PROCESS   EVALUATION Pre-mission validation must be performed on the processing  system  before  attempting  to  process  mission material. These tasks must be performed so the system is operating within acceptable, established limits for that particular mission. Six tasks must be performed as follows: The processing machine must be checked and verified  to  be  operating  correctly.  This  includes solution   levels,   transport   system,   temperature, replenishment rates, and water supply. The   measuring   equipment,   such   as densitometers  and  pH  meters,  must  be  calibrated properly to ensure valid, reliable data. The   processing,   printing,   and   support equipment must be checked and verified to be operating properly. The  composition  of  chemical  solutions  must  be verified  to  be  correct  before  processing  mission material. The  sensitometric  properties  of  photographic materials  must  be  certified  to  be  within  established standards. A scratch test must be conducted to ensure all the rollers are operating properly and none of the guides are out of adjustment. Once the pre-mission validation is complete, you are  prepared  to  process  the  actual  mission  material. Before processing the film, you must attach a leader tab to the roll of film. The leading end of the film must be cut straight before splicing it to a leader tab. A piece of 7-mil Estar base film may be used as a leader tab. Processed X-ray film works well also. The leader tab should be about 12 inches long and cut to the same width as the film being processed (except when used to lead a control  strip). Mission  processing  includes  the  following procedures: Protect the material being processed from dirt, dust, condensation, and other solutions, such as oil and water. Avoid applying excessive force to the surface of the   film;   abnormal   stress   can   cause   pressure sensitization. Inspect   the   material   being   processed   for physical  defects  before  machine  processing.  Defects, such as tears, crimped film edges, and defective splices, can cause the film to jam in the processor. Ensure the film is processed in a processor that has been certified beforehand. Monitor  the  processing  temperatures  and  the transport and replenishment rates while the film is being processed. Monitor the film exiting the dryer for correct dryness, possible defects, and image quality. Follow  the  instructions  concerning  the  storage of film (before and after exposure) carefully. POST-MISSION IMAGE EVALUATION After processing, the mission film is subjected to stringent  post-mission  evaluation  for  the  following reasons: To determine whether or not the process met desired  sensitometric  goals  and  to  provide  feedback  for process adjustment To reveal improper procedures or techniques and to identify defective materials To identify malfunctioning equipment The post-mission evaluation should include three phases: image quality, image analysis, and laboratory evaluation. Image Quality The mission film must be inspected for defects, such as fogging, streaking, pinholes, and shadows. These defects are caused by foreign matter in the camera or on the aircraft window from which the photographs were  taken. You should also look for superficial defects, such as film tears, dirt, scratches, abrasions, or foreign marks. Defects found should be described and reported as to 4-37