AIM
4/3/14
5−6−2
National Security and Interception Procedures
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.
Each person operating an aircraft in an ADIZ
or Defense Area must, in addition to the applicable
rules of part 99, comply with special security
instructions issued by the Administrator in the
interest of national security, pursuant to agreement
between the FAA and the Department of Defense, or
between the FAA and a U.S. Federal security or
intelligence agency.
2. Defense Area
means any airspace of the
contiguous United States that is not an ADIZ in which
the control of aircraft is required for reasons of
national security.
h. Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic
(ESCAT).
1.
During defense emergency or air defense
emergency conditions, additional special security
instructions may be issued in accordance with
32 CFR 245 Plan for the Emergency Security Control
of Air Traffic (ESCAT).
2.
Under the provisions of 32 CFR 245, 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 ESCAT is
implemented, ATC facilities will broadcast
appropriate instructions received from the Air Traffic
Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) over
available ATC frequencies. Depending on
instructions received from the ATCSCC, 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 monitor
an ATC or FSS frequency at all times while
conducting flight operations.
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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 air-
craft.
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