SAR service is available continuously throughout Canada and the Canadian territorial coastal water areas of the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. SAR units are equipped to conduct searches and provide a rescue service including parachute rescue personnel who can render first aid and provide emergency supplies. In support of SAR, the Canadian Forces also provide specially equipped ground searchers capable of operating over any terrain. The flight plan and flight itinerary are the primary sources of information for SAR operations. Therefore, proper flight planning procedures must be followed and the filed routes adhered to in order to ensure early detection and rescue.
Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are required for most general aviation aircraft. They help search crews locate downed aircraft and rescue survivors. They emit a signal on 121.5 and/or 243.0 MHz, modulated by a distinctive siren-like sound which sweeps downward at a repetition rate between 2 and 4 Hz. This signal can be readily detected by SARSAT and COSPAS satellites, or by any aircraft monitoring 121.5 or 243.0 MHz. If properly maintained, ELTs with serviceable batteries should provide continuous operation for at least 48 hours at a wide range of temperatures. Batteries which remain in service beyond their expiry date may not provide sufficient power to produce a usable signal. ELTs which contain outdated batteries are not considered to be serviceable.
Preflight
(a) inspect the ELT to ensure that it is secure, free of external corrosion, and that antenna connections are secure;
(b) ensure that the ELT function switch is in the “ARM” position;
(c) ensure that ELT batteries have not reached their expiry date; and
(d) listen on 121.5 MHz to ensure the ELT is not transmitting.
Postflight
(a) When practicable – turn ELT function switch to “OFF”;
(b) Listen on 121.5 MHz. If an ELT is detected, and the ELT has not been switched to “OFF”, switch your ELT to “OFF”. If the tone ceases, notify the nearest ATS unit or RCC of the time the signal was heard, and the time it was switched “OFF”. If your ELT is switched “OFF” and you still hear an ELT on 121.5 MHz, it may not be your ELT. Notify the nearest ATS unit or RCC.
Emergency Use
ELTs in general aviation aircraft contain a crash activation sensor, or G-switch, which is designed to detect the deceleration characteristics of a crash and automatically activate the transmitter. However, it is always safest to assume that the automatic activation feature failed. Place the ELT function switch to “ON” as soon as possible after the crash.
Basic Survival
Many searches take at least 24 hours before rescue is accomplished. As soon as possible after landing, build a campfire. Make your site as conspicuous as possible. A smoke/smudge fire of green material should be prepared for instant lighting should you see or hear an aircraft. Three fires in a triangle is the standard distress signal. One of the best conspicuity items now available on the market is a cloth panel of brilliant fluorescent colour. It is staked to the ground during the day and used as a highly effective ground signal. It can also be used as a lean-to shelter and it supplies warmth as a blanket. If the aircraft lands in an uninhabited area, stay near the aircraft; the search is to locate the aircraft.