A MAYDAY cal is used when there is imminent danger to the aircraft or it's occupants.
However, that being the rule, is is not always evident that a PAN call will get noticed by ATC all over the world.
The use of the MAYDAY call can therefore be justified if subsequantely it is made clear that the full blown emergency services are not needed.
Best practice is to start with a PAN call if conditions do not justify a MAYDAY and if no reaction by ATC then just go ahead with the MAYDAY.....believe me you WILL be able to defend yourself.
Last edited by AIMS by IBM; 31st May 2006 at 12:27.