Decision making and flight planningQuestion 785 of 934

A pilot makes a distress call. Which word should the initial transmission begin with?

  1. PAN−PAN
  2. MAYDAY
  3. SECURITE
  4. ALERT
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Correct answer: MAYDAY

The initial distress call should begin with MAYDAY, preferably repeated three times.

Source: Aeronautical Information Manual (FAA, Basic with Change 3, 9 July 2026), AIM 6-3-1 Distress and Urgency Communications, page 504

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026