AIM

10/12/17

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National Security and Interception Procedures

FIG 5

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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

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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.

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14. 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.