10-6-5. SERVICES TO RESCUE AIRCRAFT

10-6-5. SERVICES TO RESCUE AIRCRAFT

1. Provide IFR separation between the SAR and the aircraft in distress, except when visual or radar contact has been established by the search and rescue aircraft and the pilots of both aircraft concur, IFR separation may be discontinued.
2. Clear the SAR aircraft to a fixed clearance limit rather than to the aircraft in distress, which is a moving fix. Issue route clearances that are consistent with that of the distressed aircraft.
3. Advise the rescue aircraft, as soon as practicable, of any factors that could adversely affect its mission; e.g., unfavorable weather conditions, anticipated problems, the possibility of not being able to approve an IFR descent through en route traffic, etc.
4. Advise the appropriate rescue agency of all pertinent information as it develops.
5. Forward immediately any information about the action being taken by the RCC, other organizations, or aircraft to the aircraft concerned.
6. Advise the aircraft operator of the current status of the SAR operation as soon as practicable.
7. Since prompt, correct, and complete information is the key to successful rescue operations, ensure that this information is swiftly and smoothly supplied to those organizations actively engaged in rescue operations.