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Lesson 12.5 – Emergency Communication and Declaring an Emergency
Knowing when and how to declare an emergency is an important pilot skill. Early, clear communication can bring significant help and reduces workload when you need it most.
Primary FAA Sources
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 6 – Emergency Procedures
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
Airplane Flying Handbook
14 CFR Part 91
Mayday vs. Pan-Pan
Mayday vs. Pan-Pan
Mayday = Distress (immediate danger, need immediate assistance)
Pan-Pan = Urgency (safety is concerned, but not yet immediate danger)
Minimum Fuel
Minimum Fuel
“Minimum Fuel” is an advisory that you cannot accept any undue delay. If the situation becomes critical, declare an emergency.
Emergency Frequency – 121.5 MHz
Emergency Frequency – 121.5 MHz
121.5 MHz (often called “Guard”) is the international aeronautical emergency frequency.
Monitoring notes:
When practicable monitor 121.5
Many airliners, ATC facilities, and search-and-rescue aircraft continuously monitor 121.5.
If you hear an ELT signal (a distinctive continuous siren-like tone) on 121.5, report it to ATC or Flight Service with your position.
ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)
ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)
Most general-aviation aircraft are equipped with an ELT that transmits on 121.5 MHz and/or 406 MHz.
A 406 MHz ELT provides a much more accurate position to search-and-rescue satellites.
After a hard landing or crash, the ELT should activate automatically. You can also activate it manually if needed.
During routine operations, if you hear an ELT on 121.5, note your approximate location and notify ATC or Flight Service so the signal can be investigated.
Radio Failure Procedures
Radio Failure Procedures
Squawk 7600.
Troubleshoot if possible.
Continue VFR if able, or follow IFR lost-communication procedures if on an IFR flight plan.
At a Tower-Controlled Airport (VFR):
Remain outside or above Class D until you determine traffic flow.
Watch the tower for light-gun signals.
Enter the pattern when safe.
Acknowledge signals by rocking the wings (day) or flashing the landing light (night).
Light-Gun Signals
Light-Gun Signals
(Simple table format that pastes cleanly into Google Sites)
Signal
Meaning on the Ground
Meaning in Flight
Steady Green
Cleared for takeoff
Cleared to land
Flashing Green
Cleared to taxi
Return for landing
Steady Red
Stop
Give way / continue circling
Flashing Red
Taxi clear of runway
Airport unsafe – do not land
Flashing White
Return to starting point
Not used in flight
Alternating Red & Green
Exercise extreme caution
Exercise extreme caution
Key Points
Key Points
Monitor 121.5 when able; report any ELT signal you hear.
121.5 is the VHF emergency frequency; 406 MHz ELTs provide superior satellite locating.
Squawk 7600 for radio failure.
At a tower airport, follow and acknowledge light-gun signals.
Steady green in flight = cleared to land; flashing red = do not land.
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Lesson 11.2
Currency Requirements
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