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AIM

4/20/23

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Emergency Services Available to Pilots

Section 2. Emergency Services Available to Pilots

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1. Radar Service for VFR Aircraft in Difficulty

a.

Radar equipped ATC facilities can provide radar assistance and navigation service (vectors) to VFR aircraft

in difficulty when the pilot can talk with the controller, and the aircraft is within radar coverage. Pilots should
clearly understand that authorization to proceed in accordance with such radar navigational assistance does not
constitute authorization for the pilot to violate CFRs. In effect, assistance is provided on the basis that
navigational guidance information is advisory in nature, and the responsibility for flying the aircraft safely
remains with the pilot.

b.

Experience has shown that many pilots who are not qualified for instrument flight cannot maintain control

of their aircraft when they encounter clouds or other reduced visibility conditions. In many cases, the controller
will not know whether flight into instrument conditions will result from ATC instructions. To avoid possible
hazards resulting from being vectored into IFR conditions, a pilot in difficulty should keep the controller advised
of the current weather conditions being encountered and the weather along the course ahead and observe the
following:

1.

If a course of action is available which will permit flight and a safe landing in VFR weather conditions,

noninstrument rated pilots should choose the VFR condition rather than requesting a vector or approach that will
take them into IFR weather conditions; or

2.

If continued flight in VFR conditions is not possible, the noninstrument rated pilot should so advise the

controller and indicating the lack of an instrument rating, declare a 

distress

 condition; or

3.

If the pilot is instrument rated and current, and the aircraft is instrument equipped, the pilot should so

indicate by requesting an IFR flight clearance. Assistance will then be provided on the basis that the aircraft can
operate safely in IFR weather conditions.

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2. Transponder Emergency Operation

a.

When a 

distress 

or 

urgency

 condition is encountered, the pilot of an aircraft with a coded radar beacon

transponder, who desires to alert a ground radar facility, should squawk Mode 3/A, Code 7700/Emergency and
Mode C altitude reporting and then immediately establish communications with the ATC facility.

b.

Radar facilities are equipped so that Code 7700 normally triggers an alarm or special indicator at all control

positions. Pilots should understand that they might not be within a radar coverage area. Therefore, they should
continue squawking Code 7700 and establish radio communications as soon as possible.

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3. Intercept and Escort

a.

The concept of airborne intercept and escort is based on the Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft establishing

visual and/or electronic contact with an aircraft in difficulty, providing in-flight assistance, and escorting it to
a safe landing. If bailout, crash landing or ditching becomes necessary, SAR operations can be conducted without
delay. For most incidents, particularly those occurring at night and/or during instrument flight conditions, the
availability of intercept and escort services will depend on the proximity of SAR units with suitable aircraft on
alert for immediate dispatch. In limited circumstances, other aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aircraft in
difficulty can provide these services.

b.

If specifically requested by a pilot in difficulty or if a 

distress

 condition is declared, SAR coordinators 

will

take steps to intercept and escort an aircraft. Steps may be initiated for intercept and escort if an 

urgency

 condition

is declared and unusual circumstances make such action advisable.

c.

It is the pilot’s prerogative to refuse intercept and escort services. Escort services will normally be provided

to the nearest adequate airport. Should the pilot receiving escort services continue onto another location after