Definition
panned
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Is
the emergency word “PAN” French or just an acronym?.
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I
READ the article about Tindal [Page 6, Air Force News, August
11, 2005] and when I saw the definition of the emergency call
PAN, I almost fell off my chair laughing.
PAN (which is one below MAYDAY) is, like the word MAYDAY, derived
from a French word, in this case “panne”. I must admit
to not knowing the exact translation of panne, but it translates
to something like help.
I’m sure that there will be quite a few other letters about
the word PAN. And as for spelling it entirely in capitals, this
is something we did in the RAF Air Traffic Control branch.
Richard
Elwell
Preston,
Lancashire
Editor’s response: Mr Elwell
is correct in his interpretation of the French word “panne”.
According to our dictionary, the direct translation is “breakdown”,
which could apply to the emergency call PAN.
Can anyone else in the air traffic control field offer more information
on the origins of PAN? Is it French or merely an acronym for “possible
assistance needed”, as stated in the August 11 edition of
Air Force News?
Another splendid issue for ancient and new
I
WRITE to congratulate Air Force News staff on another splendid
issue. The news mix caters for both ancient, and serving members.
The article “Putting PR in Focus” pointing out Sergeant
Mark Eaton’s duties at RAAF Base Tindal just needs a small,
but important addition.
The RAAF Association is a welfare organisation representing World
War II veterans most certainly, however, it also accommodates
all serving, and ex-serving personnel.
I recommend membership to your readers.
Ken
McNeill
Sec/Treas North West Branch
Tasmanian Division
Correct the acronymn
I WAS disappointed to note in the article “Big moves afoot
for RAAFCOL” on page two of Air Force News’ June 30
edition that the abbreviation SFS is used for the School of Postgraduate
Studies.
Please note that the correct abbreviation for the School of Postgraduate
Studies is SPS.
SFS refers to the RAAF Security and Fire School.
Wing
Commander Rob Etchells
Commanding Officer
School of Postgraduate Studies
Editor’s
response: Our apologies for this
mistake.
