How can pilots improve their chances of being rescued?

Pilots can significantly enhance their chances of being rescued by adhering to established signaling techniques and remaining close to the area where they expect to be located by search and rescue teams, such as the Emergency Personnel Recovery Center (EPRC). When pilots utilize recognized signaling methods, like flares or reflective devices, they increase the visibility of their location to rescuers. Additionally, staying in the vicinity of the EPRC maximizes the likelihood that they will be found, as rescue operations typically focus on known or expected locations of downed aircraft.

While taking shelter, moving to higher ground, and signaling with a mirror can be helpful, they are not as effective as consistently using proper signaling techniques in conjunction with staying in an expected search area. Maintaining a central position relative to rescue operations ensures that pilots remain within the effective reach of search efforts, which is critical in successful recovery scenarios.