Separated by a common language: In the US, Minimum Fuel and Fuel Emergency are recognized terms.
"Minimum Fuel" = PAN PAN PAN
"Fuel Emergency"= MAYDAY
When flying outside the US pilots should be using the ICAO terminology, but the end result is the same.
"XXX is minimum fuel."
"Are you declaring an emergency?"
"Not at this time, but if I am still airborne in 10 minutes I will be."
Last edited by BobnSpike; 30th Jul 2012 at 11:00.