DGCA Air Regulations: Search & Rescue Questions
19 exam-style Search & Rescue questions for the DGCA Air Regulations paper (CPL · ATPL · PPL). The first 12 are free below with answers and explanations — sign up free to practise all of them with progress tracking.
-
Q1
What is the meaning of the symbol V in the ground air visual signal code for use by survivors?
- A Landing here impossible
- B Require assistance
- C Require medical assistance
- D N/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.
-
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:
- A Landing impossible.
- B All occupants alive.
- C Need mechanical assistance.
- D Need 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.
-
Q3
Which units are tasked with ensuring the effective organization of search and rescue services?
- A Area control centre, flight information centre and rescue coordination centre
- B Rescue coordination centre and rescue sub-centres
- C Alerting centre and rescue coordination centre
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Rescue coordination centre and rescue sub-centres
.
-
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)
.
-
Q5
What does the symbol "V" signify in the ground air visual signal code for survivors?
- A Landing here impossible
- B Require assistance
- C Require medical assistance
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Require assistance
.
-
Q6
What does the symbol "LLL" signify in the ground air visual signal code used by rescue units?
- A Operation completed
- B We are returning to base
- C we have found all personnel
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Operation completed
.
-
Q7
Which of the following frequencies is NOT used for international distress signals?
- A 243.0MHZ
- B 2182KHz
- C 2430KHz
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2430KHz
.
-
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"
.
-
Q9
At night, when an aircraft sees a luminous signal for help, what must the pilot do to acknowledge receipt of these ground signals?
- A Make at least one complete turn over the group of people in difficulty
- B Transmit, by luminous Morse signal, a series of the letter "R" using his navigator lights
- C Switch 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
.
-
Q10
What color coding should be used for identifying the contents of droppable containers and packages that hold survival equipment?
- A Red for medical supplies and first aid equipment
- B Black for food and water
- C Blue for blankets and protective clothing
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Red for medical supplies and first aid equipment
.
-
Q11
COSPAS-SARSAT is a system designed for search and rescue operations.
- A A communication system linking all aircraft
- B A space system for the search of vessels in distress
- C A SAR satellite-aided tracking system
Show answer
Correct answer: C. A SAR satellite-aided tracking system
.
-
Q12
While waiting for instructions after intercepting a distress call in the Mumbai FIR, what actions should you consider taking?
- A Make a general call on 121.5 asking other airplanes to assist
- B Descent to low level and carry out a surface search for ships
- C Proceed to the position given in the distress message
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Proceed to the position given in the distress message
.
The full bank
7 more Search & Rescue questions in the full bank
Create a free account to practise every Search & Rescue question with instant scoring, chapter tests, previous DGCA papers and full-length mock exams.
More DGCA Air Regulations topics