Using Signal Mirrors in Emergencies

Using Signal Mirrors in Emergencies

A signal mirror reflection from the sun, produces an eight million candle power flash.  Very bright and blinding!

A 2×4 inch signal mirror flash can be seen as far away as 60 miles by an aircraft flying at 30k.

A signal mirror can only be seen for 12-15 miles on the horizon due to the earth’s curvature. You should sweep both the horizon to contact surface vessels, and an angle of 30 degrees up from the horizon to contact high altitude aircraft.

A signal mirror will also produce an effective flash from a bright moon.

A signal mirror should be attached to the side of your life raft canopy so that it continues to operate while you perform other functions. (Passive Signal)

A CD or DVD makes a great signal mirror with a sighting hole built in. Another way to aim to the target: hold the mirror in one hand and get the reflection of the sun on your other hand. Make a V with your first two fingers (like a gun sight) and bring the flash up between the V and aim at your target.
On the brightness of the  flashes:      stop flashing the mirror once you are convinced that you have been spotted, or when the teh rescue vessel / aircraft comes towards you or they start throwing things at you. You don’t want to blind your rescuers!

It is surprisingly hard to see a person or single person raft when it is in the water. a mirror of some type could easily be the difference between being found or not found.

source: aircraft owners & pilots forum / Linkedin contributor Randy Boone