What is the average time it takes for SAR efforts to locate an aircraft?

The average time it takes for Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts to locate an aircraft is generally around 37 hours. This duration reflects the complexities involved in search operations, which can be influenced by various factors such as the type of aircraft, the conditions of the search area, the availability of technology and personnel, as well as the time elapsed since the aircraft went missing.

When an aircraft is reported missing, search teams often need to assess the last known location, which could have been affected by a number of factors including weather conditions and flight paths. Therefore, the timeline for locating the aircraft can be extensive as teams work diligently to cover a wide area and utilize multiple resources.

Other timeframes, like 12 hours, 5 hours, and 24 hours, may not adequately reflect the average time required for SAR operations due to these challenges and the resources available. Thus, 37 hours is considered a more realistic estimate based on historical data and operational experience in aviation search and rescue missions.