Non-SAR Crew Procedures: Distress Signal Interception and On-Scene Coordination

010-11-03Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

Interception of Distress Signals

If a pilot-in-command intercepts a distress transmission and is not a dedicated SAR aircraft, they should:

  1. Acknowledge the distress transmission (if feasible).
  2. Record the position of the craft in distress.
  3. Take a bearing on the transmission.
  4. Inform the appropriate RCC or ATS unit.
  5. At discretion, proceed to the position (while awaiting instructions).

At the Accident Scene

If the first aircraft to reach the scene is not a SAR aircraft:

  • It should take charge of on-scene activities (On-Scene Commander) until a dedicated SAR aircraft arrives or control is transferred to another aircraft with better communications.