Personally, I don't think it matters whether a pan call is recognised in other countries. The fact is that IT IS recognised in the UK. Why smartie tube drivers seem to think that it's an admission of failure to declare a Pan or Mayday once they know they have a problem is quite beyond me! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> . .As a passenger, I'd like to think the pilot was using all means possible to get me on the ground ASAP, if the a/c had developed some sort of problem. If that means geeing up the controller who then gives the a/c a shorter track mileage, then so be it.. .If a Pan is called, I will immediately call a Full Emergency, because it covers all the angles. Anyway, it's easier to downgrade an emergency than upgrade one. The complexity of many airports' emergency procedures dictate this.. .. .somewhatconcerned - I don't think paper work is anybodys primary concern in any emergency situation. For those who think it is, you need to have a good look at your priorities. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> . .. .Captairprox - from what I've been told, Aldergrove did a great job full stop. I'm sure any descent below MSA was merely an oversight brought about by a complex situation.(I'm sticking up for them now, I must be going soft in my old age!). .. .As an aside, I remember an incident during my brief time at LGW where a 757 belonging to a certain UK charter operator, declared a Pan. The Atco in the tower (a man with 25 years+ experience in the profession) called a Full Emergency (the pilot was being somewhat vague as to the problem as I recall). The airline station manager heard on a scanner that a FE was being organised, and phoned the ATC Watch Manager in the tower to complain and demanded that it be downgraded to a Local Standby, as the sight of all those blue lights would only frighten the passengers. He was told in no uncertain terms to go away. Did rather beg the question, what would have frightened the pax more, lots of blue lights and a safe landing, or lots of flames and no blue lights to be seen? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" /> And why did someone other than an Atco or possibly a Fire Officer think he had a right to determine what level of emergency to call??? . .Strange old world innit?. . . . <small>[ 07 March 2002, 10:06: Message edited by: Standard Noise ]</small>