
GE -
EH-101 + + + + + + +
MI-14 + + + + +
ANAKONDA (+) + + +
AB-412 + +
SUPER
PUMA
+ + (+) +
AW139 + + + (+)
MI-8 + + + + +
MI-17 + + + + +
MVHF and AVHF only common frequency
RCCS do not have complete coverage

20. COMMUNICATION NETS
1. ACO/SMC/OSC: MVHF TBD
2. ACO/Aircraft: 123.1 Mhz
3. On Scene: CH 16
4. Hoist: Discrete Maritime VHF (CH-6)
5.RCC/Aircraft –Rear Brief/Mission results
• Telephone
• HF
• UHF
• MVHF

21. COMMS FLOW
1 2 3 4 5
1. Departure : ATC
2. Transit : RCC enroute briefing
3. Operation: Entry report – ACO briefing – Operation – Exit brief
4. Transit back: SRU exit briefing, arrival coordination with RCC
5. Arrival: ATC

22. COMM PLAN
JRCC ACO
JRCC
OSC
CH 6
CH 16
123.1 MHZ
MVHF XX

23. COMM PLAN
AIRBORNE ACO
JRCC
OSC
CH 6
CH 16
123.1
MHZ
MVHF XX

24. COMM PLAN
JRCC ACO
AIRBORNE RELAY
JRCC
OSC
CH 6
CH 16
123.1
MHZ
MVHF XX
282.8 Mhz, HF, MVHF XX
E3 WITH AUTOCAT (UHF ONLY)!!!

25. COMM PLAN
PLATFORM ACO
JRCC
OSC
CH 6
CH 16
123.1
MHZ
MVHF XX
Phone(Tyra AFIS 118.425)
(OTC & Rigs 123.450 S of 56N)
(OTC & Rigs 131.775 N of 56N)

26. NON STANDARD COMM PLAN
JRCC ACO
JRCC
OSC
CH 6
CH 16
123.1 MHZ
MVHF XX
282.8 Mhz, HF, MVHF XX, 123,1 Mhz, Phone

27. ACO COMMS
1. C/S ” AIR COORDINATOR”
2. Aircraft to contact ACO no later
than 20 NM from the area

28. ACO INFORMATION
TO AIRCRAFT
1. The ACO will ensure that aircrew are aware of
the SMC/OSC overall plan.
2. The ACO will assign tasks to aircraft.
3. The ACO will define entry and exit points, holding
areas and altitudes for air traffic.
4. The ACO will provide information about all
relevant air traffic and obstructions on scene.
5. The ACO will provide information regarding
refuelling points and evacuation sites
6. The ACO will provide weather information:
• On scene, including pressure setting.
• At evacuation sites.
• At refuelling points

29. AIRCRAFT REPORTS
• Joining entry report.
• Reaching assigned points.
• Leaving assigned points.
• Commencing operations (search, investigation during search,
approach to the surface/ship, missed approach, hoist, landing etc).
• Completing operations, including information regarding results.
• Leaving present altitude.
• Reaching new altitude.
• 30 minutes on scene endurance, expecting fuel at (location).
• 10 minutes to completing hoist operation.
• 10 minutes to completing search.

30. RTF
“All instructions given by ACO are not clearances but advisories which
you are expected to follow as closely as possible.
However, flight safety and separation to other aircraft is at all times
your own responsibility.
If you need to deviate from instructions received, inform ACO
immediately.”
Use:
• Continue …
• Proceed …
• Climb/Descend/Maintain xxxx ft on QNH xxxx
• You may …
• Suggest You …
• Expect to …
Do not use:
Cleared

31. ACO BRIEFING
DISTRESSED VESSEL
”(call sign) this is Air Coordinator.
During the evacuation I will be responsible for the coordination of the
airborne assets involved in the operation.
My call sign will be -Air Coordinator- and I can be reached on
(net/frequency)
If possible you are to monitor (net/frequency) during hoist operations
(If an OSC is on scene):
Furthermore I will coordinate the evacuation with the On Scene
Coordinator who is responsible for the ships in the operation”

32. ACO MISSIONS

33. SEARCH MISSION
FLOW MANAGEMENT

34. SEARCH AREA
Borderlines:
Two latitudes and two longitudes describing the borderlines.
E.g.: “north border 5910N, south border 5901N,
east border 02017E, west border 02000E”.
Corner points:
four corner points of the search area with four sets of latitudes/longitudes
E.g.: “5910N 02000E, 5901N 02000E etc…”
Search directions:
Assign the search parameters to the SRU with the following information:
• Commence search point (Lat/long)
• First leg (Direction in degrees and a range)
• Line of advance (General direction of search pattern - 90° degrees of the
direction of first leg, and distance)
Line of advance
First leg
CSP

35. SEARCH MISSION
Weather impact1
2
3
4
Level of deconfliction
Level 1: Visual deconfliction.
Level 2: Flow deconfliction.
Level 3: Coordination zones.
Level 4: No fly zones (Zebra).

36. SEARCH MISSION
Level 1 - Visual
• Limited number of helicopters and low complexicity of the mission, or
• Confined areas with many persons in distress
Hoist Zone
ACO Zone, airspace inside 20 NM.
Hoist Zone: (5) NM radius
Visual deconfliction on scene
Number of helicopters inside 5 NM: Day/Good weather: 3-?, Night / Poor Visibility 1-2

37. SEARCH MISSION
CSP CSP CSP CSP
Line of advance
Level 2 – Flow (Ideal)
• Large search area
• Confidence in datum low

38. Search
Non standard flow
CSP
LOA
• ACO must ensure no conflict exist!
• Traffic information required

39. SEARCH MISSION
Level 3 – Coordination Zones
Level 4 – No Fly Zones

40. Entry and Exit of search area
1. Entry/Exit points not always practical!
2. Entry/Exit directions may be used instead
(Not in manual)
3. Descend / Climb
• In the subarea
• Between entry point and CSP
• On ACO assigned heading towards CSP

41. MASS RESCUE
FLOW MANAGEMENT

42. Flow management system
Based on a circular setup of waypoints.
Two items drives the setup:
1. Hoist position (Lat/long)
2. Wind direction (If winds are below 5 kts not important!)
Strong points:
• Very easily set up. No special tools needed.
• Simple orders from ACO to aircrew.
• Move vessel position – Entire setup moves (Drift)
• Can be alligned 100% with wind direction.
Weak points:
• Navigation error
• The area of operation may dictate changes!

43. Flow Management System
Basic
5 NM – Entry / Exit
10 NM - Holding points
20 NM – ACO zone (Additional holding points)
• Reference point = latest ACO update of vessel position
• Points in Radial/distance in NM
• (Cardinal Headings)
• COMM reduction!

44. Flow Management System
In a perfect world!
Holding point
Holding point
Entry point
5 NM
10 NM
Vessel position
180°
090°
360°
45°
45°
Wind direction
Exit point
7 NM

45. Flow Management System
In the real world!
Holding point
Entry point
5 NM
10 NM
Vessel position
Wind direction
Exit point

46. Holding point
Holding point
Entry point
5 NM
10 NM
Vessel position 090° / 10 NM
360° / 10 NM
45°
45°
Holding
•Headwind inbound
•Right Hand
•1 Min legs (inbound)
•Max 100 IAS entry/pattern
Holding

47. Altitudes
Visual conditions – 500 feet separation
Instrument conditions – 1000 feet separation
500
1500
1000

48. Examples altitude plans
• Entry/On Scene/Exit - Ceiling
Visual
• 1500/500/1000 > 1500 feet (Crossing OK)
• 500/500/1000 > 1000 feet (Flow to Entry, Exit crossing OK)
• 500/500/500 > 500 feet (Flow)
• 300/300/300 > 300 feet (Flow)
Instrument
• 2000/-/3000 < 300 feet (Crossing OK)
• 1000/-/2000 (Ice 3000) < 300 feet (Flow to Entry, Exit crossing OK)
• 1000/-/1000 (Ice 2000) < 300 feet (Flow)
Reduced visual deconfliction (Not in Manual!!!)
• 900/300/600 > 900 feet (Crossing if accepted by HELOs)
• 300/300/600 > 600 feet (Flow to Entry, Exit crossing if acc. by HELOs)
100 ft deconflictions is better than zero ft!

49. ACO approach
Only implement necessary meassures!
1. Is altitude deconfliction enough?
2. Weather forecast ?
3. Entry (and/or) Exit points (and/or) holding
points.
• Any obstructions in the area?
• Try to avoid crossing traffic
• First look at flowplan for sustained flow
• Then correct for initial arrival of HELOs from multiple
directions

50. Example
Good weather
EXIT
1000 FT
ENTRY
1500 FT
WIND
500 FT
ACO CONTROL CONTACT RELEVANT ATC

51. Example
Limited weather / Night
EXIT
600 FT
CONTACT RELEVANT ATC
ENTRY
600 FT
WIND
ACO CONTROL
300 FT

52. Holding W
Exit S
Wind direction
Entry N
Holding NE
Step 1
Plan for sustained flow

53. Step 2
Correct for initial arrivals,
and alternate evacuation sites
Holding W
Exit S
Wind direction
Entry N
Holding NE
ALTITUDE DECONFLICTION
• 1500 FT AT ENTRY
• 500 FT OR BELOW ON SCENE
• 1000 FT AT EXIT
OR – CHANGE FLOWPLAN

54. ACO Priorities
1. Safety first
• Better with OK flowplan, in time, than perfect plan to late!
• HELO SITREPs (HELO positions / altitudes /ETA / Task)
• Try to do every time a new HELO is joining
• 15 min intervals
• Be directive – control the situation, or it will control You!
• Give HELOs a point and altitude (QNH) to go to!
• Give HELOs a task or inform ”expect to…..”
• Make HELOs hold no later than 10 NM if in doubt!
1. Implement a good communication plan
• RCC – HELO (Rear brief / Mission results)
• ACO –HELO
• Hoist
• On Scene
• ACO / OSC / RCC (Coordinator Network)
1. Mission effectiveness / Details later
• SAR SITREPs
1. Manual is a guideline only.
2. Keep it simple / Also ACO tools

55. ACO Tools
1. Manual Whiteboards
• Flowplan / HELO plot / Relative postion of Ship – Rafts - PIW
• Mission Log (document all sorties/results/times)
• POB count
• Total
• Severely injured
• Light injured
• OK
• Dead
• Picked up by Unit
• Evacuated to
1. ACO Paper Work Sheets.
2. Electronic chart
• Plotting, and
• Meassurement function (direction and distance)
1. Deconfliction by ETA assignments at scramble
2. ATC
• Space ETA (initial arrivals)
• Spacing on takeoff from EVAC sites

56. ACO WORK SHEET
Overview
Search Area / Flow Plan ACO Briefing Situation
(Picture)
Missed approach instructions:
Advisory Information
Altitudes QNH 1006
Entry: 1500 Hold: 1500
On Scene:500 Exit:1000
Obstructions Nil
COMMS
On Scene: CH16
ACO: 123.1
RCC: 4703 khz
335.525 Mhz
Hoist: CH6
ACO/OSC/SMC: CH67
ACO Phone:
+45 8943 3206
EVAC/FUEL/Support
Aalborg – CAVOK
Säve – 1000 FT 3 KM
Vessel: Superspeed 1
Position:5720N 1120E
Description: Ferry
POB: 100
Nature of Distress:
Collision
Fire
3 PIW
32 severe inured
18 light injured
Assistance Required:
Evacuation injuries
Medics
Fire fighters
Search
Hoist Area:
1 Aft of Chimney
WX
Ceiling: 2000 FT
Visibility: 5 KM
Wind: 315/15 KT
Current: 345/0.8 KT
Units on scene POB Count
Units on scene:
DIANA OSC
Lars Kruse MRB
Superspeed 2 ETA 3 hrs

57. ACO WORK SHEET
HELO
C/S C/S C/S C/S
ETA
END/TIME
ALT
DOC
POB
TASK
PAX CAP
PAX
REMARKS
PHONE
C/S C/S C/S C/S

58. AALBORG
HOLDING
SE
135/10
ENTRY
135/5
EXIT
270/5 DISTRESS
57 20 N
11 50 E
HOLDING
NE
045/10
RESCUE 508
ETA 0620
SEARCH
500 FT
315/15
SAVER 60
ETA 0710
MEDICS
1500 FT
LG901
ETA 0645
FIRE F.
1500 FT
SCG 502
ETA 0800
3000 FT
RYGGE
SÄVE

59. MISSION LOG
C/S SCR ATD ETA/
ATA
TASK END/TIMER
TB
PAX ATA /
DEST
REMARK
RES508
EH-101
0545 0600 0620 PIW
SEARCH
0610/3+20
0720
3 PIW 0750
EKYT
DOC
FLIR / NVG
CAP 18 PAX
LIFE G 901
S-76
0600 0615 0645 FIRE F. 0625/2+50
0710
+ 6 FIRE
2 SEV INJ
0730
EKYT
NO DOC
CAP 9 PAX
SAVOR 60
SEAKING
0615 0630 0710 MEDICS 0700/3+20
0730
+ 2 MED
4 SEV INJ
0750
EKYT
DOC
CAP 14 PAX
SWEDISH
COAST
GUARD
502
0630 0700 0800 ACO 0730/6+00
RES508
EH 101
0810 0825 0845 HOIST

60. POB COUNT
C/S PIW SEVERELY
INJURED
LIGTH
INJURED
OK EVAC SITE Total
3 32 18 50 100 + 3
RES508
EH-101
3 / O EKYT 100
LIFE G 904
S-76
2 /30 EKYT + 6 FIRE
104
SAVOR 60
SEAKING
4 /26 EKYT + 2 MEDIC
102

61. ACO team work
OPERATOR
• Radio Communication
• ACO Worksheet
• HELO SITREPs
COORDINATOR
• Flow plan
• Plan ahead, ETAs and tasks
• Coordinate with SMC
• Rescue Plan
• Comm plan
• RCCs
• ATC/Airfields
• Fuel
• Evacuation sites (police/medical)
• Crew support
• Coordinate with OSC
• Coordinate with vessel
• HELO Rear Brief/Arrival coordination
• ACO Handover (separat frequency)
• (Telephone)
• Flow plan / HELO plot
• Mission Log
• SAR Situation
• POB Count

62. ACO Handover
1. ACO work sheet
• Situation
• ACO Briefing
• Flow Plan
• POB count
• Other
• HELO sheet
1. Time overlap
• Listen in on the ACO frequency
• 15-30 minutes required
1. Separate frequency if possible (Coordinator)

63. RCC Duties after handover
1. Monitor the mission
• Be ready to reassume the ACO task
• Safety (CRM)
• Catch misunderstandings ACO – A/C
• Conflicts
1. Assist the ACO
• Plan ahead (Tasks, ETAs)
• Rear brief of HELOs?
• MISREP from HELOs?
• Logistic support for HELOs
• Coordinate the evacuation ground operation with
the police, ambulances and hospitals etc.
• Airspace coordination

64. ?