What does a Full Emergency alert mean?

A Full Emergency alert indicates that the aircraft is experiencing a significant issue that could potentially jeopardize its safe operation during flight, which includes situations that may not be immediately life-threatening but still warrant full readiness from emergency responders.

This type of alert typically implies that there is an operational defect affecting normal flight, which could involve critical systems or failures that may compromise the safety of the aircraft, thus requiring close attention and preparedness from both the flight crew and ground emergency personnel.

Importantly, while "immediate danger of crashing" suggests a more acute situation, a Full Emergency does not necessarily mean that a crash is imminent, but rather that the crew is facing serious mechanical or operational challenges. Also, indicating all emergency services are on standby only does not capture the urgency and active preparation required in a Full Emergency scenario. The alert status serves as a crucial communication tool for ensuring that necessary precautionary measures are taken while managing the aircraft's situation.