Missing aircraft alerting & MANOT search process
A MANOT (missing aircraft notice): issued by a joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC) once an aircraft is reported missing. Fixed chain: alert, search, notify, close out.
ATS function behind it: alerting service (defined in ATC service categories).
Alerting cases:
| Case | Alerting | Cite |
|---|---|---|
| Class G airspace | Alerting service still runs with no overdue report from anyone. Auto-alerts SAR authorities once overdue, worked out from flight plan or itinerary data itself | RAC 2.8.7 |
| VFR flight plan | Notifies RCCs, starts communications searches if overdue | RAC 1.1.2.1 |
| Landing advisory, comms lost | Landing advisory for an aerodrome inside an MF area, aircraft within radio range. Flight service specialist alerts the appropriate agencies if it fails to arrive within 5 min of its latest ETA and contact can't be re-established | RAC 1.1.2.2 |
Operator or owner, aircraft overdue (SAR 2.2):
- Alert nearest JRCC or any ATS unit immediately with all known details, not after a small-scale private search.
Flight plan (SAR 2.1):
- Besides ELT signals, flight plan and flight itinerary are the primary SAR information sources.
- Follow flight planning procedures; adhere to filed route.
Search width (SAR 2.1, SAR 4.7.1):
- Visual search: typically up to 15 NM max each side of flight-planned route, last known position to destination.
- Starts at time given in flight plan or itinerary, even with no ELT or distress signal received.
- Mountainous regions: area suits terrain and route, not flat 15 NM.
- Pilots: maintain planned route. Advise ATS of any en route change or deviation as soon as practicable (SAR 2.1).
Issuing MANOT (SAR 2.3): JRCC issues to ATS units serving in or near search area. Reaches pilots planning to overfly area by:
- Notices posted on flight information boards
- Orally during flight-plan filing
- Radiocommunication
Pilot receiving MANOT, operating near missing aircraft's planned track:
- Maintain thorough visual lookout.
- Maintain radio watch on 121.5 MHz so far as practicable.
Once MANOT out:
- Major search effort starts, published in a NOTAM.
- Aircraft not participating: keep sharp lookout for other traffic.
- Report any probable crash sighting to an FIC or JRCC.
- Stay clear of active search areas if possible.
Ending it: on termination, another MANOT issued, marked final.
Trap: Pilot-notification channels (flight info boards, oral at filing, radio) differ from the NOTAM publishing the major search after MANOT is out.
References
- TC AIM SAR 2.1
- TC AIM SAR 2.2
- TC AIM SAR 2.3
- TC AIM SAR 4.7.1
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.1
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.2
- TC AIM RAC 1.1.2.3
- TC AIM RAC 2.8.7