In a survival situation, your primary goal is to make yourself visible to search and rescue (SAR) teams. Ground-to-air signals rely on contrast, size, and universal codes to communicate your needs. Create high-visibility markers using rocks, logs, or brightly colored materials, and ensure letters are a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) tall. [1, 2, 3]

The internationally recognised visual code includes these key symbols:

 

• SOS: Needs immediate rescue.
• X: Unable to proceed; requires medical assistance.
• V: Require assistance.
• Y: Yes / Affirmative.
• N: No / Negative.
• Arrow: Proceeding in direction of arrow. [1, 2, 3, 4]

 

 

1. Constructing Ground Signals

 

• Create Contrast: Build markers using materials that strongly contrast with the environment (e.g., dark rocks on sand or snow and light-coloured logs on dark soil). [1, 2, 3, 4]
• 3-Dimensionality: In snowy environments, you can dig trenches or pile up snow. The resulting shadows create high visibility from the air. [1, 2]
• Large Dimensions: Make each symbol as large as possible—at least 3 metres wide and 10 metres long if you have the materials. [1, 2]

 

 

2. Pyrotechnics & Fire

 

• Smoke Signals: Prepare three large fires in a triangle (the universal distress signal). Add green foliage, moss, or rubber to create thick, dark smoke during the day and clear, bright flames at night.
• Flares: Use signal flares or smoke grenades only when you can hear or see an aircraft to avoid wasting resources. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

 

 

3. Reflective & Lighting Tools

 

• Signal Mirror: An essential piece of survival gear. Even a simple CD, foil, or purpose-made signal mirror can create a bright flash that is visible to pilots for miles.
• Flashlights / Strobes: At night, use a concentrated beam to flash the aircraft, or set a bright strobe on the ground. [1, 2, 3, 4]

 

 

4. Body Signals

If a helicopter is hovering or an aircraft is close, use your body to communicate:

 

• Require Assistance / Pick Me Up: Raise both arms above your head, forming a "Y" shape.
• Negative / Do Not Land: Raise one arm straight out horizontally and point the other arm straight down.
• Message Understood: Stand with both arms raised above your head and then lower them to your sides. [1, 2]

 

 

5. Aircraft Acknowledgment

If a pilot spots your signals, they will typically acknowledge you by rocking the aeroplane's wings from side to side or flashing their landing lights two times. At night, they may flash their green exterior lights. [1]

For a full list of recognised international signals, you can review the guide provided by the UK Government Life Saving Signals.