☀️ How to Use a Signal Mirror
1
Hold the mirror at arm's length — use a CD, phone screen (off), foil, or any reflective surface. Face the sun or bright light source.
2
Make a V with two fingers (peace sign) and hold it in front of the target (aircraft / ship / hilltop). The target should appear between your fingers.
3
Tilt the mirror until the reflected sunspot falls on your V-finger gap. When it does, the glare is aimed at your target.
4
Sweep slowly side to side once aligned. A flashing glare is visible from aircraft up to 160km away in direct sunlight.
5
At night — use a torch (flashlight) flashed in the SOS pattern. Even a phone screen aimed at aircraft is effective within several km.