Thursday Search Flight Details - Half Moon Bay South
Tom,
Some details which other searchers may find useful:
Jim and I covered the roughly 200 miles from the point at Half Moon Bay down to Morro Rock.
As Jim Bellingham described, we flew at slightly above 1,000 feet, searched by eye and used binoculars on a few curiosities. We circled on roughly four interesting objects, getting a better, longer look to rule out the possibilities. A blue-green tent, a boat shaped white rock, a tide pool with a bright reflection. I used a cruise speed of around 160 knots, which required intense concentration but allowed us to cover a good range.
As Jim B. also said, conditions for searching were very good - no whitecaps, clear air below the ~2,500′ overcast, few pleasure boats out to distract. There was surprisingly little debris on the shore, other than driftwood. While we may have missed smaller objects, I have a high degree of confidence that there were no boats aground along our stretch.
Having two pilots (Bellingham is licensed and very good, and though not current to act as pilot in command, flew much of the way) was very helpful, as the shore-side searched while the ocean side flew and watched for other aircraft, a frequent occurrence along the coast. (Hence not exactly 1,000 feet). My plane is a low-wing variety, so we needed to bank the wing down a few times to see back into some coves. A high-wing type plane might be slightly better.
We took along, but did not use, a marine band hand held radio. Had we seen something interesting, and not been able to raise the Coast Guard, we planned to note the GPS coordinates, circle and climb into air traffic control radar coverage, and have ATC relay a message to the coast guard.
Finally, in spite of the circumstances, we had a beautiful, comradely flight, an experience I highly recommend for anyone able to lend a hand. Later in the afternoon, the tinted shafts of sunlight light fanning down under the clouds were stunning. Herb’s photo, lovely as it is, only hints at what awaits the willing.
My cold got terrible after we landed, so I am out of action for now. But if anyone has questions, please call or email me.
Best of luck!
Great name for a boat, by the way, “Tenacious”. Especially when she goes missing!
Scott Wedge
831-425-7258
temp71@wedges.com (bypasses the spam trap on scott@wedges.com, but is temporary)
Tail number N87JS, Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC, Watsonville based. Private pilot, instrument rated.