AIM

4/20/23

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13

National Security and Interception Procedures

TBL 5

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6

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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 Signals

Meaning

INTERCEPTING Aircraft Responds

Meaning

4

DAY or NIGHT

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Raising landing gear (if

fitted) and flashing landing lights while
passing over runway in use or helicopter
landing area at a height exceeding 300m
(1,000 ft) but not exceeding 600m
(2,000 ft) (in the case of a helicopter, at a
height exceeding 50m (170 ft) but not
exceeding 100m (330 ft) above the
aerodrome level, and continuing to circle
runway in use or helicopter landing area. If
unable to flash landing lights, flash any
other lights available.

Aerodrome
you have
designated is
inadequate.

DAY or NIGHT

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If it is desired that the

intercepted aircraft follow the intercepting
aircraft to an alternate aerodrome, the
intercepting aircraft raises its landing gear
(if fitted) and uses the Series 1 signals
prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

If it is decided to release the intercepted
aircraft, the intercepting aircraft uses the
Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting
aircraft.

Understood,
follow me.

Understood,
you may
proceed.

5

DAY or NIGHT

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Regular switching on and

off of all available lights but in such a
manner as to be distinct from flashing
lights.

Cannot
comply.

DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals
prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

Understood.

6

DAY or NIGHT

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Irregular flashing of all

available lights.

In distress.

DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals
prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

Understood.