Distress Frequencies

INTERNATIONAL DISTRESS FREQUENCIES are as follows-

 MEDIUM FREQUENCY- 500 KHz, 2182 KHz

HIGH FREQUENCY- 8364 KHz

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY- 121.5 MHz

ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY- 243 MHz

For aviation purposes the ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY is considered to start from 200 MHz to 3000 MHz, instead of 300 to 3000 MHz. Therefore the Distress frequency of 243 MHz is considered to be in ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY.

The Communication procedure for the Distress is as follows-

  1. MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY
  2. Calling facility
  3. A/c Call sign
  4. Condition
  5. Intention
  6. Position

Example- A/c is in contact with Bombay radio and has port engine on fire at Pune and intend to make a crash landing.

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, Bombay radio this is Ind air 120, port engine on fire, unable to maintain height, crash landing Pune 0230, passing FL 130, hdg 035 over.