A major land and sea search is underway after a light plane went missing.

The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, took off from George Town Airport in Tasmania about 12.45pm on Saturday, bound for regional Victoria and then Central Western NSW.

It failed to arrive as scheduled, prompting concerned family members of the two Tasmanian residents to raise the alarm.

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A search operation involving aircraft, helicopters and marine resources was activated.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is co-ordinating the operation, with Tasmania Police helicopter and vessel resources searching the coastline near George Town and Tasmania’s north.

AMSA’s Melbourne-based rescue jet is conducting overwater searches of Bass Strait, supported by vessels including Victoria Police.

Residents in northern Tasmania are advised there will be ongoing aerial activity in the area on Sunday.