What should be included in a distress message to ensure clarity?

Including the distress signal, call sign, nature of distress, intentions, and other relevant details in a distress message is crucial for ensuring clarity and facilitating an effective response from authorities. This comprehensive approach provides rescuers with the essential information needed to assess the situation and determine the appropriate actions to take.

The distress signal clearly indicates an emergency situation, while the call sign identifies the aircraft in distress. Specifying the nature of the distress—whether it be mechanical failure, fuel emergency, or any other serious issue—allows for a quicker, more tailored response. Additionally, stating the pilot's intentions, such as whether they plan to land or divert, and including any other relevant information, such as the number of people on board or specific hazards, helps search and rescue teams understand the urgency and nature of the situation.

While the other options focus on limited pieces of information, they do not provide the comprehensive details required for effective communication in a distress scenario.