pan, pan

The international radiotelephony urgency signal. Preferably spoken three times, it indicates a safety concern with an aircraft or another vehicle, of some person on board, or of someone within sight not requiring immediate assistance. The words “Pan, pan, pan” are followed by the call sign and the nature of the urgency. A pan-pan call normally is made on 121.5, 243 or 406 MHz. The contents of such a call should normally include the name of the station addressed, the aircraft identification and type, the nature of the distress or urgency, the weather, and the pilot’s intentions and request. The call should further include the present position and heading (if lost, the last known position and heading since that position), the altitude and flight level, the remaining endurance, the number of people on board, and any other useful information.