When is a Search and Rescue operation necessary?

A Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is initiated when an aircraft becomes unavailable, overdue, or missing. This situation indicates that there is a potential emergency, and immediate action is required to locate and assist the individuals involved. SAR operations are designed to respond to these critical situations to help ensure the safety of those onboard the aircraft.

Focusing on other options, bad weather alone does not necessarily prompt a SAR operation; it’s the actual status of the aircraft that triggers the need for search efforts. While a pilot may request assistance, such a request typically occurs amid a specific situation where the aircraft is known to be in trouble or unresponsive. Scheduled flights alone do not define the context for SAR; rather, it’s about whether the aircraft is unaccounted for, indicating a clear need for attention and rescue efforts.