"Ross Younger" wrote in message
...
* Cub Driver :
Has anyone here ever used the emergency call PAN PAN PAN in an
aircraft?

Never in genuine anger, but I did have to make a pan call and a mayday
relay on my (UK) radiotelephony practical test.

What about SECURITE (tay) SECURITE?

I've heard that being used in the marine world, but I don't think it's
covered in the UK flight R/T syllabus. I suppose it might have a use in
a broadcast warning of severe weather?

Visited West Drayton a few weeks back and they were keen for pilots to try
practice pans. With some usage even on practices it might be enough to
convince the bean counters that keeping the only full time 24/7 dedicated
distress and diversion cell is worth while.

All they ask is that one listens out on the frequency first to make sure
they are not handling a real emergency.

While we were there, an airliner squawked 7700 and the bells went off etc.
Turned out that they had a medical emergency and wanted a straight in
approach to save time and link the patient up with the ambulance.

I have only ever done practice pans, about two a year just to help out,
usually asking for a position fix due to being "temporarily unsure of my
position".

D & D is one of the best things we have and I was surprised at the number of
calls they get. Run by the RAF.