4/20/23 

AIM 

TBL 5

−

6

−

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

−

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

−

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

−

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

−

Irregular flashing of all 

available lights. 

In distress. 

DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals 

prescribed for intercepting aircraft. 

Understood. 

National Security and Interception Procedures 

5

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6

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13