AIM

4/3/14

5−6−6

National Security and Interception 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

−

3. Law Enforcement Operations by

Civil and Military Organizations

a. Special law enforcement operations.

1.

Special law enforcement operations include

in-flight identification, surveillance, interdiction, and

pursuit activities performed in accordance with

official civil and/or military mission responsibilities.

2.

To facilitate accomplishment of these special

missions, exemptions from specified sections of the

CFRs have been granted to designated departments

and agencies. However, it is each organization’s

responsibility to apprise ATC of their intent to operate

under an authorized exemption before initiating

actual operations.

3.

Additionally, some departments and agencies

that perform special missions have been assigned

coded identifiers to permit them to apprise ATC of

ongoing mission activities and solicit special

air traffic assistance.