AIM Text
- Direct contact between an emergency aircraft flight crew, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Incident Commander (ARFF IC), and the Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), is possible on an aeronautical radio frequency (Discrete Emergency Frequency [DEF]), designated by Air Traffic Control (ATC) from the operational frequencies assigned to that facility.
- Emergency aircraft at airports without an ATCT, (or when the ATCT is closed), may contact the ARFF IC (if ARFF service is provided), on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) published for the airport or the civil emergency frequency 121.5 MHz.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 6-5-1.
Research Notes
AIM 6-5-1 covers Search and Rescue — the SAR system that responds to missing or downed aircraft.
How SAR is triggered:
- Overdue VFR flight plan
- Missing IFR aircraft
- ELT activation
- Witness report
- Sudden radar contact loss
SAR phases:
- INCERFA (Uncertainty): Doubt exists about safety. Initial investigation.
- ALERFA (Alert): Apprehension about safety. Active search planning.
- DETRESFA (Distress): Reasonable certainty of danger. Full SAR resources deployed.
SAR resources: Civil Air Patrol (CAP), USCG, military, state/county SAR teams, helicopter EMS.
Pilot's role in prevention: File and CLOSE VFR flight plans. Use ADS-B Out so position is recorded. Carry PLB/InReach for backcountry. Notify someone of your route/schedule.
Reference: AIM 6-2; AIM 6-5; Civil Air Patrol.