Hi all, would any helpful controllers reading this be willing to give me some insight into the practical differences in actions that ATC take in the event of a commercial airliner declaring a Pan Vs a Mayday.
I’m a 320 skipper working for a UK airline - in the simulator it is often talked about and debated eg for a PAN it is widely believed that you get little priority and operations continue on around you as normal. On the other extreme, if you declare a Mayday this includes local fire services and ambulances being called in from outside of the airport, hospitals being put on standby (including non-urgent surgery being postponed keeping theatres available!).
some general info and background from the horses mouth would be greatly appreciated.