FAA Order JO 7110.65W - ATC-procedurer, kapitel 10 beskriver hur ATC ska hantera förfaranden för nödsituationer.
I det allra första avsnittet står det dock:
10-1-1(d)
Because of the infinite variety of possible emergency situations, specific procedures cannot be prescribed. However, when you believe an emergency exists or is imminent, select and pursue a course of action which appears to be most appropriate under the circumstances and which most nearly conforms to the instructions in this manual.
Så, för Mayday och Pan-Pan, står det i 10-1-1 (a):
A pilot who encounters a Distress condition should declare an emergency by beginning the initial communication with the word “Mayday,” preferably repeated three times. For an Urgency condition, the word “Pan-Pan” should be used in the same manner.
Användningen av Mayday och Pan-Pan förklarar en nödsituation, men berättar inte ATC om naturen av den nödsituationen. Därför utlöser du bara dessa ord inte någon särskild metod för hantering av nödsituationen, annars än förmodligen att kontrollenheten avlastar annan trafik och ger dig prioritetshantering. Det kommer troligtvis också att utlösa en rensning av luftrummet runt dig, och om du befinner dig i sluten eller nära en flygplats, har du en markthållning.
För Medevac:
2-1-4 (b) skisser:
Provide priority to civilian air ambulance flights (call sign “MEDEVAC”). Use of the MEDEVAC call sign indicates that operational priority is requested. When verbally requested, provide priority to AIR EVAC, HOSP, and scheduled air carrier/air taxi flights. Assist the pilots of MEDEVAC, AIR EVAC, and HOSP aircraft to avoid areas of significant weather and turbulent conditions. When requested by a pilot, provide notifications to expedite ground handling of patients, vital organs, or urgently needed medical materials.
NOTE−
It is recognized that heavy traffic flow may affect the controller’s ability to provide priority handling. However, without compromising safety, good judgment must be used in each situation to facilitate the most expeditious movement of a MEDEVAC aircraft.
För minsta bränsle
2-1-8 skisser:
If an aircraft declares a state of “minimum fuel,” inform any facility to whom control jurisdiction is transferred of the minimum fuel problem and be alert for any occurrence which might delay the aircraft en route.
NOTE− Use of the term “minimum fuel” indicates recognition by a pilot that his/her fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching destination, he/she cannot accept any undue delay. This is not an emergency situation but merely an advisory that indicates an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. A minimum fuel advisory does not imply a need for traffic priority. Common sense and good judgment will determine the extent of assistance to be given in minimum fuel situations. If, at any time, the remaining usable fuel supply suggests the need for traffic priority to ensure a safe landing, the pilot should declare an emergency and report fuel remaining in minutes.
(betona min)
Verkligen bör du läsa igenom hela dokumentet (lång) för att se hur ATC ska verka för vissa situationer. Kapitel 2, avsnitt 1 har många "nödsituationer", men det mesta avkallar till att prioritera och bistå piloten frågar.