Which of the following best describes how "MAYDAY" should be communicated?

The term "MAYDAY" is an internationally recognized distress signal used in aviation and maritime communications to indicate that there is a grave and imminent danger to life or to the aircraft itself. According to established communication protocols, "MAYDAY" should be repeated three times in succession when making a distress call. This repetition serves to ensure the clarity of the message, especially in situations where there may be background noise or signal interference.

By stating "MAYDAY" three times, it clearly communicates the urgency of the situation and captures the attention of all receiving parties, ensuring that the message is not overlooked. This standard is critical for effective emergency communication in aviation, as it enhances the likelihood that the emergency will be acknowledged and responded to promptly by air traffic control and other aircraft in the vicinity.

In contrast, using "MAYDAY" once may not convey the urgency adequately, and repeating it twice could lead to ambiguity. Additionally, only communicating "MAYDAY" when requested is inappropriate, as it should be proactively communicated without the need for prompting when in distress.