Looking for some feedback from pilots, particularly those involved in Search and Rescue regarding something that came up over the weekend. Hoping someone can give some clarity on the issue regarding the meaning of the symbol “X” as used for ground to air signalling.
The Canadian Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) dated Oct 2012. Transport Canada publication: TP14371
http://www.tc.gc.ca/publications/en/tp1 ... 14371e.pdf
Downed Aircraft Procedures are in section 4.8.1 on page #354 notes 5 common symbols used for ground to air signaling.
In the AIM, “X” is used to mean “Require Medical Assistance”
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) website here: http://www.icao.int/Pages/default.aspx agrees with symbols 1-5 as noted in their search and rescue page and shows the same meaning for the symbol “X” on their S&R page:
http://www.icao.int/secretariat/postalh ... rescue.htm
That being said, most survival, hiking and other outdoor reference websites have an expanded symbol set that incorporates some of the same symbols as the AIM but in this case the symbol “X” is used to mean “Unable to Proceed”. I understand that the military also use “X” to similarly mean “Unable to Advance”.
Outdoor activities also use “-” and “=” to have similar meaning to the “X” in the AIM.
- and = seem to be widely accepted with only the “X” being ambiguous.
"-" – Require Doctor, Serious Injuries
"=" – Require Medical Supplies
"X" – “Require Medical Assistance” (AIM) and “Unable to Proceed” (Outdoor)
We were trying to determine why the symbol would have 2 meanings and how to apply it if needed.
I believe the answer here is to simply take the symbol meaning in context to the situation.
In a downed aircraft situation, pilots and passengers are expected to stay near the plane and wait for rescue. In this case "X" as “Unable to Proceed” would not be a necessary signal since you should not be proceeding anywhere. In this case a downed pilot would make this symbol to mean "Require Medical Supplies”, and a search pilot looking for a downed aircraft would read it the same way.
In an outdoor activity (hiking, hunting, camping, canoeing, climbing, etc) “X” as “Unable to Proceed” could be a useful message to relay in an emergency if you have injured people or damaged equipment. It could possibly be used in conjunction with - or = to better communicate the situation. A search pilot looking for a missing ground party would read the "X" as "Unable to Proceed."
Can anyone clarify ??
Search and rescue question on ground to air signals
Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, North Shore, I WAS Birddog
-
Redneck_pilot86
- Rank (9)
- Posts: 1330
- Joined: Tue Feb 15, 2005 12:47 pm
- Location: between 60 and 70
Re: Search and rescue question on ground to air signals
Is any of this relevant in the modern age? What SAR scenario would allow a SAR team to see symbols on the ground, but not drop a radio and/or SARTech to the scene? If the victim is unable to reach the radio, then they were likely unable to create a symbol.
The only three things a wingman should ever say: 1. "Two's up" 2. "You're on fire" 3. "I'll take the fat one"
Re: Search and rescue question on ground to air signals
I'm not experienced in the flight component of SAR but I believe that ground to air signals are still very relevant. If they were made completely obsolete by modern technology and SAR practices, I doubt TC and ICAO would still be publishing the information.
Given the various organizations that can be involved in SAR I could see a scenario where ground to air signals would be beneficial. Civilian searchers such as CASARA that may not have radios or SARTechs on hand to drop could relay critical details on the situation by reading signals and ensure that the proper supplies are delivered quickly. The relevance is even easier to image if you consider lost ground parties in remote areas that get into trouble before they are considered overdue and a formal search launched. If they succeed in signaling passing aircraft using fires, flares or signal mirrors a ground to air signal would give the pilot something concrete to relay to ensure the proper support is provided in a timely manner.
Interesting point you raise, but I'm still hoping someone can explain the apparent ambiguous meaning of the "X" symbol.
Given the various organizations that can be involved in SAR I could see a scenario where ground to air signals would be beneficial. Civilian searchers such as CASARA that may not have radios or SARTechs on hand to drop could relay critical details on the situation by reading signals and ensure that the proper supplies are delivered quickly. The relevance is even easier to image if you consider lost ground parties in remote areas that get into trouble before they are considered overdue and a formal search launched. If they succeed in signaling passing aircraft using fires, flares or signal mirrors a ground to air signal would give the pilot something concrete to relay to ensure the proper support is provided in a timely manner.
Interesting point you raise, but I'm still hoping someone can explain the apparent ambiguous meaning of the "X" symbol.
Re: Search and rescue question on ground to air signals
lol. Because we all know TC is a bastion of progressive thinking.CarbIce wrote:If they were made completely obsolete by modern technology and SAR practices, I doubt TC and ICAO would still be publishing the information.
