Appendix E: FAA Emergency Protocols
Excerpts from the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM):
INTERCEPTING SIGNALS
Signals initiated by intercepting aircraft and responses by intercepted aircraft
(as set forth in ICAO Annex 2-Appendix 1, 2.1)
|
Series |
INTERCEPTING Aircraft Signals |
Meaning |
INTERCEPTED Aircraft Responds |
Meaning |
|
1 |
DAY-Rocking
wings from a position slightly above and ahead of, and normally to
the left of, the intercepted aircraft and, after acknowledgement, a
slow level turn, normally to the left, on to the desired heading. |
You have been intercepted. Follow me. |
AEROPLANES: |
Understood, will comply. |
|
2 |
DAY or NIGHT-An abrupt break-away maneuver from the intercepted aircraft consisting of a climbing turn of 90 degrees or more without crossing the line of flight of the intercepted aircraft. |
You may |
AEROPLANES: |
Understood, will comply. |
|
3 |
DAY-Circling
aerodrome, lowering landing gear and overflying runway in direction
of landing or, if the intercepted aircraft is a helicopter,
overflying the helicopter landing area. |
Land at this aerodrome. |
AEROPLANES: |
Understood, will comply. |
INTERCEPTING SIGNALS
Signals and Responses During Aircraft Intercept
Signals initiated by intercepted aircraft and responses by intercepting aircraft
(as set forth in ICAO Annex 2-Appendix 1, 2.2)
|
Series |
INTERCEPTED Aircraft Signals |
Meaning |
INTERCEPTING Aircraft Responds |
Meaning |
|
4 |
DAY or NIGHT-Raising landing gear (if fitted) and flashing landing lights while passing over runway in use or helicopter landing area at a height exceeding 300m (1,000 ft) but not exceeding 600m (2,000 ft) (in the case of a helicopter, at a height exceeding 50m (170 ft) but not exceeding 100m (330 ft) above the aerodrome level, and continuing to circle runway in use or helicopter landing area. If unable to flash landing lights, flash any other lights available. |
Aerodrome you have designated is inadequate. |
DAY or NIGHT-If
it is desired that the intercepted aircraft follow the intercepting
aircraft to an alternate aerodrome, the intercepting aircraft raises
its landing gear (if fitted) and uses the Series 1 signals
prescribed for intercepting aircraft. |
Understood,
follow me. |
|
5 |
DAY or NIGHT-Regular switching on and off of all available lights but in such a manner as to be distinct from flashing lights. |
Cannot comply. |
DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft. |
Understood. |
|
6 |
DAY or NIGHT-Irregular flashing of all available lights. |
In distress. |
DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft. |
Understood. |
The “7500” hijacker distress code.
Excerpt from the FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) Retrieved from <www.faa.gov/ATpubs/AIM/Chap6/aim0603.html>
6-3-4. Special Emergency (Air Piracy)
a. A special emergency is a condition of air piracy, or other hostile act by a person(s) aboard an aircraft, which threatens the safety of the aircraft or its passengers.
b. The pilot of an aircraft reporting a special emergency condition should:
1. If circumstances permit, apply distress or urgency radio-telephony procedures. Include the details of the special emergency.
2. If circumstances do not permit the use of prescribed distress or urgency procedures, transmit:
(a) On the air/ground frequency in use at the time.
(b) As many as possible of the following elements spoken distinctly and in the following order:
(1) Name of the station addressed (time and circumstances permitting).
(2) The identification of the aircraft and present position.
(3) The nature of the special emergency condition and pilot intentions (circumstances permitting).
(4) If unable to provide this information, use code words and/or transponder as follows:
Spoken Words
TRANSPONDER SEVEN FIVE ZERO ZERO
Meaning
I am being hijacked/forced to a new destination
Transponder Setting
Mode 3/A, Code 7500