Emergency Features

When every second counts, CaptainVFR’s emergency features provide instant access to critical information and procedures. One tap gives you everything you need to handle an emergency situation.

Quick Access Emergency Panel

One-Tap Activation

• Emergency Button: Prominent red button on Quick Action Bar
• Instant Access: No menus, no delays
• Always Available: Works offline
• Clear Visual: Red theme for urgency

Emergency Frequency

121.5 MHz - International Distress Frequency

• Prominent Display: Large, easy-to-read frequency
• Copy to Clipboard: One-tap copy for quick entry
• Description: “International Distress Frequency”
• Always Available: No internet required

Usage

• Tune your radio to 121.5 MHz
• Make distress call: “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY”
• Or urgency call: “PAN-PAN PAN-PAN PAN-PAN”
• Provide your position and situation

Current Position Display

Instant Location Information

• Latitude: Decimal degrees format
• Longitude: Decimal degrees format
• Altitude: Current altitude in feet/meters
• Copy Button: One-tap copy of full position

Position Format

Latitude: 40.7128° N
Longitude: 74.0060° W
Altitude: 1,500 ft MSL

Usage

• Read position to ATC
• Share with emergency services
• Copy to text message
• Use for rescue coordination

Nearest Airports

Automatic Calculation

• Real-Time Search: Based on current position
• Distance Display: Nautical miles to each airport
• Bearing: Direction to airport
• Runway Information: Length and surface type

Airport Details

• ICAO/IATA codes
• Elevation
• Available services
• Communication frequencies
• Approach information

Smart Filtering

• Prioritizes airports with:
  • Longer runways
  • Better facilities
  • Emergency services
  • Weather reporting

Emergency Checklist

Aviate - Navigate - Communicate

1. Aviate - Maintain Aircraft Control

• First Priority: Fly the airplane
• Keep wings level
• Maintain airspeed
• Control altitude
• Avoid stalls

2. Navigate - Fly to Nearest Suitable Airport

• Check nearest airports list
• Choose best option based on:
  • Distance
  • Runway length
  • Weather conditions
  • Facilities available
• Set course immediately

3. Communicate - Contact ATC on 121.5 MHz

• Tune emergency frequency
• Make distress/urgency call
• Provide:
  • Aircraft type and registration
  • Position
  • Nature of emergency
  • Intentions
  • Souls on board
  • Fuel remaining

4. Squawk 7700 (Emergency Transponder Code)

• Set transponder to 7700
• Activates emergency tracking
• Alerts all ATC facilities
• Prioritizes your flight

5. Prepare for Emergency Landing if Needed

• Review emergency procedures
• Brief passengers
• Secure cabin
• Position for landing
• Execute emergency checklist

Emergency Scenarios

Engine Failure

1. Establish best glide speed
2. Check nearest airports
3. Attempt restart (if time permits)
4. Declare emergency on 121.5
5. Squawk 7700
6. Prepare for landing

Lost Procedures

1. Maintain current heading and altitude
2. Note current position from app
3. Contact ATC on 121.5
4. Request vectors or assistance
5. Use app for navigation backup

Weather Emergency

1. Check nearest airports with better weather
2. Declare emergency if needed
3. Request priority handling
4. Use app weather data
5. Plan alternate route

Medical Emergency

1. Declare medical emergency
2. Request priority landing
3. Check nearest airports with medical facilities
4. Coordinate with ATC
5. Prepare for ambulance on arrival

Additional Emergency Tools

Position Sharing

• Copy position to clipboard
• Share via text message
• Send to emergency contacts
• Include altitude and heading

Offline Operation

• All emergency features work offline
• No internet required
• Cached airport data
• Local calculations

Night Mode

• High contrast display
• Red theme for night vision
• Large, readable text
• Easy to use in darkness

Best Practices

Before Flight

• Review emergency procedures
• Know how to access emergency panel
• Verify emergency contacts
• Check nearest airports along route

During Flight

• Keep emergency button visible
• Monitor position continuously
• Stay aware of nearest airports
• Maintain radio monitoring

In Emergency

1. Stay Calm: Take a breath
2. Aviate First: Fly the airplane
3. Use the App: Quick reference
4. Communicate: Tell someone
5. Follow Checklist: Step by step

Training Recommendations

Practice Emergency Procedures

• Simulate emergency scenarios
• Practice using emergency panel
• Memorize 121.5 MHz frequency
• Review checklist regularly

Emergency Drills

• Engine failure procedures
• Lost procedures
• Weather diversions
• Communication failures

CaptainVFR’s emergency features are designed to be your co-pilot in critical situations, providing instant access to vital information and procedures when you need them most. Practice using these features so they’re second nature when an emergency occurs.

Remember: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate - in that order!