Page 78 - UK SERA Standardises European Rules of the Air Regulations (Consolidated) January 2022

SERA - Standardised European Rules of the Air

(1) the distress message of an aircraft in distress being made on the emergency
frequency 121,5 MHz or another aeronautical mobile frequency, if considered
necessary or desirable. Not all aeronautical stations maintain a continuous guard on
the emergency frequency,
(2) the distress message of an aircraft in distress being broadcast if time and
circumstances render this course preferable;
(3) the aircraft transmitting on the maritime mobile service radiotelephony calling
frequencies;
(4) the aircraft using any means at its disposal to attract attention and make known its
conditions (including the activation of the appropriate SSR mode and code);
(5) any station taking any means at its disposal to assist an aircraft in distress;
(6) any variation on the elements listed, when the transmitting station is not itself in
distress, provided that such circumstance is clearly stated in the distress message.
(b) The ATS unit addressed will normally be that ATS unit communicating with the aircraft or in
whose area of responsibility the aircraft is operating.
SERA.14095(b)(2)(iii)(B) GM1 Distress and urgency radiotelephony communication procedures
ACTION BY THE ATS UNIT
The requirement to inform the aircraft operator concerned does not have priority over any other action
which involves the safety of the flight in distress, or of any other flight in the area, or which might affect
the progress of expected flights in the area.
SERA.14095(c)(1) GM1 Distress and urgency radiotelephony communication procedures
ACTION BY AIRCRAFT REPORTING AN URGENCY CONDITION
(a) These provisions are not intended to prevent an aircraft from broadcasting an urgency
message if time and circumstances render this course preferable.
(b) The ATS unit addressed will normally be that ATS unit communicating with the aircraft or in
whose area of responsibility the aircraft is operating.
SERA.14095(c)(1)(ii)(F) GM1 Distress and urgency radiotelephony communication procedures
Any other useful information may consist of information such as but not limited to remaining aircraft
endurance/fuel, number of persons on board, possible presence of hazardous materials and the
nature thereof, aircraft colour/markings, survival aids, etc. and may also be transmitted in situation of
distress.
SERA.14095(c)(2) GM1 Distress and urgency radiotelephony communication procedures
ACTION BY ATS WHEN AN URGENCY CONDITION IS REPORTED
The requirement to inform the aircraft operating agency concerned does not have priority over any
other action which involves the safety of the flight in distress, or of any other flight in the area, or which
might affect the progress of expected flights in the area.

APPENDICIES APPENDICIES
Reference Description
SERA.APP1 APPENDIX 1 SIGNALS
1. DISTRESS AND URGENCY SIGNALS
1.1. General
1.1.1. Notwithstanding the provisions in 1.2 and 1.3, an aircraft in distress shall use
any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its position and
obtain help.
1.1.2. The telecommunication transmission procedures for the distress and
urgency signals shall be in accordance with Section 14.
1.2. Distress signals
1.2.1. The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that grave and
imminent danger threatens, and immediate assistance is requested:
(a) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method
consisting of the group SOS (.. .— — — . .. in the Morse Code);
(b) a radiotelephony distress signal consisting of the spoken word
M A Y D A Y ;
(c) a distress message sent via data link which transmits the intent of the
word MAYDAY;
(d) rockets or shells throwing red lights, fired one at a time at short
intervals;
(e) a parachute flare showing a red light;
(f) setting of the transponder to Mode A Code 7700.
1.3. Urgency signals
1.3.1. The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft
wishes to give notice of difficulties which compel it to land without requiring
immediate assistance:
(a) the repeated switching on and off of the landing lights; or
(b) the repeated switching on and off of the navigation lights in such
manner as to be distinct from flashing navigation lights.
1.3.2. The following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft
has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship,
aircraft or other vehicle, or of some person on board or within sight:
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