Section 6. National Security and
Interception Procedures
5-6-1. National Security a. National security in the control of air traffic is governed by 14 CFR Part 99. b. All aircraft entering domestic U.S. airspace from points outside must provide for identification prior to entry. To facilitate early aircraft identification of all aircraft in the vicinity of U.S. and international airspace boundaries, Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) have been established. REFERENCE- c. Operational requirements for aircraft operations associated with an ADIZ are as follows: 1. Flight Plan. Except as specified in subparagraphs d and e below, an IFR or DVFR flight plan must be filed with an appropriate aeronautical facility as follows: (a) Generally, for all operations that enter an ADIZ. (b) For operations that will enter or exit the U.S. and which will operate into, within or across the Contiguous U.S. ADIZ regardless of true airspeed. (c) The flight plan must be filed before departure except for operations associated with the Alaskan ADIZ when the airport of departure has no facility for filing a flight plan, in which case the flight plan may be filed immediately after takeoff or when within range of the aeronautical facility. 2. Two-way Radio. For the majority of operations associated with an ADIZ, an operating two-way radio is required. See 14 CFR Section 99.1 for exceptions. 3. Transponder Requirements. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft conducting operations into, within, or across the Contiguous U.S. ADIZ must be equipped with an operable radar beacon transponder having altitude reporting capability (Mode C), and that transponder must be turned on and set to reply on the appropriate code or as assigned by ATC. 4. Position Reporting. (a) For IFR flight. Normal IFR position reporting. (b) For DVFR flights. The estimated time of ADIZ penetration must be filed with the aeronautical facility at least 15 minutes prior to penetration except for flight in the Alaskan ADIZ, in which case report prior to penetration. (c) For inbound aircraft of foreign registry. The pilot must report to the aeronautical facility at least one hour prior to ADIZ penetration. 5. Aircraft Position Tolerances. (a) Over land, the tolerance is within plus or minus five minutes from the estimated time over a reporting point or point of penetration and within 10 NM from the centerline of an intended track over an estimated reporting point or penetration point. (b) Over water, the tolerance is plus or minus five minutes from the estimated time over a reporting point or point of penetration and within 20 NM from the centerline of the intended track over an estimated reporting point or point of penetration (to include the Aleutian Islands). 6. Land-Based ADIZ. Land-Based ADIZ are activated and deactivated over U.S. metropolitan areas as needed, with dimensions, activation dates and other relevant information disseminated via NOTAM. (a) In addition to requirements outlined in subparagraphs c1 through c3, pilots operating within a Land-Based ADIZ must report landing or leaving the Land-Based ADIZ if flying too low for radar coverage. (b) Pilots unable to comply with all requirements shall remain clear of Land-Based ADIZ. Pilots entering a Land-Based ADIZ without authorization or who fail to follow all requirements risk interception by military fighter aircraft. d. Except when applicable under 14 CFR Section 99.7, 14 CFR Part 99 does not apply to aircraft operations: 1. Within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, or within the State of Alaska, and remains within 10 miles of the point of departure; 2. Over any island, or within three nautical miles of the coastline of any island, in the Hawaii ADIZ; or 3. Associated with any ADIZ other than the Contiguous U.S. ADIZ, when the aircraft true airspeed is less than 180 knots. e. Authorizations to deviate from the requirements of Part 99 may also be granted by the ARTCC, on a local basis, for some operations associated with an ADIZ. f. An airfiled VFR Flight Plan makes an aircraft subject to interception for positive identification when entering an ADIZ. Pilots are, therefore, urged to file the required DVFR flight plan either in person or by telephone prior to departure. g. Special Security Instructions. 1. During defense emergency or air defense emergency conditions, additional special security instructions may be issued in accordance with the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids (SCATANA) Plan. 2. Under the provisions of the SCATANA Plan, the military will direct the action to be taken-in regard to landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft and the control of air navigation aids in the defense of the U.S. during emergency conditions. 3. At the time a portion or all of SCATANA is implemented, ATC facilities will broadcast appropriate instructions received from the military over available ATC frequencies. Depending on instructions received from the military, VFR flights may be directed to land at the nearest available airport, and IFR flights will be expected to proceed as directed by ATC. 4. Pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain an approval (through FAA) prior to conducting flight operation. 5. In view of the above, all pilots should guard an ATC or FSS frequency at all times while conducting flight operations. 5-6-2. Interception Procedures a. General. 1. Identification intercepts during peacetime operations are vastly different than those conducted under increased states of readiness. Unless otherwise directed by the control agency, intercepted aircraft will be identified by type only. When specific information is required (i.e., markings, serial numbers, etc.) the interceptor aircrew will respond only if the request can be conducted in a safe manner. During hours of darkness or Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), identification of unknown aircraft will be by type only. The interception pattern described below is the typical peacetime method used by air interceptor aircrews. In all situations, the interceptor aircrew will use caution to avoid startling the intercepted aircrew and/or passengers. 2. All aircraft operating in the U.S. national airspace, if capable, will maintain a listening watch on VHF guard 121.5 or UHF 243.0. It is incumbent on all aviators to know and understand their responsibilities if intercepted. Additionally, if the U.S. military intercepts an aircraft and flares are dispensed in the area of that aircraft, aviators will pay strict attention, contact air traffic control immediately on the local frequency or on VHF guard 121.5 or UHF 243.0 and follow the intercept's visual ICAO signals. Be advised that noncompliance may result in the use of force. b. Intercept phases (See FIG 5-6-1). 1. Phase One- Approach Phase. FIG 5-6-1
|
INTERCEPTING SIGNALS |
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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. |
TBL 5-6-2
Intercepting Signals
INTERCEPTING SIGNALS |
||||
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. |
5-6-5. ADIZ Boundaries and Designated Mountainous Areas (See FIG 5-6-2.)