In the high-stakes world of aviation, clear, concise communication is critical. Whether it’s a routine call to air traffic control or a declaration of a life-threatening emergency, aviation professionals rely on standardized terminology to ensure that everyone — from pilots and cabin crew to ground staff and ATCs — stays on the same page.
Two of the most recognized yet often misunderstood terms in aviation are “MAYDAY” and “PAN-PAN.” But they’re just the tip of the jargon iceberg.
Here’s a deep dive into the essential phrases that keep global airspace organized and safe.
🚨 MAYDAY: Distress Signal for Life-Threatening Emergencies
What it means:
Derived from the French phrase “m’aider” (meaning “help me”), MAYDAY is the internationally recognized distress signal used by pilots to declare a life-threatening emergency.
When it’s used:
- Engine failure
- Fire onboard
- Severe medical emergencies
- Loss of control or systems
- Imminent crash or forced landing
Protocol:
A pilot will declare “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” over the radio to immediately get top priority from air traffic control. This prompts emergency response, including possible diversion of nearby aircraft, alerts to emergency services, and rapid coordination with destination airports.
✈️ Other Common Aviation Terms You Should Know
ROGER
Means “I have received your last transmission.” It doesn’t imply agreement or action — just acknowledgment.
WILCO
Short for “will comply” — used after ROGER when a pilot confirms they’ll follow the given instructions.
SQUAWK
Refers to the transponder code a pilot sets to identify their aircraft to radar systems. For example:
- 7500 = Hijacking
- 7600 = Radio communication failure
- 7700 = General emergency
STANDBY
A request or instruction to wait before taking further action or giving a response.
CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF / LANDING
Official ATC authorization for a flight to depart or land. Pilots must never assume clearance without hearing it explicitly.
GO AROUND
An aborted landing initiated by the pilot or instructed by ATC, usually due to traffic, weather, or unstable approach.
👩✈️ Cabin Crew Terminology
Cabin crew also use aviation-specific phrases for safety and efficiency:
- “Doors to automatic, cross-check” – Verifying emergency slide deployment settings before takeoff.
- “Cabin secure” – Cabin is ready for takeoff or landing.
- “Brace for impact” – Emergency landing instructions for passengers.
- “All-call” – A call made from one station (usually the cockpit) to all cabin interphones for coordination.
🗣️ Why Standardized Terminology Matters
Miscommunication is a leading contributor to aviation incidents. Standard phrases help:
- Eliminate ambiguity
- Improve coordination across language barriers
- Accelerate response in emergencies
- Ensure safety in high-stress or high-traffic environments
The use of ICAO-standard phraseology is taught early in pilot and air traffic controller training, and strict adherence is maintained worldwide.