PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Heli ditch North Sea G-REDL: NOT condolences
Old 3rd Apr 2009, 22:30
  #127 (permalink)  
SASless
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Downeast
Age: 75
Posts: 18,287
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Any radio transmission made to all stations which a Mayday call certainly is....is not protected speech.

I do not feel announcing the content of a Mayday call is inherently evil, wrong, or worthy of criticism.

As some have said....it provides some insight into the situation.

In a tight situation one morning I made three text book perfect Mayday calls....according to my flying buddy who was up that morning as well. I did not recall even making the calls..much less what the content was.

Under severe stress we say things that are driven by the circumstances.

Assuming the wording is correct then a very distinct message was relayed by the pilot making that Mayday call.

We all wish we could be as level headed as the PSA 727 pilot who died in the San Diego mid-air.....when he made his final radio call as the 727 was rolling inverted just prior to striking the ground......"Ma...I love you!"

I find this message to be very moving.....there's one of our brothers realizing what has happened and there is no hope left. Could very well have been me.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and those lost.
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