When should you resume normal communication after receiving an urgency signal?

Resuming normal communication after receiving an urgency signal should occur after a specific period—three minutes—if no further urgency message is received. This approach is based on the understanding that urgency signals indicate a serious situation but do not require immediate, exclusive attention like distress signals do. The three-minute wait ensures that any necessary communications related to the urgency are properly addressed, while also allowing other critical communications to resume.

This practice is essential in maintaining efficiency within air traffic communications since it helps manage the frequency spectrum without unnecessary delays. It balances the urgency of the situation with the operational requirements of air traffic control and other aircraft. If no follow-up message is received within that timeframe, it's reasonable to assume that the initial urgency has been resolved or is being handled appropriately, allowing for the resumption of normal operations.