AIM 

6/17/21 

3. 

If you land en route and are delayed more than 

30 minutes, report this information to the nearest FSS 
and give them your original destination. 

4. 

If your ETE changes by 30 minutes or more, 

report a new ETA to the nearest FSS and give them 
your original destination. Remember that if you fail 
to respond within one-half hour after your ETA at 
final destination, a search will be started to locate you. 

5. 

It is important that you 

close your flight plan 

IMMEDIATELY AFTER ARRIVAL AT YOUR FINAL 
DESTINATION WITH THE FSS DESIGNATED 
WHEN YOUR FLIGHT PLAN WAS FILED. The 

pilot 

is responsible 

for closure of a VFR or DVFR flight 

plan; they are not closed automatically.

 This will 

prevent needless search efforts. 

6. 

The rapidity of rescue on land or water will 

depend on how accurately your position may be 
determined. If a flight plan has been followed and 
your position is on course, rescue will be expedited. 

h.  Survival Equipment. 

1. 

For flight over uninhabited land areas, it is 

wise to take and know how to use survival equipment 
for the type of climate and terrain. 

2. 

If a forced landing occurs at sea, chances for 

survival are governed by the degree of crew 
proficiency in emergency procedures and by the 
availability and effectiveness of water survival 
equipment. 

i.  Body Signal Illustrations. 

1. 

If you are forced down and are able to attract 

the attention of the pilot of a rescue airplane, the body 

signals illustrated on these pages can be used to 
transmit messages to the pilot circling over your 
location. 

2. 

Stand in the open when you make the signals. 

3. 

Be sure the background, as seen from the air, 

is not confusing. 

4. 

Go through the motions slowly and repeat 

each signal until you are positive that the pilot 
understands you. 

j.  Observance of Downed Aircraft. 

1. 

Determine if crash is marked with a yellow 

cross; if so, the crash has already been reported and 
identified. 

2. 

If possible, determine type and number of 

aircraft and whether there is evidence of survivors. 

3. 

Fix the position of the crash as accurately as 

possible with reference to a navigational aid. If 
possible, provide geographic or physical description 
of the area to aid ground search parties. 

4. 

Transmit the information to the nearest FAA 

or other appropriate radio facility. 

5. 

If circumstances permit, orbit the scene to 

guide in other assisting units until their arrival or until 
you are relieved by another aircraft. 

6. 

Immediately after landing, make a complete 

report to the nearest FAA facility, or Air Force or 
Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center. The report 
can be made by a long distance collect telephone call. 

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