Originally Posted by
parkfell
Interesting that an emergency was declared when it was.
Tell ATC that there is an issue which needs to be resolved using the ‘QRH’ (non normal checklist). Hold offshore.
If unsuccessful then declare it.
Yes, it struck me as a bit of an over-reaction by the pilot on the initial call but it certainly raised my adrenaline levels in what was an already incredibly busy traffic situation. If I had just acknowledged the MAYDAY and carried out the required actions, it would have meant instant runway sterilisation, go-arounds, delays to inbound and outbound traffic and a full call-out of all the emergency services. The local instructions relating to helicopter emergencies were swiftly amended to allow more leeway in decision making.
To answer the original question - in forty odd years of controlling, this is the only incident I know of where a MAYDAY call has led to no action by ATC.