Distress and Urgency Communications (Mayday, Pan Pan)
Definition
Distress and urgency communications are standardized radiotelephony procedures used in aviation to indicate that an aircraft is in serious danger (distress) or facing a safety-related issue (urgency). These calls alert air traffic services and other aircraft to respond appropriately.
Types of Emergency Calls
| Type | Call Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Distress | MAYDAY | Grave and imminent danger; immediate assistance required |
| Urgency | PAN PAN | Urgent situation, but no immediate danger to aircraft or persons |
1. MAYDAY – Distress Call
Used when the aircraft or its occupants are threatened by serious and imminent danger, such as:
- Engine failure
- Mid-air collision or loss of control
- Fire on board
- Ditching or forced landing
- Medical emergency with immediate impact on flight safety
Phraseology (initial call):
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY [Callsign] [Position] [Nature of emergency] [Intention] [Additional information]
Example:
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY D-EABC Over Gmunden lake, 3000 feet Engine failure Gliding to emergency landing near shoreline Two persons on board
2. PAN PAN – Urgency Call
Used when an aircraft has a safety concern requiring assistance, but no immediate danger exists. Examples:
- Minor technical malfunction
- Navigation failure
- Degraded but safe flight condition
- Illness on board without safety impact
- Fuel concerns not yet critical
PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN [Callsign] [Position] [Issue and request]
PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN PAN OE-XYZ Over Korneuburg at 2500 feet Loss of VOR navigation Request vectors to VFR route to LOAV
ATC Response to Emergencies
Upon receiving a distress or urgency call, ATC will:
- Acknowledge the emergency
- Provide priority handling and all possible assistance
- Inform relevant emergency and rescue services if required
- Clear surrounding airspace if necessary
Phraseology from ATC:
Cancelling an Emergency
If the situation improves, the pilot must cancel the emergency:
“D-EABC, cancel Mayday. Engine restarted. Continuing to LOLO.” “OE-XYZ, cancel Pan Pan. Situation resolved.”
ATC will respond accordingly and return to standard operations.
Misuse and Consequences
- ❌ Never use MAYDAY or PAN PAN unless appropriate
- ❌ False or careless use can lead to investigation and penalties
- ✅ Practice in simulators (e.g., LearnATC) to stay proficient in phrasing and delivery
Other Relevant Codes
- Squawk 7700 → General emergency (automatically flags radar return)
- Squawk 7600 → Radio failure
- Squawk 7500 → Hijacking (not to be spoken over radio)
- Mayday Relay → Used to relay another aircraft's emergency when they cannot transmit