In TacScan mode, which three primary SAR frequencies are scanned?

• A. 121.5, 243, 406 EPIRB
• B. 122.5, 243, 406 EPIRB
• C. 121.5, 244, 406 EPIRB
• D. 120.0, 243, 406 EPIRB

Answer: (A)

TacScan mode is designed to quickly sweep the main distress beacon channels used in search and rescue. The three frequencies it targets are 121.5 MHz, 243.0 MHz, and 406 MHz. The 121.5 MHz channel is the traditional civilian distress frequency used for homing by nearby aircraft and ships. The 243.0 MHz frequency is the UHF military SAR channel used for distress signaling and rescue coordination. The 406 MHz frequency is the satellite-based EPIRB channel, monitored by the Cospas-Sarsat system and carrying encoded location data. Scanning these three ensures detection of legacy civilian beacons, military beacons, and modern satellite beacons, maximizing the chance to locate someone in distress. The other options use frequencies that are not part of the standard three primary SAR frequencies.