A Case For 121.5

General Discussion Pilot Talk
41

Really? Globally? Or is that US only?

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42

I am rather confused on what to do with 121.5. I would like the VATSIM BoGs to expand on what uses of 121.5 the BoGs has thought of. In controlled airspace on VATSIM declaring an emergency is only allowed if the controller approves of it. Using 122.8 for tactical information, where a CTAF isnā€™t found, means that in Europe we would make information calls on 122.8. Why have a 121.5?

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43

Since the frequency is "guard"ed around the world, itā€™s an option globally. Whether or not controllers outside the US and Canada (and yes, Iā€™ve heard Canadian ATC reach out on 121.5 to reach someone not on their assigned frequency) utilize this method is up to each ATCOā€“but theyā€™d be leaving a somewhat effective tool behind.

44

You can still use it as an emergency tool if youā€™re within ATC coverage but unsure what frequency youā€™re supposed to be on and want to simulate an emergency. Itā€™s ATCā€™s prerogative as to whether they want to handle the emergency or not, of course. Thatā€™s if ATC is even on frequency, considering all the cats and other extraneous sounds that are sure to be made on the frequency now.

Iā€™ve used 121.5 in real life when Iā€™ve become aware that Iā€™m not on the correct frequency and was able to get my new frequency assignment within a handful of seconds.

45

Iā€™ve only used 121.5 RW when calling a practice pan for demo purposes to a student. Its use in the UK is (was?) strictly reserved for calling and responding to a Mayday.

46

Iā€™ll monitor guard on Vatsim. I will .wallop EVERY SINGLE MEOW I hear, without fail. Since those transmissions are identifiable, letā€™s get those folks kicked.
Iā€™ve never walloped anything on the network before. Butā€¦ Every. Single. Meow.

3 Likes
47

Everyone is getting spun about about guard on VATSIM, and itā€™s comical.

NORDO is the only remote operational necessity Iā€™ve seen where this could be used, and even that is laughable.

This is VATSIM, where even Uncle Ernie in his Super Cub has CPDLC in the form of text messages via the pilot client. If you think a pilot that doesnā€™t respond to a text ā€œcontact meā€ message is going to respond to a guard callā€¦ guess again.

I mean how else is it going to be used operationally? Iā€™m flying around and little Timmy pops an engine on his 747, declares an emergency because he has to do a dreaded 3 engine approach, but there is no ATCā€¦ Should I wallop a SUP, relaying his distress call, so the SUP can get him emergency services?

Thankfully management didnā€™t go off the deep end and make it mandatory. Itā€™ll be full of meows.

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48

The only thing I can think of that is now possible that wasnā€™t before (with the existence of contact mes and CoC B6 in mind) is a more realistic simulation of scrambles for VSOAs.

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49

Globally, all the time.