What triggers SAR
Hi Guys,
I am very curious as to what exactly is the mechanism that triggers Search and Rescue
This weekend a light A/C left EGBJ on Saturday at about 1030am, bound for a private strip EIKH in Ireland, and didn’t make it.
Very concerned at the length of time it took before SAR were alerted. It wasn’t till 7pm that evening.
I assume it left EGBJ under a flight plan so why didn’t SAR start looking one hour after its stated ETA for EIKH.
I know that it is possible to close a flight plan in the air but isn’t the pilot supposed to be in contact with his destination before doing this. (What exactly are the rules on this)
Also (not going to look it up exactly) but isn’t the end of VFR well before 7pm. So to continue beyond the end of VFR, flight must be under IFR rules and therefore under ATC control. So where is the logic in waiting till 7pm to alert SAR
What exactly are the rules/conditions/circumstances by which SAR are alerted.
Many thanks.