When is an aircraft considered overdue

This step of the process is dictated by the type of flight plan the pilot in command filed. This may be to an enroute point or destination. NOT to an enroute fuel stop, detour, etc. Once the aircraft has been verified to be overdue the first of three phases is initiated. Because of the high rate of false alarms, this phase is designed to see if the situation is really a missing aircraft or a pilot who didn't close a flight plan. It is done within 30 minutes after the aircraft is overdue which destination airfield allowed to send INREQ.

Normally the ALNOT is issued at the end of INREQ, at the estimated time that the aircraft fuel would be exhausted, or when there is serious doubt as to the safety of the aircraft and occupants. At this point, the actual search mission is launched.

Usually, air search efforts will not begin until daylight, unless the aircraft is equipped with a functioning ELT Electronic Locator Transmitter directing a ground rescue party to the general vicinity of the aircraft crash site, and if, the weather permits, an ELT also points air rescue to the distress location.

Even with a functioning ELT, terrain and weather may hamper response time. Pilots of America. When is an aircraft considered overdue? NTSB requires immediate notification if; "An aircraft is overdue and is believed to have been in an accident" Does this only apply if there is a flight plan? JBrown , Mar 29, Its ETA over a specified or compulsory reporting point or at a clearance limit in your area. If you have reason to believe that an aircraft is overdue prior to 30 minutes, take the appropriate action immediately.

The center in whose area the aircraft is first unreported or overdue will make these determinations and takes any subsequent action required. When an aircraft is considered to be in emergency status that may require SAR procedures, or an IFR aircraft is overdue, the terminal facility shall alert the ARTCC and forward the following information, as available:. Flight plan, including color of aircraft, if known.

Time of last transmission received, by whom, and frequency used. Last position report and how determined. Action taken by reporting facility and proposed action. The ARTCC in whose area the aircraft is reported as overdue, missing or lost will make these determinations and takes any subsequent action required. If you have reason to believe that an aircraft is overdue prior to 30 minutes, take the appropriate action immediately.

The center in whose area the aircraft is first unreported or overdue will make these determinations and takes any subsequent action required. Much more information and resources are available to registered users, so sign up now! Also, please read our site usage guidelines. These will help you get the most out of the site. Top Bottom.