Mandatory broadcast zone: distress call on CTAF and relay to ATS
You are approaching a non-controlled aerodrome that lies within a mandatory broadcast zone (MBZ). The aerodrome has an ATIS on 126.4 MHz and a CTAF on 119.1 MHz; ATS is not active. You are 8 nm south at 1,500 feet, joining downwind for runway 27. On the CTAF you hear a weak, broken transmission: 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, ZK-XYZ, engine failure, 5 miles north...' then silence. You have a second radio and a current FRTO. There is no ATS frequency for this aerodrome; the nearest ATS unit is Auckland Radio, which you can reach on 121.5 or the area frequency. Other aircraft may be in the MBZ. You need to decide which frequency to use first, what to say, and the limits of your assistance.
1. Which frequency should you use to acknowledge the MAYDAY, and why?
Read the worked answer
Acknowledge on the CTAF, 119.1 MHz, because that is the frequency on which the MAYDAY was transmitted and other aircraft in the MBZ may be listening. Do not immediately switch to 121.5 and leave the distress traffic without a response. Use your second radio to monitor 121.5 or the area frequency while keeping the CTAF selected. Move the primary radio to 121.5 only if there is no response on CTAF and you need to relay to ATS. 121.5 is the international emergency frequency, but the initial distress call should be on the frequency in use. The priority is to establish contact with the distressed aircraft and keep other traffic informed.
2. Draft your response and the information you need to obtain.
Read the worked answer
Respond: 'ZK-XYZ, ZK-ABC, MAYDAY acknowledged. Say your position, altitude, persons on board and intentions.' If there is no reply, try once more. Then relay: 'Auckland Radio, ZK-ABC, relay MAYDAY. ZK-XYZ reported engine failure, 5 miles north of [aerodrome], last transmission broken, no further contact.' Give your own position and say you are monitoring CTAF. If another aircraft responds and is better placed, let them take control. Pass only facts you heard; do not invent a position or condition. Ask for the information RCCNZ will need: exact position, altitude, persons on board, aircraft type, colour, and whether the pilot intends to force-land.
3. What should you not do, and what are your responsibilities as an FRTO holder?
Read the worked answer
Do not leave your own aircraft unattended or enter a dangerous situation; you are not a search and rescue helicopter. Do not block the frequency with long calls; keep transmissions short. Do not switch off your CTAF radio if you are the only relay. As an FRTO holder, you should maintain a listening watch, acknowledge distress traffic if no one else does, relay accurately, and record times. After landing, report to ATS or RCCNZ what you heard. Your responsibility is communication assistance, not rescue. If you are unsure of the distress aircraft's position, say so rather than giving a false position that could send rescuers to the wrong place.