Distress and Urgency Calls

Definitions and Priorities

A distress call in aviation, signaled by the word "MAYDAY" repeated three times, is made when an aircraft or its occupants are threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and require immediate assistance. This is the highest priority message on any frequency, and all other communications must cease unless directly related to the emergency or authorized by the controlling station.

An urgency call, indicated by "PAN PAN" repeated three times, is used when the safety of an aircraft, person, or property is at risk, but there is no immediate danger requiring instant help. Urgency messages take priority over all communications except distress.

Making and Handling Calls

A distress call should include:

• The word "MAYDAY" (x3)
• The name of the station addressed
• Aircraft identification and type
• Nature of the emergency
• Intentions of the pilot
• Position, altitude, and heading
• Any additional relevant information (e.g., fuel remaining, persons on board)

For urgency, the structure is similar but begins with "PAN PAN" (x3), and details the safety concern.

Actions by Receiving Stations

Upon receiving a distress call, all stations must:

• Maintain radio silence on the frequency
• Record all available details
• Only transmit if assisting, authorized, or if the emergency is declared over

For urgency calls, stations should:

• Give priority to the urgency traffic
• Avoid transmitting unless necessary for the urgency situation

The station in control of the emergency (usually ATC) can impose or lift radio silence as needed. The end of a distress or urgency situation is formally announced to allow normal communications to resume.

Mayday vs Pan Pan

"Mayday" is reserved for life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate help. "Pan Pan" is for situations where safety is at risk but not immediately life-threatening. Correctly distinguishing between the two ensures the right level of response and frequency management.