AIM Text
- An emergency can be either a distress or urgency condition as defined in the Pilot/Controller Glossary. Pilots do not hesitate to declare an emergency when they are faced with distress conditions such as fire, mechanical failure, or structural damage. However, some are reluctant to report an urgency condition when they encounter situations which may not be immediately perilous, but are potentially catastrophic. An aircraft is in at least an urgency condition the moment the pilot becomes doubtful about position, fuel endurance, weather, or any other condition that could adversely affect flight safety. This is the time to ask for help, not after the situation has developed into a distress condition.
- Pilots who become apprehensive for their safety for any reason should request assistance immediately. Ready and willing help is available in the form of radio, radar, direction finding stations and other aircraft. Delay has caused accidents and cost lives. Safety is not a luxury! Take action!
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 6-1-2.
Research Notes
AIM 6-1-2 introduces Pilot Responsibility in an Emergency — the legal and operational framework for declaring and handling emergencies.
The legal authority — § 91.3(b): In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the PIC may deviate from any rule of Part 91 to the extent required to meet the emergency. This is sweeping authority.
The reporting obligation — § 91.3(c): The PIC must, on request of the Administrator, send a written report of the deviation. The trigger is the FAA's request; pilots are not required to volunteer a report unless asked.
The pilot's responsibility in declaring: The pilot decides when to declare. ATC will accept and treat as emergency. There's no penalty for declaring — pilots are encouraged to do so when the situation warrants.
What 'emergency' includes: Anything compromising the safe operation of the flight. Examples: engine failure, fire, smoke, hydraulic loss, electrical loss, severe weather encounter, medical emergency, pilot incapacitation, gear malfunction, fuel emergency.
Don't hesitate: Pilots sometimes delay declaring out of fear of paperwork or perceived consequences. The FAA's data is clear: late declarations correlate with worse outcomes. Declare early, work the problem, deal with paperwork later.
Reference: § 91.3; AIM 6-1-2; AIM 6-3 (Distress and Urgency Procedures).