An aircraft is flying over an ocean while maintaining radio contact with Air Traffic Control (ATC). During the cruise, the crew observe a sinking ship and sends out a distress message. Who will primarily receive this signal?
The ship is unable to contact ATC directly, so the aircraft informs the ATC unit that the aircraft is currently in contact with. Surrounding aircraft could also hear this transmission, but the question asks 'who will primarily receive this message?'
Although not the case in this question, any aircraft knowing of an emergency may relay a distress message to assist another aircraft or vessel in distress. Relaying a message is acting as a go-between and passing messages back and forth.
Your Notes (not visible to others)
This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.