When it comes to emergency situations in aviation, there are two distress calls that pilots use to communicate with air traffic control: pan-pan and mayday. But what do these words mean and when should they be used?
Pan-pan is the international standard urgency signal, indicating that the pilot has an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. It is derived from the French word “panne,” which means breakdown. Mayday, on the other hand, is the international standard distress signal, indicating that the pilot has an emergency situation that is immediately life-threatening and requires immediate assistance. It comes from the French phrase “m’aidez,” which means “help me.”
In this article, we will explore the differences between pan-pan and mayday, when they should be used, and what pilots and air traffic controllers need to know in order to respond appropriately to these distress calls.
Define Pan-pan
Pan-pan is a standard radio call used to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. It is derived from the French word “panne,” which means breakdown or failure. When a pilot or crew member uses the pan-pan call, it is a signal to air traffic control and other nearby aircraft that they require assistance, but the situation is not yet critical enough to warrant a mayday call.
Examples of situations that may warrant a pan-pan call include a mechanical issue that is affecting the aircraft’s performance, a medical emergency that requires attention but is not immediately life-threatening, or a navigational issue that could lead to a delay or deviation from the planned flight path.
Define Mayday
Mayday is a distress signal used in emergency situations that pose an immediate threat to the safety of an aircraft, vessel, or individual. The term “mayday” comes from the French phrase “m’aider,” which means “help me.” When a pilot or crew member uses the mayday call, it is a signal to air traffic control and other nearby aircraft that they require immediate assistance to prevent loss of life or serious injury.
Examples of situations that warrant a mayday call include engine failure, loss of control of the aircraft, a fire on board, or any other situation where the safety of the aircraft or its occupants is in imminent danger. When a mayday call is received, air traffic control will prioritize the situation and take immediate action to coordinate a response from emergency services and nearby aircraft.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When communicating with others during an emergency situation, it is crucial to use the proper terminology to ensure that your message is understood clearly. In aviation, the words “pan-pan” and “mayday” are used to indicate different levels of distress. Here’s how to use these words properly in a sentence:
How To Use “Pan-pan” In A Sentence
“Pan-pan” is used to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening. This could include a mechanical issue with the aircraft or a medical emergency that requires attention but is not immediately life-threatening. When using “pan-pan” in a sentence, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Begin your message with “pan-pan” repeated three times.
- State your call sign and the nature of the emergency.
- Provide your aircraft type and position.
- Provide any additional information that may be relevant to the situation.
- End your message with “pan-pan” repeated three times.
For example, a pilot might say:
“Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Delta 1234 declaring a mechanical emergency. We are a Boeing 737 at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, 200 miles east of Boston. Requesting immediate descent to 10,000 feet.”
“Delta 1234, this is Boston Center. Descend and maintain 10,000 feet. Squawk 7700.”
“Roger, descending to 10,000 feet. Squawking 7700. Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan.”
How To Use “Mayday” In A Sentence
“Mayday” is used to indicate a life-threatening emergency situation. This could include an engine failure, a fire on board the aircraft, or a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. When using “mayday” in a sentence, it is important to follow these guidelines:
- Begin your message with “mayday” repeated three times.
- State your call sign and the nature of the emergency.
- Provide your aircraft type and position.
- Provide any additional information that may be relevant to the situation.
- End your message with “mayday” repeated three times.
For example, a pilot might say:
“Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Delta 1234 declaring an engine failure. We are a Boeing 737 at 10,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, 100 miles east of Boston. Requesting immediate descent and clearance to land.”
“Delta 1234, this is Boston Center. Cleared to land on runway 22L. Squawk 7700.”
“Roger, cleared to land on runway 22L. Squawking 7700. Mayday, mayday, mayday.”
By using the proper terminology in an emergency situation, pilots can ensure that their message is understood clearly and that the appropriate response is taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
More Examples Of Pan-pan & Mayday Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use pan-pan and mayday in sentences. These examples will give you a better understanding of how to use these distress calls in different situations.
Examples Of Using Pan-pan In A Sentence
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Alpha Bravo Charlie. We are experiencing engine failure and require immediate assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Delta Echo Foxtrot. We have a medical emergency on board and require medical assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Golf Hotel India. We have lost our navigation equipment and require assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Lima Mike November. We are taking on water and require immediate assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Oscar Papa Quebec. We have lost our communications equipment and require assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Romeo Sierra Tango. We have a fire on board and require immediate assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Uniform Victor Whiskey. We have a passenger with a heart condition and require medical assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is X-ray Yankee Zulu. We have lost our electrical power and require assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is Hotel India Juliet. We have a fuel leak and require immediate assistance.”
- “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is November Oscar Papa. We have lost our radar and require assistance.”
Examples Of Using Mayday In A Sentence
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Alpha Bravo Charlie. We are experiencing engine failure and require immediate assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Delta Echo Foxtrot. We have a medical emergency on board and require medical assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Golf Hotel India. We have lost our navigation equipment and require assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Lima Mike November. We are taking on water and require immediate assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Oscar Papa Quebec. We have lost our communications equipment and require assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Romeo Sierra Tango. We have a fire on board and require immediate assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Uniform Victor Whiskey. We have a passenger with a heart condition and require medical assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is X-ray Yankee Zulu. We have lost our electrical power and require assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is Hotel India Juliet. We have a fuel leak and require immediate assistance.”
- “Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is November Oscar Papa. We have lost our radar and require assistance.”
As you can see from these examples, pan-pan and mayday are used to indicate different levels of distress. Pan-pan is used to indicate an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening, while mayday is used to indicate a life-threatening emergency. It is important to use the correct distress call in any given situation to ensure that appropriate assistance is provided.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to emergency radio communication, using the correct terminology can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using pan-pan and mayday interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and delays in getting the necessary help. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using Pan-pan When Mayday Is Needed
One of the most common mistakes is using pan-pan when mayday is actually needed. Pan-pan is used to indicate an urgent situation, but one that does not pose an immediate danger to life or property. Mayday, on the other hand, is used to indicate a life-threatening emergency. Using pan-pan instead of mayday can delay the response of rescue services and put lives at risk.
Mistake #2: Using Mayday When Pan-pan Is Appropriate
Another mistake is using mayday when pan-pan is actually appropriate. This can cause unnecessary panic and confusion, as well as waste valuable resources. Pan-pan is the correct term to use when there is an urgent situation, but one that does not require immediate assistance.
Mistake #3: Not Knowing When To Use Pan-pan Or Mayday
Many people make the mistake of not knowing when to use pan-pan or mayday. This can be due to a lack of training or experience, or simply a misunderstanding of the terminology. It is important to familiarize yourself with the correct usage of these terms, and to seek training if necessary.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips:
- Understand the difference between pan-pan and mayday
- Practice using the correct terminology in simulated emergency situations
- Seek training or guidance from experienced professionals
- Be clear and concise in your radio communications
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using the correct terminology in emergency situations, and help to prevent confusion and delays in getting the necessary help.
Context Matters
When it comes to emergency situations, the choice between using “pan-pan” and “mayday” can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. While both phrases indicate an emergency situation, they are used in different scenarios and convey different levels of urgency.
Examples Of Different Contexts
One example of a context in which “pan-pan” might be used is when an aircraft is experiencing a technical problem that does not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the crew or passengers. For example, if an aircraft experiences a minor electrical issue or a radio failure, the pilot might use “pan-pan” to indicate that there is an issue that requires attention, but that the situation is not yet critical.
In contrast, “mayday” is typically reserved for more serious emergency situations. For example, if an aircraft experiences an engine failure or a loss of control, the pilot would use “mayday” to indicate that the situation is critical and immediate assistance is required.
Another context in which the choice between “pan-pan” and “mayday” might change is in the maritime industry. In this context, “pan-pan” might be used to indicate a vessel that is in distress but not in immediate danger, while “mayday” would be used to indicate a vessel that is in immediate danger and requires immediate assistance.
Ultimately, the choice between “pan-pan” and “mayday” depends on the specific context in which they are used. While both phrases indicate an emergency situation, “pan-pan” is typically used to indicate a less severe emergency, while “mayday” is reserved for more serious situations that require immediate assistance.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using pan-pan and mayday are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that you use the correct terminology in emergency situations.
1. Non-emergency Situations
The first exception to the rules for using pan-pan and mayday is in non-emergency situations. While pan-pan and mayday are used to indicate a distress situation, there may be times when you need to communicate an urgent message that doesn’t necessarily involve danger to life or property. In these cases, you can use the urgency signal “pan-pan” to indicate that your message is urgent, but not an emergency.
For example, if you’re flying a plane and you need to divert to another airport due to bad weather, you can use the pan-pan signal to let air traffic control know that your situation is urgent, but not life-threatening.
2. Military Communications
The rules for using pan-pan and mayday may also differ in military communications. In the military, the terms “urgency” and “distress” are used instead of pan-pan and mayday. However, the meanings of these terms are the same as in civilian communications.
For example, if a military aircraft is in distress, the pilot would use the distress signal “mayday” to indicate that they need immediate assistance.
3. Local Regulations
Finally, it’s important to note that local regulations may have their own rules for using pan-pan and mayday. For example, some countries may have additional signals that are used in emergency situations.
Before operating in a new area, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and emergency procedures to ensure that you use the correct terminology in case of an emergency.
Practice Exercises
Learning the proper use of pan-pan and mayday is crucial for effective communication in emergency situations. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these distress calls:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences with either pan-pan or mayday:
- _____! _____! _____! This is Alpha Tango Bravo. We have an engine failure and are losing altitude.
- There’s no need to declare a _____ signal if you’re simply experiencing turbulence.
- _____! _____! _____! This is Delta Echo Foxtrot. We have a medical emergency on board.
- If you’re unsure whether to use a _____ or a _____ signal, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
- _____! _____! _____! This is Golf Hotel India. We are lost and running out of fuel.
Answer Key:
- Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Alpha Tango Bravo. We have an engine failure and are losing altitude.
- There’s no need to declare a pan-pan signal if you’re simply experiencing turbulence.
- Mayday! Mayday! Mayday! This is Delta Echo Foxtrot. We have a medical emergency on board.
- If you’re unsure whether to use a pan-pan or a mayday signal, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
- Pan-pan! Pan-pan! Pan-pan! This is Golf Hotel India. We are lost and running out of fuel.
Exercise 2: Identify The Distress Call
Read the following scenarios and identify whether a pan-pan or a mayday signal should be used:
| Scenario | Distress Call |
|---|---|
| A passenger has a heart attack and needs immediate medical attention. | Mayday |
| Aircraft experiences a mechanical issue but is still able to fly and land safely. | Pan-pan |
| The pilot becomes disoriented and loses control of the aircraft. | Mayday |
| The aircraft is running low on fuel and needs to land immediately. | Pan-pan |
Explanation:
- Scenario 1 requires a mayday signal because it involves a life-threatening situation that requires immediate assistance.
- Scenario 2 requires a pan-pan signal because the aircraft is experiencing a problem, but it is not an immediate threat to the safety of the passengers or crew.
- Scenario 3 requires a mayday signal because the pilot has lost control of the aircraft, which is a life-threatening situation.
- Scenario 4 requires a pan-pan signal because the aircraft is running low on fuel, but it is not an immediate threat to the safety of the passengers or crew.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of pan-pan and mayday signals, which can help you communicate effectively in emergency situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “pan-pan” and “mayday” is crucial for effective communication in emergency situations. Remember that “pan-pan” is used to indicate an urgent situation, while “mayday” is reserved for life-threatening emergencies.
It is also important to note that proper grammar and language use can make a significant difference in emergency situations. Clear and concise communication can help emergency responders quickly and accurately assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance.
Key Takeaways
- “Pan-pan” is used to indicate an urgent situation, while “mayday” is reserved for life-threatening emergencies.
- Proper grammar and language use can make a significant difference in emergency situations.
- Clear and concise communication can help emergency responders quickly and accurately assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance.
By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your communication skills and better prepare yourself for emergency situations. Stay informed and stay safe.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.