SAFETYGRAM

Mar 07

Intercepted?

In the post 9/11 world of general aviation, there are many new rules in place to increase the security of the skies over the mighty U.S of A. The one we as pilots must worry about the most is probably those pesky pop-up TFRs. They can happen with very little notice and the consequences of flying into one usually involve a visit from a military aircraft of sorts even before you get out of the area. (Of course if you file & fly IFR this should not become an issue.)

With the preflight planning the aero club world requires, there is probably a very small chance any aero club pilot would be involved in such a situation and I hope this never happens to any of you, but there is a chance that someone, somewhere may get intercepted. A review of what to do if intercepted is probably a good idea before getting intercepted as apposed to during the intercept. You have probably heard the general aviation joke, ‘what do you do if an F-16 pulls up onto your wing? … “Slow down.” While that may be funny, remember, it is not the airplane you are watching during the intercept that is your threat; it is the armed one behind you that you don’t see, who is waiting for your response, that you should worry about. I am not sure how patient interceptor pilots are. So, on the serious side, what should you do if you are intercepted? The following is a review of in-flight intercept procedures.

1. Follow instructions given by the intercepting aircraft. (See chart below.)

2. Notify ATC, if possible. If able use ATC as your radio relay.

3. If unable, attempt to communicate with ATC on 121.5 MHz, giving the identity of your aircraft, its position, and the nature of the flight.

4. If equipped with a transponder, squawk 770, unless instructed otherwise by ATC. If any instructions received by radio from any source conflict with those given by the intercepting aircraft by visual or radio signals, request clarification while continuing to comply with the instructions given by the intercepting aircraft.

Intercepting Aircraft Signal	Meaning	Intercepted aircraft response	Meaning
Rock wings. After acknowledgement initiates a slow level turn, normally to the left, into the desired heading. (At night, also flash navigation lights.)	You have been intercepted	Rock wings and follow. (At night, also flash navigation lights.)	I understand and will comply.
Performs an abrupt breakaway maneuver. (Climbing 90° turn, or more, without crossing intercepted aircraft’s flight path.)	You may proceed	Rocks wings.	I understand and will comply
Circles airport, lowers landing gear and overflies runway in direction of landing. (At night, Also turn on landing lights.)	Land at this airport.	Lowers landing gear, follows intercepting aircraft and lands. (If runway is considered safe. At night also turns on landing lights.)	I understand and will comply

If you have attempted to comply with the instructions but find that you have other issues, there are also some signals you may use to let the intercepting aircraft know what the problem is. The intercepting aircraft will then give alternate instructions. The appropriate signals are listed below.

Intercepted aircraft signal	Meaning	Intercepting aircraft response	Meaning
Raises landing gear while flying over runway between 1,000’ and 2,000’ and continues to circle the airport. (At night, also flash landing lights while passing over runway.)	This airport is unsuitable	If the intercepted aircraft is requested to proceed to alternate airport, the intercepting aircraft raises landing gear and performs intercept procedures.	Understood, follow me.
	This airport is unsuitable	To release intercepted aircraft, the intercepting aircraft will perform the breakaway maneuver.	Understood, you may proceed.
The pilot switches all available lights on an off at regular intervals	Cannot Comply.	Performs breakaway maneuver.	Understood.
The pilot switches all available lights on an off at irregular intervals	In Distress.	Performs breakaway maneuver.	Understood.

Hopefully you will never have to experience the sudden appearance of a military aircraft up close and personal. Good preflight planning combined with good situational awareness in flight will absolutely minimize the possibility of ever being intercepted. That said, it would be a very good idea to know what to expect and how to respond. The procedures can be followed with or without radio contact, but use the radio if you can. Many situations can be explained a whole lot better on the radio than with signals.

The expanded descriptions of the intercept procedures are located in Chapter 5 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). You may also get a checklist sized card from the AOPA safety foundation (http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/) to carry with you in-flight for quick reference should you need it. Use all available information to ensure a solid understanding of intercept procedures. It will help you…..

FLY SAFE!