What action should a controller take if an aircraft is 30 minutes overdue reporting?

In situations where an aircraft is 30 minutes overdue in reporting, the appropriate course of action is to consider the aircraft missing. This determination is based on the standard protocols followed in aviation for aircraft that fail to check in within a reasonable timeframe.

When an aircraft does not report as scheduled, especially if it is significantly overdue, it raises alarms about potential issues such as navigational challenges, technical failures, or emergencies. The designation of "missing" triggers a formal response, enabling search and rescue operations to commence.

Recognizing an aircraft as missing is pivotal because it initiates critical communication and actions from various entities involved in aviation safety, including search and rescue teams, which are imperative for locating the aircraft and ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers.

While contacting the pilot's home base, reporting to the FAA, or notifying other aircraft may eventually be part of the process, the immediate and most crucial step is to classify the aircraft as missing to facilitate a prompt and effective response.