Author Topic: Just when you think you have heard it all.....  (Read 8935 times)

Offline captray

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Just when you think you have heard it all.....
« on: April 24, 2010, 04:19:10 AM »
This is a new one on me, while flying into the UK on Wednesday we heard on the guard frequency. 'Practice Pan, Practice Pan, Practice Pan.' I am guessing that this was a form of radio check but I am not sure.

Any ideas?




Offline Casper87

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Re: Just when you think you have heard it all.....
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2010, 08:16:27 AM »
Hello captray,

In the UK the RAF specifically monitor 121.5  / 243.0 / 245.1 from either Swanwick or Prestwick Area Control Centres. This is known as D&D, who have overall executive responsibilty for aircraft emergencies in UK airspace. D&D are there to provide assistane to aircraft or other ATC units, and also facilitate aircraft practicing certain 'emergencies.'

A 'Practice Pan' is an aircraft calling the Distress & Diversion Cell (VHF 121.5) and either London or Scottish centres to practice some form of emergency. For exmple this pilot may have been practicing a diversion, so he/she called D & D to request position fixes or heading to the closest aerodrome.

Just out of curiosity, where did you fly into? Anywhere nice?

Casper


« Last Edit: April 24, 2010, 08:18:09 AM by Casper87 »

Offline captray

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Re: Just when you think you have heard it all.....
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2010, 11:10:20 AM »
Thanks for the info.

We are in Birmingham, there always seems to be a street fair here. Lots of vendors and pretty girls to watch!

We used to go into Coventry but I got stuck there last time as they closed the airport.

Thanks again!