Definition

A service provided to notify appropriate organizations regarding aircraft in need of search and rescue aid, and assist such organizations as required.

Source: ICAO Annex 11 - Air Traffic Services

Description

Alerting service is part of air traffic service (ATS) and is therefore provided by ATS units (e.g. area control centres, flight information centres, etc.). The main task is to promptly notify the appropriate organizations (e.g. Search and Rescue (SAR) units) about the situation and provide relevant information about the aircraft in distress. The ATS units themselves do not provide SAR service.

Alerting service is provided to: