The Survival Handbook by Peter Darman

Author:Peter Darman [Darman, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amber Books Ltd
Published: 2010-06-23T23:00:00+00:00

Ground-to-air signals There are several factors you must take into account with regard to ground-to-air signals if they are to be effective and help you get rescued. Above all, you must try to visualise what your signal will look like when viewed by a pilot from the air.

WARNING

Beware – do not direct a mirror beam on the cockpit of an aircraft for more than a few seconds – it can blind the pilot.

SIZE: signals should be as large as possible: remember they have to be seen from the air.

RATIO: signals should be in proper proportion, especially if you are laying out letters. Always think of how they will look from the air.

ANGULARITY: make all pattern signals with straight lines and square corners (there are no straight lines or square corners in nature).

CONTRAST: the signal should stand out against the background.

ON SNOW: any dye used around the signal will add contrast.

ON GRASS: burn the grass to make a pattern.

ORANGE MATERIAL: tends to blend in, not stand out, when placed on a green or brown background.

OUTLINES: outline a signal with green boughs, brush or rocks to produce shadows, or raise a panel on sticks to cast its own shadows.

LOCATION: your signal should be placed where it can be seen from all directions (a large, open area is best).

MEANING: a signal should tell rescue service something pertaining to your overall situation.

When laying out emergency signals, make them as large as possible, at least 10m (40ft) long and 3m (10ft) wide. At night, dig or scrape a signal in the earth, snow or sand, pour in petrol (gasoline) and ignite it. This signal will be visible not only at night, but also during the day where the ground has been burnt.

You must destroy all ground-to-air symbols after rescue, otherwise they will go on marking after you have gone. Failure to do so may result in other aircraft spotting them and attempting a rescue.

Morse code You can transmit messages using Morse code by flashing lights on and off, using reflectors, by waving a flag a shirt tied to a stick (for a ‘dot’ swing to the right and make a figure-of eight, for a dash swing to the left and make a figure-of-eight), or using sound.

Body signals It is advisable to use a cloth in the hand to emphasise the YES and NO signals. Note the changes from frontal to sideways positions and the use of the legs. Whenever you are making signals, always do so in a clear and exaggerated way (remember you will be a great distance from the aircraft).

An aircraft that has understood your message will tilt its wings up and down in daylight or make green flashes with its signal lights. If the pilot has not understood your message, he will circle his aircraft during daylight or make red flashes with his signals lights at night. Once a pilot has received and understood your first message, you can transmit other messages. Be patient: don’t confuse the person flying the aircraft.

Shadow signals can be very effective for signalling, though you must construct them in the proper way.

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