Subchapter 9.2 – IFR Distress and Urgency Communications

Say MAYDAY three times at the start. This ensures reception and alerts all listening stations.

Address the appropriate ATC station: Zurich Approach, Frankfurt Radar, any station.

State your callsign, aircraft type if relevant to the emergency (e.g., "Piper PA-28, dual engine failure").

Describe the nature of the emergency clearly and briefly: "engine failure," "fire in cabin," "hydraulic loss," "pilot incapacitation."

State your intentions: "requesting immediate descent and landing at nearest aerodrome," "declaring emergency, requesting vectors to nearest field," "declaring emergency, will attempt forced landing."

Provide your last known position or altitude: "last known position 20 DME north of Zurich, Flight Level 120," or "currently 5 miles south-southwest of Lucerne, 3,000 feet."

Give number of souls on board if relevant to rescue planning: "six persons on board."