Why would an airline pilot transmit a 'Pan-Pan' call rather that an 'Mayday' call?

Question

Why would an airline pilot transmit a 'Pan-Pan' call rather that an 'Mayday' call?

Question #152390. Asked by odo5435.
Last updated Mar 19 2026.
Originally posted Mar 18 2026 9:51 AM.

elvislennon
Answer has 7 votes

Currently Best Answer

elvislennon
16 year member
76 replies

Answer has 7 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Link for above:

https://simpleflying.com/why-pilots-use-term-pan-pan/

Mar 18 2026, 7:30 PM

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion

Answer 1

debbitts

Answer has 1 vote

debbitts

16 year member
16 replies avatar

Answer has 1 vote.

A pan pan call means help is needed but the situation is not life-threatening.

Mar 18 2026, 10:01 AM

Answer 2

Both terms originate from French to ensure they were easily understood by pilots and controllers on both sides of the English Channel in the 1920s.

- "Mayday" derived from the French "m'aider" (from "venez m'aider"), meaning "help me". It was proposed in 1923 by Frederick Mockford to provide a clear, unmistakable distress signal for voice radio.

- "Pan-Pan" derived from the French word "panne", meaning a "breakdown" or "mechanical failure". It is used for urgent situations that are not yet life-threatening.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-pan

Why would an airline pilot transmit a 'Pan-Pan' call rather that an 'Mayday' call?

Other Similar Questions & Answers

Related FunTrivia Quizzes