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This question deals with the pilot procedures for declaring an emergency.
I wonder how ATC in the US handles different kinds of emergency or quasi-emergency situations, such as:
Are there multiple levels of priority handling inside ATC, and how do they communicate priority handling from controller to controller?
FAA Order JO 7110.65W - ATC Procedures, Chapter 10 outlines how ATC should handle procedures for emergency situations.
In the very first section though, it says:
10-1-1(d)
Because of the infinite variety of possible emergency situations, specific procedures cannot be prescribed. However, when you believe an emergency exists or is imminent, select and pursue a course of action which appears to be most appropriate under the circumstances and which most nearly conforms to the instructions in this manual.
So, for Mayday and Pan-Pan, it says in 10-1-1(a):
A pilot who encounters a Distress condition should declare an emergency by beginning the initial communication with the word “Mayday,” preferably repeated three times. For an Urgency condition, the word “Pan-Pan” should be used in the same manner.
The use of Mayday and Pan-Pan declares an emergency, but doesn't tell ATC about the nature of that emergency. Therefore just saying those words doesn't trigger any particular method for handling the emergency other than probably the controller offloading other traffic and giving you priority handling. It'll probably also trigger a clearing of the airspace around you, and if you are on final or near an airport, a ground hold.
For Medevac:
2-1-4(b) outlines:
Provide priority to civilian air ambulance flights (call sign “MEDEVAC”). Use of the MEDEVAC call sign indicates that operational priority is requested. When verbally requested, provide priority to AIR EVAC, HOSP, and scheduled air carrier/air taxi flights. Assist the pilots of MEDEVAC, AIR EVAC, and HOSP aircraft to avoid areas of significant weather and turbulent conditions. When requested by a pilot, provide notifications to expedite ground handling of patients, vital organs, or urgently needed medical materials.
NOTE−
It is recognized that heavy traffic flow may affect the controller’s ability to provide priority handling. However, without compromising safety, good judgment must be used in each situation to facilitate the most expeditious movement of a MEDEVAC aircraft.
For Minimum Fuel
2-1-8 Outlines:
If an aircraft declares a state of “minimum fuel,” inform any facility to whom control jurisdiction is transferred of the minimum fuel problem and be alert for any occurrence which might delay the aircraft en route.
NOTE− Use of the term “minimum fuel” indicates recognition by a pilot that his/her fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, he/she cannot accept any undue delay. This is not an emergency situation but merely an advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. A minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority. Common sense and good judgment will determine the extent of assistance to be given in minimum fuel situations. If, at any time, the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, the pilot should declare an emergency and report fuel remaining in minutes.
(Emphasis mine)
Really you should read through the entire (long) document to see how ATC is supposed to behave for certain situations. Chapter 2, Section 1 has a lot of "emergency" situations, but most of it boils down to giving priority and assistance that the pilot asks for.
In 27 plus years of ATC I don't recall ever hearing anyone use "PAN-PAN". Yup, it's in the book but if it's not an emergency, usually the sound of the pilot or controller's voice is sufficient to recognize an urgent situation.
I knew a supervisor that was in charge of an area once who was alerted to an urgent situation by overhearing the controller asking "...well WHO'S flying the airplane?!?"
I have heard "Mayday" myself, and as a controller there is not a lot you can do to assist except clear a path and coordinate with everyone who can possibly help.
