SAR (Search and Rescue)

Understanding SAR (Search and Rescue) in Air Law

Search and Rescue (SAR) is an essential component of aviation safety governed by ICAO provisions (notably Annex 12) and implemented nationally under aviation regulations. For ATPL and advanced pilot training, you must understand how SAR services are organized within each Search and Rescue Region (SRR), how survivors and aircraft communicate visually and by radio, and what standardized procedures apply when assistance is required. The cornerstone unit is the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC), which is responsible for promoting and directing the efficient organization of SAR within its assigned region, tasking assets, and coordinating with air traffic services and other agencies.

A key element examined in Air Law is the ground–air visual signal code used by survivors to communicate with overflying aircraft. These high-contrast symbols are laid out on the ground to convey simple, unambiguous messages: Y means “Affirmative,” N means “Negative,” V means “Require assistance,” and X means “Require medical assistance.” Pilots should be able to recognize, interpret, and acknowledge these signals. The standard acknowledgment from an aircraft is to rock wings by day. At night, the correct response is to switch landing lights on and off twice (or, if not equipped, blink navigation lights twice) to show the message has been received. These procedures ensure clear communication even when radio contact is not available.

Pilots must also understand aircraft-originated signals related to urgency. If an aircraft experiences difficulties that compel a landing but do not require immediate assistance, the pilot may indicate this by the repeated switching on and off of the landing lights. This visual cue complements standard radiotelephony: use of PAN PAN for urgency and MAYDAY for distress, and the monitoring of 121.5 MHz. Modern aircraft systems, including ELTs (406 MHz) integrated with the COSPAS-SARSAT system, play a vital role in alerting and homing, but ATPL candidates are still expected to know the legacy and visual procedures that SAR crews and survivors rely upon when technology is unavailable or compromised.

When aircraft drop survival equipment, containers and streamers are color-coded to indicate contents at a glance. In accordance with recognized SAR procedures, yellow denotes blankets and protective clothing, red indicates medical supplies and first aid, and blue signifies food and water. Accurate identification reduces on-ground confusion and helps prioritize distribution to casualties. Crews should brief for safe drop techniques, wind/effect drift, and provide clear notes or pictograms inside packages when possible, while coordinating with the RCC and reporting position and time of drops to facilitate ground recovery.

What this SAR (Search and Rescue) question bank covers

• Organization of SAR services: roles of the RCC within an SRR and coordination with ATS units.
• Ground–air visual signal code: meanings of Y (Affirmative), N (Negative), V (Require assistance), X (Require medical assistance).
• Pilot acknowledgments of ground signals: wing rocking by day; landing/nav lights cycled twice by night.
• Aircraft visual indications of urgency: repeated landing light flashing to signal difficulties without immediate assistance.
• Color codes for droppable survival equipment: yellow (blankets/protective clothing), red (medical/first aid), blue (food/water).
• Relevant procedures and terminology for ATPL Air Law: distress/urgency hierarchy, use of 121.5 MHz, and the role of aircraft systems such as ELTs in SAR.