Search and rescue team adds another dimension to FAA's safety mission

Our Federal Aviation Administration is best known for its air traffic and aircraft safety programs, and the FAA works hard to make sure the nation's aviation system operates safely and efficiently.  Many Americans are unaware that the FAA also provides 24/7 on-call search and rescue assistance. 

If a plane doesn't arrive at its destination, FAA search and rescue professionals spring into action.  They begin by analyzing all available information, like the pilot's Flight Plan and the aircraft's Last Known Position.  Then they use advanced technology and geo-tools to predict where rescuers should focus their efforts.

We share that crucial information with our partners who conduct the actual search and rescue operations.  Searches over water are managed by the US Coast Guard, and land-focused searches are managed by the US Air Force.  State and civil agencies may also be involved.

In 2010, all 321 aircraft reported missing in the continental United States were found, and more than 20 survivors were rescued.  That's an impressive record.

And in 2011, the FAA continues to respond quickly to alert notices about missing and overdue aircraft. So far this year, 90 search and rescue operations have been coordinated with FAA and four survivors have been rescued.

A decade ago, it could take hours or even days to determine an aircraft's last known position and estimate a probable accident location.  Today, thanks to the FAA's search and rescue experts, it can take mere minutes.

And the story doesn't end when we locate and rescue survivors from a missing airplane.  The data collected from every search and rescue effort is used to improve the next effort.  It's all part of our ongoing mission here at DOT to make America's transportation networks as safe as possible.

Comments

[Jess]

This seems like a natural fit and and good use of resources. Further, in these trying times it may help relieve some budgetary pressure from local municipalities. Not to mention it would be easier to keep this highly trained group fully utilitized.

[Gregory Phair]

This is an excellent use of talent and resources. It is amazing how much the time has been reduced by this group in finding missing aircraft. Well done, keep up the good work!!

[Laobvc]

My congratulations to the FAA Search and Rescue Team as well as all of the other support groups like the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Washington Operations Center, other FAA Regional Operations Groups, Civil Air Patrol, The Coast Guard, Cell Phone forensics, local Air Traffic Control, local and state emergency coordinators, and local emergency responders. Sometimes it takes a whole village to keep a pilot alive, along with lots of the nation's best experts and families, all keeping the lights on until the pilot gets the help they need. There are too many people too numerous to name individually, but my thanks and congratulations goes out to each and every one of them and their families. Thanks also to the NTSB for asking the hard questions that raise the bar for excellence. Let's hope that a team that achieved such excellence gets the funding and support they need from both the DOT and the FAA. Still, over 30 lives and counting...and a dog. You have something to be proud of. It's so nice to see our tax dollars put to such good use. Congratulations, folks. Keep up the good work. We're all proud of you. -Lisa

[Susan Olsen]

I have had the opportunity to understand the technology, knowledge and skill that it takes to do this. As well as to understand the impact of quick response to the injured. I hope this group receives the recognition that it deserves, for all of the work,time and effort involved in this. I am hoping this team can remain intact to continue their good work. Expertise should be recognised