Definition
An alerting service is designed to inform relevant organizations about aircraft that need search and rescue assistance. It also helps these organizations as needed. This service falls under the umbrella of air traffic service (ATS), managed by various ATS units such as area control centers and flight information centers.
Description
The primary goal of an alerting service is to quickly notify appropriate rescue teams, like Search and Rescue (SAR) units, about any aircraft in distress. While ATS units play a crucial role in communication, they do not provide SAR services themselves. This alerting service is available to:
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All aircraft receiving Air Traffic Control Service
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Any other aircraft with a filed flight plan or known to air traffic services
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Aircraft believed to be facing unlawful interference
When an aircraft is in an emergency, relevant information is typically gathered by the area control center (ACC) or flight information center (FIC). This information is then sent to the rescue coordination center. If an aircraft is managed by an aerodrome control tower or approach control unit, that unit will first notify the relevant ACC or FIC. However, in urgent situations, local rescue teams may be alerted immediately to provide swift assistance.
If a flight crosses multiple flight information regions (FIRs) or control areas, the responsibility for alerting rests with the ATS unit of the FIR or control area where the aircraft last made contact. This applies to the last known position or when the aircraft is about to enter a new area.
Notification Procedures
The ATS unit responsible for alerting service has several key tasks:
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Notify the rescue coordination center
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Inform other ATS units in affected FIRs or control areas and request their help
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Collect, verify, and forward information to the rescue coordination center
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Announce when the emergency state has ended, as necessary
Rescue Coordination Centers are Informed About:
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Uncertainty Phase: This occurs when no communication has been received from an aircraft for thirty minutes after expected communication or if it fails to arrive within thirty minutes of its estimated time of arrival, unless safety is certain.
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Alert Phase: Following the uncertainty phase, if attempts to communicate fail, or if an aircraft cleared for landing does not land within five minutes, this phase is activated. It also applies when there are indications of operational issues, but not enough to suggest a forced landing.
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Distress Phase: This phase follows the alert phase and indicates that the aircraft is likely in distress if communication attempts continue to fail or if the fuel is running low. It also applies when there’s evidence that a forced landing is imminent.
If it is clear that the aircraft and its occupants are safe, these notifications do not apply. All information relayed to the rescue coordination center is usually shared with the aircraft operator as well. If feasible, the aircraft operator may be notified first. Additionally, nearby aircraft are informed about the emergency situation, unless there is a known or suspected unlawful interference. In such cases, the ATS unit avoids disclosing the nature of the emergency unless the involved aircraft has provided that information safely.
