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Click here to Order your Radar Equipment Online PRODUCT AVAILABILITY The ditch headings product is available as an analysis and as a forecast at 12-hour increments to 72 hours. See figure 10-3.PRODUCT EXPLANATION The Global Spectral Ocean Wave Model (GSOWM) primary swell direction and primary wave height fields and Navy Operational Global Analysis and Prediction System (NOGAPS) marine wind direction and velocity fields are used to calculate the optimal direction to land an aircraft. The earths magnetic variations are usedPRODUCT USE in the final calculation of the The ditch headings product is generally used in preparation of a transoceanic flight weather packet. In case of distress, the pilot must make a decision on which direction to land an aircraft to minimize impact damage to the aircraft and loss of life. Except in calm seas, ditching an aircraft is more complicated than landing into the wind. Large waves can severely damage aircraft upon impact. Ditch headings are used primarily in instrument flight rule (IFR) conditions when a pilot cannot observe the sea conditions. The general considerations when ditching becomes necessary are as follows:. If only one swell is present, landing should take place parallel to the swell, preferably on the top or backside of the swell.. If two or more swell systems are present, and the primary system is significantly higher, landing should take place parallel to the primary swell. If the swell systems are comparable in height, landing should take place at a 45-degree angle to both swell systems on the downside of the swell.. If the secondary swell system is in the same direction as the wind, landing should take place parallel to the primary swell with the wind and secondary-system at an angle. The choice of whether to land with the angle of the wind upwind or downwind to the plane depends on the wind speed and height of the secondary swell system.. In all cases, if the swell system is huge, it is advisable to accept more cross wind than to land into the swell.PRODUCT LIMITATION The ditch headings product does not take into account secondary swell conditions. For further information, refer to the NODDS Products Manual, FLENUMMETOCCENINST 3147.1.
Figure 10-3.-Example of the ditch headings product. This information is now available on CD in Adobe PDF Printable Format |
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