Section 5, Chapter 2 - Strayed & Unidentified Aircraft

Question 1

What are the definitions and initial considerations for handling strayed and unidentified aircraft?

Answer 1

Definitions:

• Strayed Aircraft: An aircraft significantly deviated from its intended track or reporting as lost.
• Unidentified Aircraft: An aircraft observed or reported in a given area whose identity has not been established.

Simultaneous Classification:

• An aircraft can be considered strayed by one unit and unidentified by another simultaneously.

Potential Unlawful Interference:

• Strayed or unidentified aircraft may be subject to unlawful interference; follow appropriate local procedures if suspected.

Local Instructions:

• Actions may vary as no two instances are alike; ANSPs should ensure local instructions reflect specific actions for handling such aircraft.

Question 2

What actions should a controller take when aware of a strayed aircraft?

Answer 2

Establish Communication:

• Attempt to establish two-way communication with the aircraft and inform the pilot of their position, if communication does not already exist.

Inform Other ATS Units:

• Notify other ATS units into whose area the aircraft has strayed or may stray.

Request Assistance:

• Seek assistance from D&D, other ATS units, and other aircraft to establish communication with the strayed aircraft.

Suspected Unlawful Interference:

• Notify the Civil Watch Supervisor at the parent ACC if unlawful interference is suspected.

Question 3

What steps should a controller take if a pilot reports being lost?

Answer 3

Assistance and Position Determination:

• Provide every possible assistance and use all means to determine the aircraft’s position.

Actions to Follow:

• Treat pilot’s estimated position with caution.
• Use ATS surveillance systems and VDF to locate the aircraft.
• If communication is poor or the aircraft is suspected below surveillance coverage, advise the pilot to climb (considering pilot capabilities and preference to remain with the surface in sight).
• Ensure terrain clearance for low-flying aircraft; advise the pilot to climb if there is any doubt about adequate clearance, and warn of potential terrain hazards if climbing is not possible or preferred.
• Request assistance from other ATS units to determine the aircraft’s position.
• Use VDF bearings from other units to assist in fixing the position; pass bearings to the pilot if the position cannot be immediately established.
• Inform D&D for dedicated assistance.
• Notify the Civil Watch Supervisor at the parent ACC if unlawful interference is suspected.

Question 4

What should a controller do once the position of a lost aircraft has been established?

Answer 4

Advise the Aircraft:

• Inform the aircraft of its position and the corrective action to be taken immediately, especially if there is a possibility of interception or other hazards.

Inform Other Units:

• Provide relevant information concerning the strayed aircraft and any advice given to it to other air traffic service units and appropriate military units as necessary.

Question 5

What steps should a controller take when an unidentified aircraft is detected within their controlled airspace?

Answer 5

Initial Actions:

• Attempt to establish the identity of the aircraft.
• Attempt to establish two-way communication.

Notification and Assistance:

• Inform D&D and any affected ATS units or neighbouring FIRs, requesting their assistance in establishing the identity and communication.
• Notify the Civil Watch Supervisor at the parent ACC if unlawful interference is suspected.

Additional Information:

• Attempt to obtain information from other aircraft in the area.

Follow-up:

• Notify units involved in tracing the aircraft once its identity has been ascertained.
• Complete a Mandatory Occurrence Report.