Originally Posted by
F-16GUY
Regardless of a MAYDAY or 7700, the question still remains: Is a diversion a planned event or is it an emergency?
A diversion doesn’t need to be an emergency. In the last two years I’ve diverted twice, one of which was under a pan. Also a diversion to your nominated alternate should ALWAYS be planned. Obviously they didn’t want to divert but given the situation presented, opted for plan B and did so safely. London ATC will then ask the aircraft their endurance and prioritise them accordingly. If the level of priority given is incompatible with their fuel state then they will first declare ‘minimum fuel’ and then potentially a pan or a mayday. The controller might ask them to set 7700 as it is a conspicuity code that will enable the other controllers of lower, upper or adjacent sectors to see them or see them coming.