Definition
An international radiotelephony urgency signal indicating that the aircraft has a problem requiring assistance but is not in immediate danger of loss of life or aircraft. It is spoken three times -- 'Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan' -- at the start of the transmission and signals a level of concern below a Mayday distress call but above a routine call.
Plain English
A radio call that tells controllers and other aircraft, 'I have a serious problem and need help, but I'm not in life-threatening danger right now.' It's one step below a Mayday call.
Context Anchor
Heard or used on the radio when a pilot needs priority help for an urgent problem, such as being lost, low on fuel, or having a sick passenger, but the situation has not become an immediate emergency.
Derivation
From the French word 'panne,' meaning a breakdown or mechanical failure. The doubling and the spoken pronunciation ('pahn-pahn') were adopted internationally so the call would sound distinct on the radio in any language.
Why Pilots Care
It prompts air traffic control and nearby aircraft to offer appropriate assistance and priority handling without triggering full emergency procedures.
Intuition Check
Do not treat Pan-Pan as the same as Mayday. Pan-Pan means urgent; Mayday means immediate and grave danger.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot keyed the mic and called, 'Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Center, Cessna Three-Four-Tango, passenger experiencing chest pains, requesting priority handling to the nearest airport.'
Example Sentence 2
Hearing Pan-Pan on the frequency, the controller cleared other traffic and gave the aircraft priority routing.