What are symptoms of an emergency situation or unlawful interference?
If a pilot indicates an emergency situation, what should a controller do?
Ask if the pilot wishes to declare an emergency, and if not specified, the class of emergency being declared
What is ‘Distress’?
The condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and requiring immediate assistance
What is ‘Urgency’?
A condition concerning the safety of an aircraft or other vehicle, or of some person on board or within sight, but does not require immediate assistance
What should a Distress message start with?
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
What should an urgency message start with?
Pan pan, Pan pan, Pan pan
What information should be contained with an emergency message?
If a pilot does not wish to declare an emergency, what may a controller do anyway?
Carry out the necessary actions as if a pilot had declared an emergency, if appropriate
What meaning does ‘Fuel emergency’ have?
None in the UK. No priority is required to be given unless an emergency is declared
What are the three main emergency transponder codes?
7700 - Aircraft emergency
7600 - Radio failure
7500 - Hijack or other act of violence
When should a controller retain control of an aircraft in an emergency?
If the controller can offer immediate assistance.
Other aircraft should be transferred to another frequency, or radio silence imposed, or the emergency aircraft may be transferred to another frequency
If a controller believes that another unit may be able to offer more assistance, what should they do?
What are the terms ‘Executive Control’ and ‘Operational Control’?
Terms used by D&D wrt aircraft in an emergency. D&D may delegate operational control, but will retain executive control
What limitations to D&D have?
What should a controller do if they intercept a message from an aircraft that indicates that it is in an emergency?
In the event of a forced landing, who should a controller contact?
What are the actions a controller should take to assist a pilot in an emergency? (not exhaustive, nor in priority order)
What are the rules regarding fuel jettisoning?
What considerations should there be for an emergency overweight landing?
What phrase would be used by a pilot deplying a Ballistic recovery system?
“Ballistic recovery system deployed”
To be treated similar to engine failure/forced landing. If a recovery system has activated but failed to operate, RFFS/emergency services to be informed.
What is a strayed aircraft?
An aircraft which has deviated significantly from its intended track or which reports that it is lost
What is an unidentified aircraft?
An aircraft which has been observed or reported to be operating in a given area but whose identity has not bee established.
What actions should a controller take in the event of becoming aware of a strayed aircraft?
What should a controller do if a pilot reports they are lost?