What is the first procedure for activating the SAR network before ejection?

The first procedure for activating the Search and Rescue (SAR) network before ejection is to make a radio call declaring an emergency. This step is crucial as it establishes communication with the appropriate rescue coordination centers and alerts them to the situation at hand, ensuring that search and rescue operations can be initiated swiftly. Declaring an emergency provides essential information about the aircraft's location, condition, and intentions, which allows rescue teams to start planning for a potential recovery effort.

While the other options involve important steps in the SAR process, they typically follow the initial declaration of an emergency. For example, setting the Identification Friend or Foe / Selective Identification Feature (IFF/SIF) to emergency, broadcasting emergency information, and turning on a locator beacon are actions that enhance the chances of being found but are dependent on the initial communication to alert others about the emergency. The radio call effectively activates the SAR network and sets off the sequence of necessary actions for recovery.