Understanding Distress and Emergency Messages
Distress and Emergency Messages
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
- Describe the difference between a distress and emergency message.
- Identify and use the standard phrases associated with distress and emergency communications.
Introduction
In aviation, effective communication during distress and emergency situations is paramount to ensuring safety. Distress and emergency messages use standardized phrases to maintain clarity and understanding across international and local aviation contexts. This section highlights the differences between distress and emergency messages and the appropriate usage of standard phrases.
Distress Communication: MAYDAY
Definition
“MAYDAY” is the international phrase used to indicate a situation of grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
Usage Context
- Situations involving life-threatening emergencies, such as severe mechanical failure, critical illness on board, or other circumstances posing serious risk to the aircraft or its occupants.
Communication Protocol
- Phrase Repetition: “MAYDAY” should be repeated three times at the beginning of the distress communication to ensure clarity.
- Message Content: Include the aircraft identification, nature of the distress, intentions, position, altitude, and heading.
- Example Call: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, this is [Aircraft Identification], [nature of distress], [intentions], [position].”
- Acknowledgment: Air Traffic Control (ATC) may respond with “ROGER MAYDAY” to acknowledge receipt of the distress call.
Emergency Communication: PAN-PAN
Definition
“PAN-PAN” is the urgency signal indicating an urgent situation that requires attention but does not yet represent a life-threatening condition.
Usage Context
- Situations that are urgent yet not immediately life-threatening, such as minor malfunctions or situations with the potential to escalate.
Communication Protocol
- Phrase Repetition: “PAN-PAN” should be stated three times to begin the communication.
- Message Content: Provide aircraft identification, nature of the urgency, intentions, and relevant details necessary for effective response.
- Example Call: “PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, this is [Aircraft Identification], [nature of urgency], [intentions], [position].”
Additional Standard Phrases
- “SECURITÉ”: Utilized for safety messages regarding navigation or adverse weather impacting broader air navigation but not calling for immediate action.
- Phonetic Alphabet: Ensures clarity in communication through the use of a standardized alphabet (e.g., A=Alpha, B=Bravo, C=Charlie, etc.).
Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) Emergency Codes
- 7700: General emergency code.
- 7600: Radio communication failure.
These codes are internationally standardized and used to alert ATC of specific issues without requiring voice communication.
Search and Rescue Operations
- Managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in Australia.
- A SARTIME must be lodged before departure and cancelled promptly upon arrival (In-flight emergencies - Airservices Australia).
Conclusion
Understanding the proper usage of distress and emergency messages is critical for maintaining aviation safety. Through standardized phrases and protocols, pilots, ATC, and aviation personnel ensure effective communication, facilitating timely assistance and coordination during critical situations.