The recent Air India AI171 flight incident has sparked questions about what exactly a “MAYDAY” call means and why it’s so critical in aviation. When a flight crew declares a MAYDAY after takeoff—as was the case with AI171—it signals the presence of a severe and immediate emergency. But what happens after that call, and why is it so important?

What Is a MAYDAY Call?

A MAYDAY call is an internationally recognized radio distress signal used by pilots and mariners to indicate a life-threatening emergency. It is the highest level of alert and requires immediate attention and response from Air Traffic Control (ATC) and nearby aircraft.

Origin of the Word MAYDAY

The term “MAYDAY” is derived from the French phrase “m’aidez,” which means “help me.” It was first adopted in the 1920s for use in radio communication, especially for situations where immediate help was needed.

When Is a MAYDAY Call Used?

Pilots are trained to use a MAYDAY call only under very specific and dire circumstances. These include:

• Major engine failure or fire
• Loss of cabin pressure
• Structural damage
• Flight control malfunctions
• Critical medical emergencies on board

Issuing a MAYDAY indicates that the situation could lead to the loss of the aircraft or lives if not immediately resolved.

How a MAYDAY Call Is Communicated

Standard aviation protocol requires a crew to make the MAYDAY call using the following format:

1. Say “MAYDAY” three times: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
2. Identify the aircraft: Include the flight number and aircraft type
3. State the nature of the emergency: What is happening
4. Give position and altitude: Where the aircraft is and how high
5. Declare intentions: Whether they plan to return, land immediately, etc.

This information is vital for Air Traffic Control to initiate emergency procedures and guide the aircraft to safety.

The Case of Air India Flight AI171

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the crew of Air India flight AI171 declared a MAYDAY call immediately after takeoff. However, they failed to respond to any further communications from ATC. This lack of response can be caused by:

• Rapid escalation of the emergency
• Communication system failure
• Crew being preoccupied managing a critical situation
• Potential incapacitation of crew members

In aviation, such a communication blackout following a MAYDAY is extremely serious and may trigger emergency responses from multiple agencies.

MAYDAY vs PAN-PAN: What’s the Difference?

While MAYDAY is used for life-threatening emergencies, another term, PAN-PAN, is used for urgent but non-life-threatening situations. For instance, a minor technical issue or a precautionary medical concern may warrant a PAN-PAN rather than a MAYDAY.

Legal and Operational Implications

Declaring a false MAYDAY can result in severe legal penalties. Aviation authorities treat each MAYDAY call as a real crisis and dispatch emergency services accordingly. Therefore, it’s a powerful tool that must be used with caution and seriousness.

Conclusion

A MAYDAY call is the aviation world’s strongest cry for help. It signifies that every second counts and that the crew is in a potentially life-or-death situation. In the case of AI171, the lack of communication following the MAYDAY underscores just how critical and unpredictable such emergencies can be. Understanding this protocol not only helps demystify aviation emergencies but also highlights the immense pressure pilots face in high-stress scenarios.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between MAYDAY and PAN-PAN?
MAYDAY is used for life-threatening emergencies, while PAN-PAN signals urgent but non-critical situations.

2. What does it mean when there’s no response after a MAYDAY?
It could mean system failure, worsening emergency, or crew incapacitation.

3. Is MAYDAY used only in aviation?
No, it’s also used in maritime distress communications.

4. Can anyone make a MAYDAY call?
In emergencies, any crew member or radio operator can issue a MAYDAY.

5. Are there penalties for false MAYDAY calls?
Yes, falsely declaring a MAYDAY can lead to legal consequences including fines or imprisonment.

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