Originally Posted by
Chiefttp
Most US crews flying domestically (to include Hawaii) declare an “Emergency” as opposed to Mayday. If I were outside the US I’d use “Mayday” inside I’d use “Emergency” they are interchangeable. Perhaps the terminology should be standardized. The Pilot did declare an “Emergency” but too much talking on the ATC frequency garbled up his transmission.
It is standardized: see the AIM on the FAA website
here. It's just that there is a deep-rooted cultural aversion to applying the standard.