On June 12, an Air India flight carrying 242 passengers, en route to London, crashed near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the pilot of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171 issued a Mayday call just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. It's a call that no airplane pilot or ship's captain ever wants to make. "Mayday" is an internationally recognised distress signal used in radio communications, and it is vital in both aviation and maritime operations. "Mayday" is used in extreme emergencies when human lives or the safety of an aircraft or vessel are in immediate danger. As the most urgent distress signal, it indicates a life-threatening situation that requires immediate assistance and priority attention.
The term "Mayday" was established as an international distress call in 1923 and was officially recognised in 1948. It is said to have been proposed by Frederick Mockford, a senior radio officer at Croydon Airport in London. He chose "mayday" as a phonetic equivalent of the French phrase "m'aider," which means "help me".
In aviation, pilots use "Mayday" when they face serious emergencies, such as mechanical failures, fuel shortages, or severe weather conditions that jeopardise the safety of the flight and its passengers. The use of 'Mayday' carries the utmost priority and serves as a critical alert to all stations. When a pilot communicates 'Mayday', it necessitates an immediate radio silence among all other communications on the frequency in use.
The use of "Mayday" is critical in reducing the severity of emergencies, as it not only signals the need for assistance but also ensures that relevant authorities and rescue teams are prepared to intervene as quickly as possible. In addition to its importance in emergencies, understanding the proper procedures for using the "Mayday" call is essential for maintaining safety in both aviation and maritime operations.
To issue a Mayday distress call, it is essential to repeat the word 'Mayday' three times in a row: "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" This repetition helps ensure that the message is not confused with similar-sounding phrases, especially in noisy situations. A standard distress call should begin with this threefold repetition, followed by crucial information that rescuers need. This information should include details such as the type and identity of the vessel, the nature of the emergency, the location or last known position, current weather conditions, the amount of fuel remaining, the type of assistance required, and the number of people at risk.
When a pilot encounters a distress or urgency situation, they can request immediate assistance by establishing contact with the appropriate air traffic control facility or relevant agency overseeing the area where the aircraft is operating.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) defines the procedures for communicating distress and urgency. It sets standardised guidelines to ensure effective and coordinated responses. When a pilot sends a 'Mayday' call over the radio, it is directed to air traffic control and can also be communicated to other nearby aircraft.
When a "Mayday" emergency signal is received, it prompts immediate responses from air traffic controllers, search and rescue (SAR) teams, and other relevant authorities. These groups work together to coordinate rescue operations and provide vital assistance to the aircraft or vessel in distress.
