What steps must a facility take upon receiving an ALNOT?

Upon receiving an ALNOT, or Alert Notification, the correct course of action is to check position cards and notify other ATC facilities. This step is essential because an ALNOT indicates that an aircraft has not arrived at its intended destination and that there may be a potential emergency situation. Therefore, it is critical for air traffic controllers to gather information about the aircraft's last known position and status, which is done through checking position cards.

Notifying other ATC facilities is equally important to ensure a coordinated response to the situation. Sharing information enables surrounding facilities to assist in locating the aircraft and to be on the lookout for any distress signals or abnormal behavior. This multi-facility approach enhances safety and promotes an efficient response to potential emergencies.

Other options may not provide the necessary systematic response required in such situations. For example, directly contacting the pilot may not be possible if the aircraft is unresponsive, and a region-wide alert would typically follow after confirming more information. Sending immediate assistance might also be premature without first gathering crucial information about the aircraft's situation.