Emergency Communication Procedures

Distress and Urgency Calls

Aviation emergencies are communicated using internationally recognized radio signals: 'Mayday' for distress and 'Pan Pan' for urgency.

• Distress (Mayday): Used when immediate help is required due to grave and imminent danger. The message structure prioritizes the Problem, Planning (intended actions), and Position. Distress calls have absolute priority on the frequency.
• Urgency (Pan Pan): Indicates a situation requiring assistance but not immediate danger. Urgency messages take precedence over all but distress calls.

Actions for Other Stations

When a distress (Mayday) call is in progress:

• All other stations must maintain radio silence unless they can assist, are authorized by ATS, or the emergency is declared over.
• If you receive a distress call, record all details and continue monitoring until the emergency is resolved.
• ATS or the aircraft in distress may instruct specific stations or all stations to stop transmitting ("Stop transmitting, Mayday").

During an urgency (Pan Pan) procedure:

• Other stations should avoid interfering but may continue essential communications if they do not disrupt the urgency traffic.
• Urgency messages are prioritized above routine traffic, but below distress.

Emergency Frequency and Alternative Signals

• The primary emergency frequency is 121.5 MHz, but initial calls are made on the frequency in use if possible.
• If unable to transmit by voice, squawk transponder code 7700 or use other recognized emergency signals.

Correct Message Structure

For both Mayday and Pan Pan, use the signal three times, followed by call sign, nature of emergency, intentions, and position. For medical flights, use "Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan, May-dee-cal" followed by detailed information as required.