The world of aviation has its own language, a technical, discreet and often mysterious dialect
Have you heard a strange ad during a flight and got that flea behind your ear? Something like a “300 code”, “pan-pan” or even “VIP”? For know that behind these seemingly harmless (or even complimentary) words may be rolling something that you would definitely not want to witness at 10,000 meters in altitude.
The world of aviation has its own language, a technical, discreet and often mysterious dialect. This is because the crew needs to deal with emergencies (and some unusual situations) without causing panic in passengers. And that’s where the so -called secret codes come in. Let’s meet some of the most curious and surprising:
Secret codes that no passenger wants to hear during a flight
Code 300 or “Angel”
Listening to this is not heavenly at all: it means that a passenger died on board.
The term “angel” softens communication with the team, which then takes action to preserve respect and discretion.
Squawk 7500 ou “Hotel”
This is really serious: it indicates that the aircraft was kidnapped or suffered illicit interference.
The pilot triggers this code silently through Transponder and can use “Hotel 7500” to communicate with air control without alarming passengers.
PAN-PAN
Similar to the famous but less serious Mayday.
Used in serious emergencies (such as technical problems or medical issues) that do not put the flight at immediate risk. A “pan-pan” is a sign of high alert, but without despair.
Yellow code
Do you know that discomfort during the flight? This is the code used when someone is sick but without gravity.
The team organizes themselves to help, keeping everything under control and without shaking the cabin.
Mermaid (“MERMAID”)
Nothing to do with the little mermaid.
This ironic nickname is given to passengers who spread in empty seats, trying to avoid company. A kind of “spacious professional”.
Adam code
Usually used at airports, active by a missing child. A warning with name and cause very serious.
VIP
Beware of the ego: At the top heights, it can mean very irritating Person, that difficult person, full of demands, who takes the patience from the crew.
Now that you know these codes, you will pay more attention between the lines of the next flight, right?
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