Mayday vs Pan-Pan: emergency radio calls, exactly what to say
Most pilots never make an emergency call — which is exactly why it is worth rehearsing the words now, calmly, so they are there when you need them. Mayday versus Pan-Pan, and the format for each, is simpler than it sounds.
Mayday vs Pan-Pan
Mayday is distress: grave and imminent danger, you need help now. Pan-Pan (said “pan pan”) is urgency: you have a serious problem but it is not yet life-threatening. You say the word three times — “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” — so there is no mistaking it through a noisy frequency.
When it is a Mayday
Engine failure, fire, smoke, structural problem, a medical emergency that threatens life, loss of control — anything where the outcome is in doubt. Do not talk yourself out of it; declaring gets you priority handling and every resource ATC has.
When it is a Pan-Pan
Unsure of your position, a rough-running engine that is still producing power, low fuel that is not critical yet, a sick passenger who is stable, a partial equipment failure. It tells ATC you may need help soon without triggering a full emergency response.
The call format
After the Mayday or Pan-Pan, give ATC what they need: who you are calling, who you are (call sign and type), where you are and your altitude, the nature of the problem, and your intentions. If there is time, add souls on board and fuel remaining.
A Mayday example
“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Honolulu Approach, Cessna One Two Three Four Five, engine failure, eight miles south of the field at three thousand, gliding toward the airport, three souls on board, two hours fuel.”
A Pan-Pan example
“Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Honolulu Approach, Cessna One Two Three Four Five, I am unsure of my position, last known fifteen miles west of the field at four thousand five hundred, request assistance.”
After the call
Aviate, navigate, communicate — in that order. Fly the airplane first. Squawk 7700 if you are not already on a discrete code; it lights you up on every controller’s scope. Then do what the controller asks, but remember you are pilot in command — you can deviate from any rule to handle the emergency.
Rehearse it before you need it
The words should be muscle memory, not something you invent under stress. Practice emergency calls calmly on Clearspar so they are automatic.
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