Nobody wants to think about declaring an emergency. But when it happens, knowing exactly what to say can mean the difference between a successful outcome and tragedy.
This guide teaches you the critical difference between MAYDAY and PAN-PAN, and how to communicate effectively when every second counts.
MAYDAY: Distress
MAYDAY (from French "m'aidez" - help me) is for immediate danger to life or aircraft.
When to declare MAYDAY: - Engine failure - Fire - Structural failure - Loss of control - Any situation requiring immediate assistance
How to declare MAYDAY:
Format: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, [Callsign], [Nature of emergency], [Position], [Altitude], [Souls on board], [Fuel remaining], [Intentions]."
Example: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Cessna 1234 Bravo, engine failure, 5 miles west of Livermore, 2,000 feet, 2 souls on board, attempting forced landing in field."
Key points: - Say MAYDAY **three times** - Be clear and concise - Give your position immediately - State your intentions if you know them
PAN-PAN: Urgency
PAN-PAN is for urgent situations that don't threaten immediate danger to life.
When to declare PAN-PAN: - Low fuel (but not emergency fuel) - Lost or uncertain position - Passenger medical issue (not life-threatening) - Equipment malfunction (radio, instruments) - Weather deterioration - Any situation requiring priority handling
How to declare PAN-PAN:
Format: "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, [Callsign], [Nature of urgency], [Position], [Altitude], [Request]."
Example: "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, Cessna 1234 Bravo, low fuel, 10 miles south of Oakland, 3,500 feet, request priority landing."
Key points: - Say PAN-PAN **three times** - Clearly state the urgency - Tell ATC what you need - Don't wait until it becomes MAYDAY
The "declaring too early" myth
Many pilots hesitate to declare an emergency because they think: - "I can handle this" - "I don't want to seem dramatic" - "What if I'm wrong?"
The truth: ATC would rather you declare 100 false emergencies than fail to declare one real one.
What happens when you declare
After MAYDAY: 1. All other traffic stops transmitting 2. You get complete priority 3. ATC clears airspace around you 4. Emergency services are alerted 5. You get whatever you need
After PAN-PAN: 1. You get priority (but not exclusive) 2. ATC provides assistance 3. Other traffic continues but gives you priority 4. Resources are prepared
Real examples
Example 1: Engine roughness **Situation:** Engine running rough at 2,000 AGL
Wrong: Saying nothing, trying to "work it out"
Right: "Oakland Tower, Cessna 34 Bravo, experiencing engine roughness, request priority return to field."
If it gets worse: "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, Cessna 34 Bravo, engine roughness increasing, requesting immediate landing."
If it fails completely: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, Cessna 34 Bravo, complete engine failure..."
Example 2: Lost **Situation:** VFR, lost position, fuel okay
Declaration: "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, Oakland Center, Cessna 1234 Bravo, unsure of position, last known 20 miles east of Livermore, request assistance."
Example 3: Passenger chest pain **Situation:** Passenger experiencing chest pain in flight
Declaration: "PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, Oakland Tower, Cessna 1234 Bravo, passenger medical emergency, requesting priority landing and medical personnel standing by."
Transponder codes
When declaring emergency:
7700 - Emergency transponder code
Squawk 7700 when: - You've declared MAYDAY or PAN-PAN - ATC instructs you to - You've lost radio communication and have emergency
ATC will see the 7700 code immediately and provide assistance even if they can't hear you.
If you lose radio communication
VFR day: 1. Squawk 7700 2. Attempt landing at nearest suitable airport 3. Watch for light gun signals if towered
Light gun signals: - **Steady green:** Cleared to land - **Flashing green:** Return for landing - **Steady red:** Give way, continue circling - **Flashing red:** Airport unsafe, do not land - **Flashing white:** Return to starting point - **Alternating red/green:** Exercise extreme caution
Practice is critical
You can't practice real emergencies, but you can practice the communications.
Apps like ATC One include emergency scenarios where you can practice declaring MAYDAY and PAN-PAN with realistic ATC responses. This builds muscle memory so if you ever face a real emergency, the words come automatically.
Conclusion: Better safe than sorry
Don't hesitate to declare an emergency when you need help.
Remember: - MAYDAY = immediate danger to life - PAN-PAN = urgent, needs priority - Declare early rather than late - ATC is there to help you - There's no penalty for declaring
Your job is to fly the airplane and communicate clearly. ATC's job is to help you land safely.
Action item: Practice saying both MAYDAY and PAN-PAN calls out loud right now. Make it muscle memory.