ths@lanl.ARPA (11/21/85)
With respect to declaring an emergency, don't EVER hesitate! DO IT! The FAA is very sympathetic to pilots in trouble... both during the actual problem and afterwords. Let the tower, FSS, Center know that you have a problem. Don't try to be elegent with the description. Just say what isn't going right for you. Tell them if you need ANYTHING. Now obviously you can "perjure" yourself in the process if your problem was due to gross negligence. But I always consider my safety ahead of my ego (or at least I try). The most typical problems include a rough running engine, low on gas, can't find the destination airport. I wouldn't even consider trying to find the most appropriate frequency if time was a critical factor. Just dial-in 121.5 and respond to the strongest return. If they want you to go to another frequency they will tell you. There are many ways to begin the conversation but ALWAYS include your N-number: Any station Cessna 12345 has an emergency. Cessna 12245 needs help. Mayday mayday Cessna 12345. I have always remebered how Apollo 13 said it. "Houston, we have a problem!" Although we give the FAA low marks for many of their ways, I think the worker bees are a really great group of people. The administrative bees can be turkeys at times but aren't most bureauocrats? Ted