Definition
The information and actions Air Traffic Control needs from a pilot when an aircraft is in distress or experiencing an urgent situation, so controllers can provide priority handling, separation from other traffic, and appropriate assistance. Typically this includes the nature of the emergency, pilot intentions, aircraft position, altitude, fuel remaining (in time), souls on board, and any assistance required. Pilots declare an emergency by stating 'Mayday' (distress) or 'Pan-Pan' (urgency), or by squawking transponder code 7700.
Plain English
When something goes wrong in flight, ATC needs certain key facts from you so they can clear traffic out of your way and get you help. Tell them what's wrong, what you plan to do, where you are, how much fuel you have left in time, and how many people are on board.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying and emergency-procedure discussions, especially when a pilot declares an emergency, reports a serious problem, or needs immediate help from air traffic control.
Why Pilots Care
Following these requirements ensures ATC can provide immediate priority handling, route clearance, and coordination with emergency services to resolve the situation safely.
Grounding Statement
If the flight becomes unsafe or uncertain, ATC shifts from normal traffic handling to giving that aircraft priority help.
Intuition Check
Do not assume ATC takes over the flight during an emergency. ATC assists and coordinates, but the pilot in command still controls the aircraft and chooses the safest action.
Example Sentence 1
After the engine began running rough, the pilot declared an emergency and gave ATC the required information: nature of the problem, intentions to divert, position, altitude, fuel remaining in minutes, and souls on board.
Example Sentence 2
Training emphasizes ATC requirements during an in-flight emergency so the crew knows to squawk 7700 and state intentions clearly without delay.