Pilots and flight attendants utilize a system of secret codes and phrases to communicate in-flight emergencies, ensuring that critical information is conveyed efficiently and discreetly, often without passengers' awareness. These codes, ranging from transponder squawk signals to verbal calls, are designed to alert air traffic control and ground personnel to various critical situations.
Former airline captain Emma Henderson explained that aircraft are equipped with transponders, devices that transmit crucial flight data like altitude and speed. These systems also play a role in collision avoidance. While aircraft are assigned standard four-digit squawk codes, three specific codes—7500, 7600, and 7700—are designated for emergencies.
Emergency Squawk Codes
Squawk code 7500 is reserved for hijacking situations, a rare but serious scenario. Code 7600 signals a loss of communication between the aircraft and the ground, meaning pilots cannot transmit or receive messages through traditional radio channels. The most general emergency code is 7700, which indicates any critical emergency situation.
There have been several instances where pilots have used the squawk 7700 code. In March, an easyJet flight returning to Glasgow declared a 7700 squawk after a crew member required medical assistance following turbulence. Last October, a Ryanair flight reportedly came close to running out of fuel mid-air, prompting the use of the 7700 code. More recently, a Jet2 flight from London Stansted to Ibiza made a U-turn and landed in Paris after declaring a 7700.
Verbal Emergency Calls
In addition to squawk codes, pilots use specific verbal calls. The internationally recognized distress call, 'Mayday,' repeated three times, is used for grave and imminent danger. For instance, last year a United Airlines pilot calmly declared 'Mayday-mayday-mayday' after the left engine failed shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles Airport. The aircraft returned safely to the airport.
Similarly, an American Airlines flight from Boston to Philadelphia declared a mayday due to maintenance issues, forcing it to turn back shortly after departure. The flight landed safely, and the aircraft was taken out of service for inspection.
The phrase 'Pan-pan,' also repeated three times, signifies an urgent situation that is not immediately life-threatening but still requires prompt attention. An easyJet flight from Madeira to Gatwick triggered a pan call last year following a bird strike, leading to a request for a continuous descent and a sterile runway before a safe landing.
Discreet Medical Alerts
For medical emergencies, pilots may use less standardized phrases like 'Code 300' or 'Angel.' Jason Martinelli, director of operations at Cirrus Aviation Services, noted that these codes are used to discreetly signal a medical emergency onboard, such as when a passenger is incapacitated or unresponsive. However, he cautioned that these specific codes are not universally adopted across the airline industry, and variations may exist among different carriers.
