May 01, 2025
What Does 'Mayday' Mean on a Flight?
Ever wondered why pilots say “Mayday”? It’s more than just a dramatic phrase—it’s a crucial part of aviation safety
“Mayday” is used only in severe emergencies, such as engine failure, fire, or loss of cabin pressure. It signals an urgent need for assistance
The word is repeated three times—“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”—to ensure clarity and confirm the situation is a genuine emergency
The term comes from the French phrase "m’aidez" or "venez m’aider," meaning "help me" or "come help me." It was adopted in the early 1920s
Frederick Mockford, a British radio officer, suggested “Mayday” because it was easy to understand even with poor radio signals
In 1927, the United States adopted “Mayday” as the global distress signal for aviation emergencies, making it a worldwide standard
“Mayday” differs from “Pan-Pan,” which is used for urgent but non-life-threatening issues, like minor technical problems or medical situations
“Mayday” remains a universal code for life-threatening emergencies, ensuring immediate attention and action to save lives
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