What is the minimum information required to report an emergency?

Reporting an emergency requires critical details that can assist air traffic control and responders in managing the situation effectively. The minimum information includes the aircraft identification, which allows air traffic controllers to quickly ascertain the specific flight in distress, and the aircraft type, which provides vital information about the aircraft's capabilities and limitations. Knowing the aircraft ID helps to track the flight in the radar system and maintain situational awareness, while the type can inform ground crews about the handling characteristics, emergency procedures, and potential complications based on the aircraft's design.

In contrast, while factors like aircraft color and size may provide some visual identification, they do not constitute essential information for managing emergency situations. Similarly, the flight crew's number and details about the aircraft's previous route are less critical for immediate emergency response tasks, which prioritize identification and aircraft characteristics to ensure the best possible assistance.