Section 1, Chapter 8 - Diversion Procedures

Question 1

What are the common reasons for aircraft diversions from their planned destination?

Answer 1

Aircraft diversions may occur for the following reasons:

• Weather at the planned destination is below the prescribed minima.
• Obstructions on the landing area that pose a hazard cannot be cleared promptly.
• Failure of airborne equipment.
• Failure of essential ground aids required for landing.
• Unacceptable delay due to air traffic congestion.
• Closure of the destination aerodrome.

The Aerodrome Operator is responsible for decisions regarding the availability of the aerodrome.

Question 2

What steps does a pilot take when initiating a diversion from the planned destination?

Answer 2

When initiating a diversion, the pilot, who is primarily responsible for the aircraft’s safety, will:

• Assess whether a safe landing can be made at the given aerodrome.
• Consider weather conditions at the planned destination and alternate aerodromes.
• Decide on the necessity of a diversion based on the minima prescribed by the aircraft operator.
• Inform an ATC unit of their intentions and request further clearance for the diversion.

Question 3

What should a controller do if a pilot requests their company or a nominated addressee be advised of their diversion?

Answer 3

If a pilot requests that their company or a nominated addressee be advised of their diversion, the controller should pass this message to the ATSU at either:

• The original destination, or
• The aerodrome nearest to the original destination.

The ATSU receiving the message is responsible for passing it to the addressee.

Question 4

What actions should a pilot take upon receiving a diversion message?

Answer 4

Upon receiving a diversion message, the pilot should:

• Acknowledge the message.
• Comply with the diversion request or provide a reason for non-compliance.
• If deciding against diversion, permission to attempt a landing shall not be refused unless the aerodrome is closed by the Aerodrome Operator.

Question 4

What procedures should a controller follow when initiating a diversion for traffic reasons or in an emergency?

Answer 4

For traffic reasons:

• The controller consults with the aircraft operator.
• They jointly decide on the diversion aerodrome.
• The controller passes the diversion request to the pilot with reasons, an ATC clearance, and further instructions.

In cases of emergency:

• The aircraft may be diverted without prior consultation with the operator.
• The controller passes the diversion request to the pilot and informs the operator as soon as possible.
• If the operator is unknown, the pilot is asked to nominate an addressee.

Question 5

What are the procedures for diverting military aircraft and civilian aircraft to RAF or USAF aerodromes?

Answer 5

Diversion of Military Aircraft:

All information concerning the diversion of military aircraft is to be passed to D&D (Distress and Diversion).

Diversion to RAF Aerodromes:

• Aircraft should not be diverted to RAF or USAF aerodromes without prior approval from D&D, except in emergencies.
• Aircraft from the CIS must not be diverted to RAF aerodromes, even in emergencies, without D&D’s agreement.
• In other emergency cases, controllers should consult D&D before arranging for landing at an RAF or USAF aerodrome whenever possible.
• RAF aerodromes intending to keep open beyond their published hours will notify D&D, and this information will be available to the civil supervisor if needed.