Originally Posted by
RubberDogPoop
Dick, I imagine your friend will also point out that Americans "declare an emergency", rather that "Mayday" for any other "run-of-the-mill" emergency too.....
RDP,
Would you like to quote a reference from the FARs/AIM/whatever.
Mayday is alive and well in the FAA Pilot/Controller Glossary, US states it conforms to ICAO SARPS for emergencies, and files no difference for Mayday, as far as I can find.
Any pilot is naturally reluctant (particularly in Australia - where many would rather die, as the lesser penalty) to use the term, because of the bureaucratic investigative storm use of the word triggers.
Tootle pip!!