Declaring Emergencies

CHAPTER FOUR

SNFO/SWSO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

414. DECLARING EMERGENCIES

When you find yourself in a desperate situation, it may be time to swallow your pride and

declare an emergency. It is very important to get the controller's attention properly:

SNFO/SWSO:

"Houston Center, BUCK 723 is declaring an

emergency..."

Change your squawk to 7700 if there is not an immediate response from ATC. This emergency

squawk causes alarms to go off and alerts every controller that you have a problem. Obviously,

ATC won't know what the problem is and won't be able to assist until you inform them. You

can expect the controller to ask questions since there are ATC procedures the controller must

follow in the event of an emergency. Remember, take care of your airplane first. If the

controller can provide any assistance, advise the controller. If the controller is bothering you at a

time you are busy with other things, tell the controller to "stand by."

415. EMERGENCY VOICE REPORTS

Use MAYDAY for serious emergencies that you have no time to fix (perhaps occurring at a low

altitude). When repeated three times, it indicates imminent and grave danger and that immediate

assistance is required. MAYDAY reports should be broadcast on guard, 243.0 UHF or 121.5

VHF. The following ISPI format should be used:

identification

situation

position

intentions

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, BUCK 712

has an engine failure, 5 miles south of Oyster Bay,

will be landing in a farmer's field to the north."

4-16

SPECIAL SITUATIONS