DGCA Air Regulations: Search & Rescue Questions

19 exam-style Search & Rescue questions for the DGCA Air Regulationspaper (CPL & ATPL). The first 12 are free below with answers and explanations — sign up free to practise all of them with progress tracking.

  1. Q1

    What is the meaning of the symbol V in the ground air visual signal code for use by survivors?

    • ALanding here impossible
    • BRequire assistance
    • CRequire medical assistance
    • DN/A
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. Require assistance

    Ground-to-air visual signals are symbols crash survivors make on the ground for rescue aircraft to see from above. The letter V means Require Assistance — a general call for help. Think of it as: V for Victory, but here it means come help us! The X means landing impossible, and a cross medical cross shape) means medical help needed. V is the basic we need help signal.

  2. Q2

    An aircraft is flying over a mountainous region in which a search is being carried out to find the survivors of an aircraft accident. The pilot sees a ground signal in the form of an X. This indicates:

    • ALanding impossible.
    • BAll occupants alive.
    • CNeed mechanical assistance.
    • DNeed medical assistance.
    Show answer

    Correct answer: D. Need medical assistance.

    The correct answer is that the ground signal in the form of an X indicates a need for medical assistance. This signal is a universal distress call, showing that people need help, especially in emergencies. A common wrong answer might be "landing impossible," but that signal is typically represented differently. Think of it like a big red flag waving; it clearly shows that urgent help is required.

  3. Q3

    Which units are tasked with ensuring the effective organization of search and rescue services?

    • AArea control centre, flight information centre and rescue coordination centre
    • BRescue coordination centre and rescue sub-centres
    • CAlerting centre and rescue coordination centre
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. Rescue coordination centre and rescue sub-centres

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  4. Q4

    Three aircraft, (1), (2), and (3), arrive at ten-minute intervals over the site of a recent aircraft accident. Aircraft (1) cannot contact the Search and Rescue Centre, while aircraft (2) can. Aircraft (3) is a Search and Rescue helicopter. Who is responsible for commanding the situation?

    • A(1), then by mutual consent (2) and then (3)
    • B(1), and then by mutual consent to (3)
    • C(1), then by mutual consent (2) until the completion of operations
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. (1), then by mutual consent (2) and then (3)

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  5. Q5

    What does the symbol "V" signify in the ground air visual signal code for survivors?

    • ALanding here impossible
    • BRequire assistance
    • CRequire medical assistance
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. Require assistance

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  6. Q6

    What does the symbol "LLL" signify in the ground air visual signal code used by rescue units?

    • AOperation completed
    • BWe are returning to base
    • Cwe have found all personnel
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. Operation completed

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  7. Q7

    Which of the following frequencies is NOT used for international distress signals?

    • A243.0MHZ
    • B2182KHz
    • C2430KHz
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. 2430KHz

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  8. Q8

    An aircraft is flying over a mountainous area where a search is underway for survivors of an accident. The pilot observes a ground signal shaped like an "X." What does this signify?

    • A"All occupants alive"
    • B"Need mechanical assistance"
    • C"Need medical assistance"
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. "Need medical assistance"

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  9. Q9

    At night, when an aircraft sees a luminous signal for help, what must the pilot do to acknowledge receipt of these ground signals?

    • AMake at least one complete turn over the group of people in difficulty
    • BTransmit, by luminous Morse signal, a series of the letter "R" using his navigator lights
    • CSwitch his landing lights on and off twice or, if he is not so equipped, his navigation lights twice
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. Switch his landing lights on and off twice or, if he is not so equipped, his navigation lights twice

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  10. Q10

    What color coding should be used for identifying the contents of droppable containers and packages that hold survival equipment?

    • ARed for medical supplies and first aid equipment
    • BBlack for food and water
    • CBlue for blankets and protective clothing
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. Red for medical supplies and first aid equipment

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  11. Q11

    COSPAS-SARSAT is a system designed for search and rescue operations.

    • AA communication system linking all aircraft
    • BA space system for the search of vessels in distress
    • CA SAR satellite-aided tracking system
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. A SAR satellite-aided tracking system

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  12. Q12

    While waiting for instructions after intercepting a distress call in the Mumbai FIR, what actions should you consider taking?

    • AMake a general call on 121.5 asking other airplanes to assist
    • BDescent to low level and carry out a surface search for ships
    • CProceed to the position given in the distress message
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. Proceed to the position given in the distress message

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