B-737 Cargo Plane down in Hawaii

[island_airphoto]

NutLoose

For the lazy among us:NOTE-

A pilot who encounters a DISTRESS condition may declare an emergency by beginning the initial communication with the word MAYDAY, preferably repeated three times. For an URGENCY condition, the word PAN-PAN may be used in the same manner.

1. If the words MAYDAY or PAN-PAN are not used, and there is doubt that a situation constitutes an emergency or potential emergency, handle it as though it is an emergency.

I learned Mayday at flight school, but knew it anyway from boats. There was one instructor who famously made students actually say Mayday doing practice engine outs until bitch-slapped by the FAA.