Definition
The total count of all persons in the aircraft at the time of an emergency, including the pilot, any other crew, and all passengers. Reported to ATC as part of emergency communications so that search, rescue, and medical resources can be planned accurately.
Plain English
How many people are inside the aircraft right now — counting yourself, anyone else flying it, and every passenger.
Context Anchor
Used when giving information to air traffic control, flight service, or rescue personnel, especially during abnormal or emergency situations.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate reporting allows ATC and rescue services to know exactly how many people are involved if something goes wrong.
Intuition Check
Do not count only passengers. In this aviation use, the number includes everyone in the aircraft, including the pilot.
Example Sentence 1
Mayday, mayday, mayday — Cessna Three-Four-Alpha, engine failure, four people on board, ten miles south of the field.
Example Sentence 2
When declaring an emergency, the crew confirmed the number of people on board to ATC.