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Thinking clearly
Following procedures properly
Obtaining maximum assistance
Ensuring minimum loss of life
There are many cases where a controllers calm voice over the radio has kept a
distraught pilot from becoming a victim of panic, resulting in a successful conclusion instead of
a statistic.
Lesson Objectives
On an End-of-Lesson Test, and in accordance with FAA Orders 7110.65 and 7110.10 and the
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), you will identify:
4. Types of emergencies.
Emergency Determination
Because of the infinite variety of possible emergency situations, specific procedures cannot
be prescribed.
Distress
Urgency
Distress is a condition of being threatened by serious and/or imminent danger and
requiring immediate assistance.
MAYDAY!
Requiring immediate
assistance MAYDAY!
4
Urgency is a condition of being concerned about safety and of requiring timely, but not
immediate assistance; a potential distress condition.
If pilot does not use the words MAYDAY or PAN-PAN and you are in doubt that an
emergency exists:
Handle as an emergency
URGENCY CONDITION
FUEL
1/2
Being concerned PAN-PAN!E F
about safety
Requiring timely,
but not immediate,
assistance
A potential distress
condition PAN-PAN!
PAN-PAN!
Emergency Frequencies
The universal emergency frequencies are:
Although 121.5 and 243.0 are emergency frequencies, it is usually best to leave the aircraft
on the frequency they initially used to contact you.
Pilot
ATC Facility personnel
Code 7700
Intercept or escort aircraft services are required.
Need for ground rescue seems likely.
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal is heard or reported
Emergency Locator Transmitter
Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are required for most general aviation airplanes.
ELTs properly installed and maintained can expedite search and rescue operations and
save lives.
RESPONSE ITEM
In which emergency condition would a pilot transmit PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN,
PAN-PAN?
A. Help
B. Distress
C. Urgency
Obtaining Information
Obtain enough information to handle the emergency intelligently
MINIMUM REQUIRED INFORMATION
AIRCRAFT NATURE OF
IDENTIFICATION THE
AND TYPE EMERGENCY
LOST
PILOTS
DESIRES
ALTITUDE
WEATHER, AS REPORTED BY THE PILOT
160 80
HEADING SINCE
140 100
LAST KNOWN 120
POSITION
FROM 270 90
180
TACAN
NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT TUL
MIO
CAPABILITY
COW
RIVER PINK AND GREEN
HIGHWAY ON
WEST BANK OF BEECHCRAFT
COW RIVER
NUMBER OF PEOPLE
ON BOARD
RESPONSE ITEM
Pilot in Command
The pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to
the operation of that aircraft.
In an in-flight emergency, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule to the extent
required to meet that emergency
Controller/ Specialist
If you are in communication with an aircraft in distress:
When you receive information about an emergency, forward detailed data to the center in
whose area the emergency exists.
Inform supervisor in charge of the emergency so he/she can:
The Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) shall be responsible for:
Receiving and relaying all pertinent Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal
information to appropriate authorities.
RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER (RCC)
Equipped and manned to coordinate and control SAR operations in an area designated
by the SAR plan.
The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force have responsibility for the
operation of RCCs.
RESPONSE ITEM
Hijacked Aircraft
A hijacked aircraft is indicated by the nondiscrete code 7500.
Hijack attempts or actual hijacked aircraft are a matter of national security and require
special handling.
Bomb Threats
For information on bomb threats received from any source:
Advise the pilot of the threat and comply with any pilot requests.
Handle the aircraft as an emergency and/or provide most expeditious handling possible
with respect to safety of other aircraft, ground facilities, and personnel.
If pilot requests, or appears to need technical assistance, DO NOT suggest actions the
pilot should take, but obtain the following information:
VFR aircraft unintentionally entering IFR conditions is one of the leading causes of
general aviation aircraft fatalities
If not in your control area, determine which facility is able to provide the best service,
and inform the appropriate control facility/sector.
If a frequency change is necessary, advise the pilot of the reason for the change.
Overdue Aircraft
Consider an aircraft overdue when:
Neither radio nor radar contact can be established and
30 minutes has passed since:
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) over compulsory reporting point or clearance limit
Volcanic Ash
RESPONSE ITEM
When a bomb threat has been received involving an aircraft you are
working, you should inform the pilot of the threat and
A. 7700.
B. 7600.
C. 7500
Minimum Fuel
Minimum fuel indicates that an aircrafts fuel supply is such that it can accept little or no
delay upon reaching destination.