VFR into IMC — Urgency & Request Assistance

What this scenario covers

1. Exchange 1

   Make an early urgency call: PAN PAN ×3, station, callsign and type, the problem, and ask for assistance.

   💡 Call EARLY — a VFR pilot in IMC is an urgency (PAN), and getting help before the situation deteriorates is what keeps it from becoming a MAYDAY. Say plainly that you have entered IMC and request assistance.

2. Exchange 2

   State your capability honestly and request a heading back to visual conditions.

   💡 Tell the controller you are NOT instrument rated — it changes how they help you, giving simple, single instructions rather than a full IFR clearance. Ask for a heading to return to VMC.

3. Exchange 3

   ATC: “Golf Mike Papa, roger, maintain wings level, climb straight ahead to altitude four thousand feet, do not turn.”

   Comply with the single clear instruction and read it back.

   💡 In IMC a non-instrument pilot must fly ONE instruction at a time and avoid turns, which can trigger disorientation. Read the instruction back so ATC knows you have it exactly.

4. Exchange 4

   ATC: “Golf Mike Papa, radar contact, when ready turn left heading zero nine zero, descend to altitude two thousand feet, you should become visual below.”

   Read back the heading and descent.

   💡 Heading and level are both mandatory readbacks. Descending to below the cloud base to regain VMC is the aim — confirm the controller's numbers exactly before you act.