Systems and methods are provided for customizing a search and rescue (SAR) pattern for an aircraft. A search and rescue pattern system (SARPS) is configured to obtain SAR mission information from a SAR information database, weather information from a weather source, terrain information from a terrain database, and the flight traffic information. The SARPS is further configured to generate a customized SAR pattern using the obtained mission information, the weather information, the terrain information, and the flight traffic information. A display is configured to display the customized SAR pattern and a flight management system (FMS) is configured to receive the customized SAR pattern.