AIM Text
- Radar equipped ATC facilities can provide radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft in difficulty when the pilot can talk with the controller, and the aircraft is within radar coverage. Pilots should clearly understand that authorization to proceed in accordance with such radar navigational assistance does not constitute authorization for the pilot to violate CFRs. In effect, assistance is provided on the basis that navigational guidance information is advisory in nature, and the responsibility for flying the aircraft safely remains with the pilot.
- Experience has shown that many pilots who are not qualified for instrument flight cannot maintain control of their aircraft when they encounter clouds or other reduced visibility conditions. In many cases, the controller will not know whether flight into instrument conditions will result from ATC instructions. To avoid possible hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR conditions, a pilot in difficulty should keep the controller advised of the current weather conditions being encountered and the weather along the course ahead and observe the following:
- If a course of action is available which will permit flight and a safe landing in VFR weather conditions, noninstrument rated pilots should choose the VFR condition rather than requesting a vector or approach that will take them into IFR weather conditions; or
- If continued flight in VFR conditions is not possible, the noninstrument rated pilot should so advise the controller and indicating the lack of an instrument rating, declare a distress condition; or
- If the pilot is instrument rated and current, and the aircraft is instrument equipped, the pilot should so indicate by requesting an IFR flight clearance. Assistance will then be provided on the basis that the aircraft can operate safely in IFR weather conditions.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 6-2-1.
Research Notes
AIM 6-2-1 introduces Emergency Services Available to Pilots — the resources pilots can call on during emergencies.
The primary emergency resources:
- ATC: Can vector you to nearest suitable airport, coordinate emergency services, alert SAR
- 121.5 MHz (guard): International emergency frequency monitored by ATC, military, USCG, and many civil aircraft
- FSS: Pilot weather, lost-pilot service, emergency relays
- Squawk codes: 7500 (hijack), 7600 (radio failure), 7700 (general emergency)
The 'Mayday' priority: Three repetitions of "Mayday" gets immediate priority. ATC clears the frequency, other aircraft hold transmissions, and ground resources are mobilized.
The 'Pan-Pan' urgency: Three repetitions of "Pan-Pan" indicates an urgent situation that doesn't pose immediate life-threat. ATC accelerates handling but doesn't go to full emergency mode.
Reference: AIM 6-2; AIM 6-3.