ENR 1.13 UNLAWFUL INTERFERENCE
1. GENERAL
The following procedures are intended for use by aircraft when unlawful interference occurs, and the aircraft is unable to notify an ATS unit of this fact.
2. PROCEDURES
Unless considerations aboard the aircraft dictate otherwise, the pilot-in-command should attempt to continue flying on the assigned track and at the assigned cruising level at least until able to notify an ATS unit or within radar coverage.
When an aircraft subjected to an act of unlawful interference and must depart from its assigned track or its assigned cruising level without being able to make radiotelephony contact with ATS, the pilot-in-command should, whenever possible:
a) attempt to broadcast warnings on the VHF emergency frequency and other appropriate frequencies, unless considerations aboard the aircraft dictate otherwise. Other equipment, such as onboard transponders, data links, etc., should also be used when it is advantageous to do so, and circumstances permit. The transponder shall be set to mode A/3 code 7500; and
b) proceed in accordance with applicable special procedures for in-flight contingencies, where such procedures have been established and promulgated in DOC 7030 - Regional Supplementary Procedures; or
c) if no applicable regional procedures have been established, proceed at a level which differs from the cruising levels normally used for IFR flight in the area by 300 M (1 000 FT) if above FL410 or by 150 M (500 FT) if below FL410.
Definition — Acts of Unlawful Interference
Per AIP ENR 1.13, acts of unlawful interference are acts or attempted acts such as to jeopardize the safety of civil aviation and air transport, including:
- Unlawful seizure of aircraft in flight
- Unlawful seizure of aircraft on the ground
- Hostage-taking on board aircraft or on aerodromes
- Forcible intrusion on board an aircraft, at an airport, or on the premises of an aeronautical facility
Procedures for Flight Crew
- Transponder Code 7500: Set the transponder to code 7500 to silently signal unlawful interference, provided it would not exacerbate the situation
- Communicate with ATS: Use any available method, such as a regular frequency call or a deviation from the flight plan
- Assess and act: The crew must constantly assess the situation and take actions that are considered safe and will not worsen the situation
Procedures for Air Traffic Control
- Recognize signs: Recognize signs of unlawful interference — crew using transponder code 7500, sudden deviation from flight plan, or distress call
- Notify authorities: Immediately inform the appropriate authorities and emergency services
- Provide separation: Ensure increased separation between the affected aircraft and all other traffic
- Silence non-essential calls: Silence all non-urgent calls on a regular basis to avoid further distraction or confusion
- Support the flight: Do not interrupt the flight crew's assessment of the situation
- Military coordination: Be prepared to follow military interception procedures as advised by national authorities