Ground-to-air symbols & small-craft panel
Ground-to-air symbols (TC AIM SAR 4.7.1 Notes 1 and 3):
- Survivors signal search aircraft with fabric strips, parachute panels, wood, or stones.
- At least 8 ft long if possible, laid out exactly as shown.
Table 4.2, Ground-to-Air Visual Signals:
| No. | Symbol | Message | Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | V |
Require assistance | International |
| 2 | X |
Require medical assistance | International |
| 3 | N |
No / negative | International |
| 4 | Y |
Yes / affirmative | International |
| 5 | arrow | Proceeding in this direction | International |
| 6 | LL |
All is well | Canada only |
| 7 | F |
Require food and water | Canada only |
| 8 | L |
Require fuel and oil | Canada only |
| 9 | W |
Need repairs | Canada only |
LL: 10 ft between its two letters.- Fires, panels, mirrors and lights: see
downed-aircraft-procedures.
Small craft (a boat, not a downed aircraft) distress device (TC AIM SAR 2.4):
- Rectangular fluorescent orange-red cloth panel.
- Shows a black square and disc.
Trap: table splits at 5/6, not evenly: only symbols 1 to 5 recognized outside Canada.
References
- TC AIM SAR 2.4
- TC AIM SAR 4.7.1