Title: MAYDAY: Why Do Pilots Say Mayday? – Pilot Teacher
Headings: MAYDAY: Why Do Pilots Say Mayday?
MAYDAY: Why Do Pilots Say Mayday?
Why Would A Pilot Say “Mayday”?
What Happens When A Pilots Declares Mayday?
In Remote Locations
In Populated Areas & Airspace
To Finish
Further Reading
Rick James
How Do Helicopters Move Around On The Ground?
Can Helicopters Fly In Zero Visibility?

Content: Why Would A Pilot Say “Mayday”? Pilots should declare a Mayday whenever they feel they are in distress or have encountered an emergency situation. Mayday is an international word and announcing it in any country has the same effect. When a pilot declares an emergency over the radio they can start the radio transmission with the words “Emergency” or “Mayday”, however, the preferred method is to declare “Mayday” three times if time permits, and then the rest of the message. Mayday’s can be declared for situations like: Engine or aircraft fires
Smoke in the aircraft
Engine failures
Bird strikes
Hydraulic failures
Total electrical failure
Landing gear failure
Rapid Depressurization
Loss of visual reference
Crew/passenger medical emergency
Low fuel
Heck, even getting lost warrants a mayday! As the pilot is running through the emergency checklist, fighting with a malfunctioning aircraft, or trying to keep the aircraft upright and flying, having another person aware of their situation can begin to assist or arrange help which could save precious minutes if the aircraft is involved in a crash. Many pilots have a fear that declaring an emergency will get them into trouble with the FAA or air traffic control but that is so far from the truth. The sooner air traffic control is aware of the pilot’s predicament, the sooner they can begin to assist the pilot in any way they can. Aviation follows three rules: