← Communication & Rescue
Field-TestedIntermediate · 5 min
Aiming a Signal Mirror
A flash visible for many kilometers — the most powerful daytime signal.
Question 1
The goal
Attract aircraft or distant rescuers.
Question 2
Materials
- Signal mirror with sighting hole
Question 3
Substitutes
- CD/DVD
- Phone screen
- Polished metal lid
Where to find it
| Material | Household | Wilderness | Urban / scavenged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror | Compact makeup mirror | Polished knife blade | Phone screen, CD, car mirror |
Question 4
Step by step
- 1
Hold the mirror near your eye, looking through the sighting hole at the target.
- 2
Extend your other hand in a V toward the target.
- 3
Tilt the mirror until the reflected spot lands on your fingers.
- 4
Sweep the flash slowly across the target.
- 5
Use three flashes — the international distress pattern.
Saved steps go to My Survival Notebook.
Question 5
The science
A flat mirror reflects a near-parallel beam of sunlight, so its intensity falls off slowly with distance.
Question 6
Dangers & limits
- Never flash into a pilot's eyes continuously once seen.
- Only works in sunlight.
Question 7
How you know it worked
The aircraft or rescuer changes course or waggles wings.
My notes
Notes save on this device automatically.