If you are intercepted by a U.S. Military or law enforcement aircraft, immediately:
Intercepting aircraft signal |
Meaning |
Intercepted aircraft response |
Meaning |
Rocks wings. After acknowledgement initiates a slow level turn, normally to the left, onto the desired heading. |
You have been intercepted. Follow me. |
Rocks wings and follows. |
I understand and will comply. |
(At night, the pilot will also flash the navigational lights at irregular intervals.) |
(At night, the pilot will also flash the navigational lights at irregular intervals.) |
Performs an abrupt breakaway maneuver consisting of a climbing 90 degree turn, or more, without crossing the intercepted aircraft's flight path. |
You may proceed. |
Rocks wings. |
I understand and will comply. |
Circles airport, lowers landing gear, and overflies runway in the direction of landing. |
Land at this airport. |
Lowers landing gear, follows the intercepting aircraft and lands if the runway is considered safe. |
I understand and will comply. |
(At night, the pilot will also put the landing lights on.) |
(At night, the pilot will also put the landing lights on.) |
If the intercepted aircraft is requested to go to an alternate airport, the intercepting aircraft raises its landing gear and uses the intercept procedures (listed above). |
Understood, follow me. |
Raises landing gear while flying over runway between 1,000' and 2,000', and continues to circle the airport. |
This airport is inadequate. |
To release the intercepted aircraft, the intercepting aircraft will perform the breakaway maneuver listed above. |
Understood, you may proceed. |
(At night, the pilot of the intercepted aircraft will also flash landing lights while passing over the runway.) |
Performs the breakaway maneuver listed above. |
Understood. |
The pilot switches on and off all available lights at irregular intervals. |
Cannot comply. |
Performs the breakaway maneuver listed above. |
Understood. |
The pilot switches on and off all available lights at irregular intervals. |
In distress. |