Originally Posted by
LookingForAJob
The problem with downgrading is that if events unfold in a way that mean that had downgrading not occurred the outcome would have been better, whoever took the decision to reduce the response will have some very difficult questions to answer.....so even if the pilot declares that there is now a situation which warrants a PAN, it is unlikely that the ground response will be downgraded before the aircraft is on the ground.
So from a practical point of view, there seems to be little merit in downgrading to a PAN. Once the external services have been deployed, then a stand down will only occur once the ac in on the ground and the Fire Chief in conjunction with other interested parties agree to do so.
From the flying point of view, there is not 100% certainty that a secondary (related) event might not develop to increase the difficulties experienced. Possible a critical (rare) emergency such as an uncontained cabin fire.
There is an academic argument that another emergency might appear, and by downgrading an obvious priority order will be followed with similar ETAs. I personally would discount this as a TEN to the minus ‘x’ possibility.