09/28/2001

INTERCEPTION SIGNALS

With the recent events of September 11, 2001 in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, the possibility of a fighter intercept has increased. Although recent NOTAMS have encouraged everyone to review intercept procedures, the Safety Department feels that flight crews should have that information readily available.

The chart below lists the ICAO Annex 2 signals to be used by both the interceptor and the intercepted aircraft. Additionally, advise ATC that you are being intercepted. You may also attempt to communicate with the interceptor aircraft on 121.5 MHz.

INITIATED BY THE INTERCEPTING AIRCRAFT
Series	INTERCEPTING Aircraft Signals	Meaning	INTERCEPTED Aircraft Responds	Meaning
1	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. At night, in addition, flash navigation lights at irregular intervals.	You have been intercepted. Follow me.	Rocking wings and following. At night, in addition, flash navigation lights at irregular intervals.	Understood, will comply.
2	An abrupt or 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 proceed.	Rocking wings.	Understood, will comply.
3	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. At night, in addition, show steady landing lights.	Land at this aerodrome.	Lowering landing gear, following the intercepting aircraft and if, after overflying the runway, landing is considered safe, proceeding to land. At night, in addition, show steady landing lights.	Understood, will comply.
INITIATED BY INTERCEPTED AIRCRAFT
4	Raising landing gear while passing over landing runway at a height exceeding 1,000 ft, but not exceeding 2,000 ft above the aerodrome level, and continuing to circle the aerodrome. At night, in addition, flash landing lights.	Aerodrome you have designated is inadequate.	If it is desired that the intercepted aircraft follow the intercepting aircraft to an alternate aerodrome, the intercepting aircraft raises its landing gear and uses the Series 1 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.	Understood, follow me.
			If it is decided to release the intercepted aircraft, the intercepting aircraft uses the Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.	Understood, you may proceed.
5	Regular switching on and off of all available lights but in such a manner as to be distinct from flashing lights.	Cannot comply.	Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.	Understood.
6	Irregular flashing of all available lights.	In distress	Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.	Understood