Definition
A coordinated service that uses available personnel and aircraft to locate and assist persons or aircraft in distress. In the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for SAR over maritime areas, and the Air Force is responsible for SAR over inland areas. The Federal Aviation Administration assists by alerting these agencies when an aircraft is overdue, missing, or in distress.
Plain English
A system that finds and helps pilots, passengers, or others who are lost, missing, or in trouble. Different government agencies handle the search depending on whether the trouble is over land or water.
Context Anchor
Seen in the AIM glossary and in emergency or overdue-aircraft discussions.
Derivation
SAR is formed from the first letters of “Search and Rescue.” “Search” is the finding part; “Rescue” is the helping and recovery part. Together, the abbreviation names the whole emergency support effort.
Why Pilots Care
Understanding SAR availability and procedures improves survival chances during an off-field landing or lost situation.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Se SAR” as a separate flight procedure or clearance. In this glossary context, it points you to SAR, meaning Search and Rescue.
Example Sentence 1
Because the pilot did not close his VFR flight plan within 30 minutes of his ETA, SAR procedures were initiated.
Example Sentence 2
The controller coordinated with the Coast Guard for a joint SAR effort over water.