General (ICAO)
ICAO Annex 12 Appendix A (Search and Rescue Visual Signal Codes) defines standardised ground-to-air visual signals used by survivors or ground search parties to communicate with overflying search/rescue aircraft. Signals are laid out on the ground using high-contrast material (debris, stones, fabric), as large as possible (at least 2.5 m) and contrasting with the background.
Ground-to-air visual signals (Survivors → Aircraft):
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| V | Require assistance |
| X | Require medical assistance |
| N | No / Negative |
| Y | Yes / Affirmative |
| → (arrow) | Proceeding in this direction |
Ground-to-air visual signals (Search party → Aircraft):
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LL | Operation completed |
| LLL | Have found all personnel |
| L+ (cross) | Have found only some personnel |
| LN | Not able to continue, returning to base |
| XX | Have divided into two groups, each proceeding in direction indicated |
| NN | No trace found |
Use: After a forced landing, survivors should immediately lay out "V" or "X" highly visibly, then await aircraft acknowledgement (see lesson "Air-to-ground visual signals").
Europe (EASA / EU)
ICAO standards adopted unchanged — no separate EU coding.
Germany (national)
EU/ICAO application. AIP Germany GEN 3.6 references the Annex 12 signals. Many flight manuals include them as quick-reference for emergency kits (often optional under VFR).