5-6-2.
Interception Procedures
a. General.
1. In conjunction with the FAA, Air Defense Sectors monitor air traffic and
could order an intercept in the interest of national security or defense.
Intercepts during peacetime operations are vastly different than those
conducted under increased states of readiness. The interceptors may be
fighters or rotary wing aircraft. The reasons for aircraft intercept include, but
are not limited to:
(a) Identify an aircraft;
(b) Track an aircraft;
(c) Inspect an aircraft;
(d) Divert an aircraft;
(e) Establish communications with an aircraft.
2. When specific information is required (i.e., markings, serial numbers, etc.)
the interceptor pilot(s) will respond only if, in their judgment, the request can
be conducted in a safe manner. Intercept procedures are described in some
detail in the paragraphs below. In all situations, the interceptor pilot will
consider safety of flight for all concerned throughout the intercept procedure.
The interceptor pilot(s) will use caution to avoid startling the intercepted crew
or passengers and understand that maneuvers considered normal for
interceptor aircraft may be considered hazardous to other aircraft.
3. All aircraft operating in US national airspace are highly encouraged to
maintain a listening watch on VHF/UHF guard frequencies (121.5 or 243.0
MHz). If subjected to a military intercept, it is incumbent on civilian aviators to
understand their responsibilities and to comply with ICAO standard signals
relayed from the intercepting aircraft. Specifically, aviators are expected to
contact air traffic control without delay (if able) on the local operating
frequency or on VHF/UHF guard. Noncompliance may result in the use of
force.
b. Fighter intercept phases (See FIG 5-6-1).
1. Approach Phase.
As standard procedure, intercepted aircraft are approached from behind.
Typically, interceptor aircraft will be employed in pairs, however, it is not
uncommon for a single aircraft to perform the intercept operation. Safe
separation between interceptors and intercepted aircraft is the responsibility of
the intercepting aircraft and will be maintained at all times.
2. Identification Phase.
Interceptor aircraft will initiate a controlled closure toward the aircraft of
interest, holding at a distance no closer than deemed necessary to establish
positive identification and to gather the necessary information. The interceptor
may also fly past the intercepted aircraft while gathering data at a distance
considered safe based on aircraft performance characteristics.
3. Post Intercept Phase.
An interceptor may attempt to establish communications via standard ICAO
signals. In timecritical situations where the interceptor is seeking an
immediate response from the intercepted aircraft or if the intercepted aircraft
remains noncompliant to instruction, the interceptor pilot may initiate a divert
maneuver. In this maneuver, the interceptor flies across the intercepted
aircraft's flight path (minimum 500 feet separation and commencing from
slightly below the intercepted aircraft altitude) in the general direction the
intercepted aircraft is expected to turn. The interceptor will rock its wings
(daytime) or flash external lights/select afterburners (night) while crossing the
intercepted aircraft's flight path. The interceptor will roll out in the direction the
intercepted aircraft is expected to turn before returning to verify the aircraft of
interest is complying. The intercepted aircraft is expected to execute an
immediate turn to the direction of the intercepting aircraft. If the aircraft of
interest does not comply, the interceptor may conduct a second climbing turn
across the intercepted aircraft's flight path (minimum 500 feet separation and
commencing from slightly below the intercepted aircraft altitude) while
expending flares as a warning signal to the intercepted aircraft to comply
immediately and to turn in the direction indicated and to leave the area. The
interceptor is responsible to maintain safe separation during these and all
intercept maneuvers. Flight safety is paramount.
NOTE-
1. NORAD interceptors will take every precaution to preclude the possibility of
the intercepted aircraft experiencing jet wash/wake turbulence; however, there
is a potential that this condition could be encountered.
2. During Night/IMC, the intercept will be from below flight path.
FIG 5-6-1
Intercept Procedures
c. Helicopter Intercept phases (See FIG 5-6-2)
1. Approach Phase.
Aircraft intercepted by helicopter may be approached from any direction,
although the helicopter should close for identification and signaling from
behind. Generally, the helicopter will approach off the left side of the
intercepted aircraft. Safe separation between the helicopter and the
unidentified aircraft will be maintained at all times.
2. Identification Phase.
The helicopter will initiate a controlled closure toward the aircraft of interest,
holding at a distance no closer than deemed necessary to establish positive
identification and gather the necessary information. The intercepted pilot
should expect the interceptor helicopter to take a position off his left wing
slightly forward of abeam.
3. Post Intercept Phase.
Visual signaling devices may be used in an attempt to communicate with the
intercepted aircraft. Visual signaling devices may include, but are not limited
to, LED scrolling signboards or blue flashing lights. If compliance is not
attained through the use of radios or signaling devices, standard ICAO
intercept signals (Table 561) may be employed. In order to maintain safe
aircraft separation, it is incumbent upon the pilot of the intercepted aircraft not
to fall into a trail position (directly behind the helicopter) if instructed to follow
the helicopter. This is because the helicopter pilot may lose visual contact with
the intercepted aircraft.
NOTE-
Intercepted aircraft must not follow directly behind the helicopter thereby
allowing the helicopter pilot to maintain visual contact with the intercepted
aircraft and ensuring safe separation is maintained.
FIG 5-6-2
Helicopter Intercept Procedures
d. Summary of Intercepted Aircraft Actions. An intercepted aircraft must,
without delay:
1. Adhere to instructions relayed through the use of visual devices, visual
signals, and radio communications from the intercepting aircraft.
2. Attempt to establish radio communications with the intercepting aircraft or
with the appropriate air traffic control facility by making a general call on guard
frequencies (121.5 or 243.0 MHz), giving the identity, position, and nature of
the flight.
3. If transponder equipped, select Mode 3/A Code 7700 unless otherwise
instructed by air traffic control.
NOTE-
If instruction received from any agency conflicts with that given by the
intercepting aircraft through visual or radio communications, the intercepted
aircraft must seek immediate clarification.
4. The crew of the intercepted aircraft must continue to comply with
interceptor aircraft signals and instructions until positively released.
5-6-4. Interception Signals
TBL 5-6-1 and TBL 5-6-2.
TBL 5-6-1
Intercepting Signals
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 Meaning INTERCEPTED Aircraft Meaning
Aircraft Signals Responds
1 DAY-Rocking wings You have AEROPLANES: Understood,
from a position slightly been DAY-Rocking wings and will comply.
above and ahead of, and intercepted. following.
normally to the left of, Follow me.
the intercepted aircraft
and, after
acknowledgement, a
slow level turn, normally
to the left, on to the NIGHT-Same and, in
desired heading. addition, flashing
navigational lights at
NIGHT‐Same and, in irregular intervals.
addition, flashing
navigational lights at
irregular intervals.
NOTE 1-Meteorological
conditions or terrain may
require the intercepting HELICOPTERS:
aircraft to take up a DAY or NIGHT-Rocking
position slightly above aircraft, flashing
and ahead of, and to the navigational lights at
right of, the intercepted irregular intervals and
aircraft and to make the following.
subsequent turn to the
right.
NOTE 2-If the
intercepted aircraft is not
able to keep pace with
the intercepting aircraft,
the latter is expected to
fly a series of race-track
patterns and to rock its
wings each time it
passes the intercepted
aircraft.
2 DAY or NIGHT-An You may AEROPLANES: Understood,
abrupt break-away proceed. DAY or NIGHT‐Rocking will comply.
maneuver from the wings.
intercepted aircraft
consisting of a climbing HELICOPTERS:
turn of 90 degrees or DAY or NIGHT-Rocking
more without crossing aircraft.
the line of flight of the
intercepted aircraft.
3 DAY-Circling Land at this AEROPLANES: Understood,
aerodrome, lowering aerodrome. DAY-Lowering landing will comply.
landing gear and gear, following the
overflying runway in intercepting aircraft and,
direction of landing or, if if after overflying the
the intercepted aircraft is runway landing is
a helicopter, overflying considered safe,
the helicopter landing proceeding to land.
area.
NIGHT-Same and, in
NIGHT-Same and, in addition, showing steady
addition, showing steady landing lights (if carried).
landing lights.
HELICOPTERS:
DAY or
NIGHT‐Following the
intercepting aircraft and
proceeding to land,
showing a steady
landing light (if carried).
TBL 5-6-2
Intercepting Signals
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 Meaning INTERCEPTING Meaning
Signals Aircraft Responds
4 DAY or NIGHT-Raising Aerodrome DAY or NIGHT-If it is Understood,
landing gear (if fitted) you have desired that the follow me.
and flashing landing designated intercepted aircraft follow
lights while passing over is the intercepting aircraft
runway in use or inadequate. to an alternate
helicopter landing area aerodrome, the
at a height exceeding intercepting aircraft
300m (1,000 ft) but not raises its landing gear (if
exceeding 600m fitted) and uses the Understood,
(2,000 ft) (in the case of Series 1 signals you may
a helicopter, at a height prescribed for proceed.
exceeding 50m (170 ft) intercepting aircraft.
but not exceeding 100m
(330 ft) above the
aerodrome level, and If it is decided to release
continuing to circle the intercepted aircraft,
runway in use or the intercepting aircraft
helicopter landing area. uses the Series 2 signals
If unable to flash landing prescribed for
lights, flash any other intercepting aircraft.
lights available.
5 DAY or NIGHT-Regular Cannot DAY or NIGHT‐Use Understood.
switching on and off of comply. Series 2 signals
all available lights but in prescribed for
such a manner as to be intercepting aircraft.
distinct from flashing
lights.
6 DAY or NIGHT-Irregular In distress. DAY or NIGHT‐Use Understood.
flashing of all available Series 2 signals
lights. prescribed for
intercepting aircraft.
