Home       Features       Site Map      Français

Arrow
Arrow
Slider

Declaring an Emergency

Reprinted from the UK Flight Safety Committee’s Focus on Commercial Aviation Safety, Autumn 1999 Issue, with permission. Although nearly identical to Canadian procedures, the following information reflects procedures in the UK. For the specific Canadian application, read your A.I.P. section COM 5.10.

There has always been a reluctance by many pilots to declare an emergency, in spite of the clear advice to do so if the situation warrants. This attitude may have filtered down from the airlines who shun what they see as adverse (and increasingly sensational) publicity when, for example, a "local-standby phase" is declared by ATC. In other cases, pilots can be reluctant to "make a fuss", displaying perhaps a macho attitude in believing they can handle the situation. The thought of having to go through a reporting procedure may also deter some.

When something goes wrong, sometimes our pilot mindset can be such that we believe circumstances do not warrant any outside assistance. A light twin-engine aircraft, for example, is certificated for single-engine performance, and in an engine failure situation it is often hoped that flight can be sustained without incident. However, this and any other type of emergency or reduced performance situation (such as icing) should be advised to ATC so that they understand your predicament and can plan assistance accordingly.

Failure to clearly state the nature of a problem not only prevents ATC from providing assistance, but also (in the worst case) may deprive accident investigators of any leads to explain what led to the burnt-out wreck before them. Remember that there are two levels of communication, distress and urgency.

Distress is defined as being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and requiring immediate assistance (use MAYDAY, pronounced three times in Canada).

Urgency is defined as a condition concerning the safety of an aircraft, or of some person on board or within sight, but which does not require immediate assistance (use PAN, pronounced three times in Canada).

The urgency situation is probably the one which is not advised as often as it should be. If you declare an urgency situation, it is possible that the problem may be resolved (or alleviated) before it becomes a distress situation. If the problem is resolved or a safe landing made, don’t forget to cancel the MAYDAY or PAN.

Self-Paced Recency
Aviation Safety Newsletter
Emergency Operations
Smart Pilot Seminars
Features
Drones
General Aviation Safety
AOPA Flight Training
Ask ATS
Winter Flying
Fuel Management
Float Planes
Upset Training
Fit to Fly
ELTs
SAR

Pilot Resources

Ask ATS

Ask ATS

Have questions about ATS? In partnership with NAV CANADA, SmartPilot.ca is getting you answers!

Read More

Weather

Weather

Do you have the proper weather to fly? View local and national forecasts.

Read More

TSB

TSB

The Transportation Safety Board is an independent agency that advances transportation safety by investigating occurrences.

Read More

Interactive

Interactive Materials

Check out SmartPilot's online courses and other interactive learning materials.

Read More

NOTAMs

NOTAMs

Check out the latest NOTAMs from NAV Canada.

Read More

ASI

Air Safety Institute

Browse through ASI's free safety education and research designed to make you a better pilot from home!

Read More

ELTs

ELTs

Learn about the next generation in SAR.

Read More

ASL

Aviation Safety Letter

Articles include aviation safety, safety insight derived from accidents & incidents, safety information.

Read More

SmartPilot proudly works with.

aopa logocopa logoeaa logo

sar logo

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for this initiative through the Search and Rescue New Initiative Fund (SAR NIF).