U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Resource: Airborne Communications Relay Team (Fixed-Wing) (See Definition Below)
Category: Communications (ESF #2)
Kind: Team, Aircraft, Personnel
Minimum Capabilities (Component) Minimum Capabilities
(Metric)		 Type I Type II Type III Type IV Other
Personnel Crew members capable of at least
8 hours of flying per day and 14-hour duty day; Number of certified pilots, equipment operators, and technicians needed to maintain communications platform depending on size and capability of aircraft 77canadapharmacy.com

Instrument-rated (IFR) pilot/co-pilot; Trained communicator on board to “in-person” relay communications (“traffic”) from sender to receiver on miscellaneous frequencies or channels, including FCC and NTIA controlled frequencies

Noninstrument rated pilot/co-pilot; Trained communicator on board to “in-person” relay communications (“traffic”) from sender to receiver on miscellaneous frequencies or channels, including FCC and NTIA controlled frequencies

Instrument rated (IFR) pilot/co-pilot; Trained communicator on board to “in-person” relay communications (“traffic”) from sender to receiver on miscellaneous frequencies or channels, including FCC and NTIA controlled frequencies

Noninstrument rated (VFR) pilot/co-pilot; Trained communicator on board to “in-person” relay communications (“traffic”) from sender to receiver on miscellaneous frequencies or channels, including FCC and NTIA controlled frequencies

  
Equipment Airborne platform for (voice, data, images) communications relay and airborne repeater traffic enabling VHF/UHF communications where ground-to-ground contact is impossible

Airborne platform capable of operations up to 10,000′ MSL; Carries (provided) airborne repeater (or cross-band repeater) for hands-off communications relay

Airborne platform capable of operations up to
10,000′ MSL; Carries (provided) airborne repeater (or cross-band repeater) for hands-off communications relay

Airborne platform capable of operations up to 10,000′

Airborne platform capable of operations up to 10,000′ MSL; Carries (provided) airborne repeater (or cross-band repeater) for hands-off communications relay

  
Aircraft Fixed-Wing
single-engine or twin-engine aircraft (i.e., Cessna C182, C182RG, C206, TU206); Requires access to fuel supply and fueling points, and routine maintenance facilities and supplies for extended deployments

Flight possible through and in overcast conditions

No-overcast and clear-above flight conditions

Flight possible through and in overcast conditions

Flight possible through overcast and clear-above conditions

  

Comments:

Definition: Team provides airborne communications relay using fixed wing platforms to support Federal, State, and local emergency needs. Relays are primarily conducted through aircrews, but can also be accomplished through electronic repeaters carried aboard CAP aircraft. Varying levels of specialized management support and command/control capabilities are included in team structures. Notes: Airborne repeaters and crossband repeaters must be provided by the requesting agency, but team will install.

Source: Washington State Civil Air Patrol


National Mutual Aid & Resource Management Initiative
Emergency Management