Is a Pan an emergency?
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Is a Pan an emergency?
The definition I have of emergencies groups them into 2 categories: Urgency (PAN) and Distress (MAY DAY).
However, it seems to be that declaring an emergency is synonomous with calling MAY DAY. So....is a PAN call an emergency? In this case is it appropriate to squawk 7700 after calling PAN PAN (for instance on a single engine drift-down)?
However, it seems to be that declaring an emergency is synonomous with calling MAY DAY. So....is a PAN call an emergency? In this case is it appropriate to squawk 7700 after calling PAN PAN (for instance on a single engine drift-down)?
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One thing I've always wondered (since this thread is here), is what you'd call in this scenario.
Imagine you're in a C172 or equivalent, with a few passengers. You have complete engine failure, but there's a lovely big field below you and you're perfectly happy to do a completely normal and safe landing. Am I right in saying that's a pan?
Imagine you're in a C172 or equivalent, with a few passengers. You have complete engine failure, but there's a lovely big field below you and you're perfectly happy to do a completely normal and safe landing. Am I right in saying that's a pan?
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Since you ask, no - that is a MAYDAY and is clearly "Distress" as it involves a total loss of engine power. It would not be a "completely normal and safe landing" that you would accomplish in those circumstances.
However, there will be other considerations as to whether you actually transmit a MAYDAY, in particular whether you are in current contact with an ATSU at the time and whether you actually have time (height) to do so while sorting out the reason for the failure and planning the forced landing.
JD
However, there will be other considerations as to whether you actually transmit a MAYDAY, in particular whether you are in current contact with an ATSU at the time and whether you actually have time (height) to do so while sorting out the reason for the failure and planning the forced landing.
JD
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If in any doubt I would suggest dont hesitate and call Mayday!!...its amazing how that single word concentrates the mind of the Controller or in my case FISO....at the end of the day you can always down grade to a Pan if required but if in doubt...SHOUT !!!!!!! 
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A Pan call is an emergency.We always squawk 7700 as it alerts other sectors that you have an aircraft with a problem,which could develop into a Distress situation.
It alerts D&D and they can start taking their action.It can alert the Tower,so that they can call out the emergency services .
Sometimes you don't get a lot of notice.I had twin turboprop that had an engine failure on 8 mile final and called Pan.Squawked it 7700 and everyone took a lot of notice very quickly.
It's interesting that the poster is in Hong Kong.I seem to remember discussion about this subject when working there,that a Pan call was not classified as an emergency.Wouldn't surprise me.
It alerts D&D and they can start taking their action.It can alert the Tower,so that they can call out the emergency services .
Sometimes you don't get a lot of notice.I had twin turboprop that had an engine failure on 8 mile final and called Pan.Squawked it 7700 and everyone took a lot of notice very quickly.
It's interesting that the poster is in Hong Kong.I seem to remember discussion about this subject when working there,that a Pan call was not classified as an emergency.Wouldn't surprise me.
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In my opinion squawk 7700 every time for a PAN. The appropriate services can always ask you to change it but if you don't and things get worse you might not be able to select it. This is reflected in many local instructions to ATCOs which require that the pilot is told to squwrk 7700 if not already doing so.
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Depends on what the PAN is and what you plan to do in my airspace. If its a big turn around through several sectors, military areas or close to an FIR boundary then I'd ask for 7700. If you are inbound, not changing route or destination with a sick pax, then I wouldn't bother.
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To the C172 pilot, call Mayday. Your lovely green field might have potholes, fences etc unseen from the air and you are forced to land in it. If you suddenly see an obstruction, going round isn't an option.
