Improving Sighting Efficiency

The first changes implemented were what you would expect of a first approach: better training, more changeovers of duty, provision of clear vision panels and windscreen wipers to aircraft. The use of binoculars was also considered, as these were proven to better naked eye sighting ranges by some 45%. There was always some retaliation to this suggestion as they were heavy and difficult to use. Despite the ORS inventing a small device to bear their weight, many still complained of tiresome eyes, especially after continuous scanning. They were however mainly used for inspecting an object closely after having been spotted by the naked eye. After some squadrons had implemented the use of binoculars, it was reported they were responsible for approximately 8% of sightings.

Then followed a number of small changes that appeared necessary after studies:

• It was found that sighting ranges did not go as wide as they ought, and that sighting prospects would be 20% better if this problem was addressed. It was therefore seen to that this issue was heavily emphasised during training of crew members.
• When aircraft were operating within 35° of the sun, the glare caused the number of sightings to fall to 40% of the predicted number. Because of this, pilots were given the authority to change their heading whenever conditions such as these encouraged them to do so.
• The crew's performance was also found to be steady throughout a ten hour flight. Some officials interpreted this as a good sign because it meant that the crew were performing at a consistently high level. The ORS however, found that it was quite the opposite - the boredom of missions would cause crew members to perform with a low level of attention throughout the flight. In order to better this, it was suggested that better meals be served to crew members to better their concentration.