Aviation Radio Emergency Communications
How a Pilot Sends Out an Emergency SOS Using the Aircraft Radio
May 22, 2009
The recent New York Aircraft A320 ditching showed that although aircraft accidents are very rare, they do happen. So how do pilots tell those on the ground that they need help? There is a set way in which an emergency radio call is sent out.
Those unfamiliar with basic Aircraft Radio Communications might find it helpful to read the article about them first.
Priority of Radio Messages
There are two classifications of emergency message:
- A Distress Call means that the aircraft is threatened by serious or imminent danger and requires immediate assistance. This is a Mayday call.
- An Urgency Call means that there is a safety issue concerning the aircraft or a person on board, but it does not require immediate assistance. This is a Pan Pan call.
A Mayday takes priority over all other radio transmissions. A Pan Pan takes priority over all messages except Mayday calls.
In an emergency, the pilot usually transmits on the frequency he is already using. If this is not possible, there is an International Aeronautical Emergency Frequency on 121.5 which should be used. An aircraft with an emergency will receive priority over all other aircraft.
Mayday and Pan Pan Calls
A distress call is always started by the pilot calling “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”. An urgency call starts with “Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan”. After this there is a format which should be used if possible and if there is time. The pilot gives the name of the station he is addressing, then the aircraft callsign and type. He follows this with the nature of the emergency, his intentions, his position and altitude, an any other useful information such as the number of people on board the aircraft.
Example of a Mayday Call
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
Southampton Approach, this is Autoair 3, a Piper Malibu. We have a complete engine failure, attempting forced landing at Beaulieu disused airfield. Current position is one mile north of Lymington, altitude 1500 feet, heading 340. Two people on board.
Other situations necessitating a Mayday call might be an engine fire or some catastrophic structural failure of the aircraft.
Example of a Pan Pan Call
Pan Pan, Pan Pan, Pan Pan,
Bristol Approache, this is G-DASH, a Rockwell Commander. We have a rough running engine, and are diverting to Bristol Airport. Present position is one mile west abeam Cleveland, Flight Level 50, heading 160. Three people on board.
Other situations which might mean a Pan Pan call is needed are instrument failure, a pilot who is lost, or a sick passenger.
The above are only examples of how this works, and naturally the transmissions may be abbreviated if the pilot does not have time and needs to concentrate on flying the aircraft. However, this should give the reader a basic idea of how aircraft emergencies are passed on to those on the ground.
Source
The Private Pilot’s Licence Course, Jeremy M Pratt, AFE Publishing, 2005
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