Section 5, Chapter 9 - Bomb Warnings - Aircraft

Question 1

How should a bomb warning involving an aircraft be handled?

Answer 1

A bomb warning involving an aircraft should be treated as an emergency. Controllers must follow established emergency procedures and must not provide any advice or suggestions to the flight crew regarding an explosive device. Actions should be taken by Air Traffic Service Units as described in the procedures, and operators wishing to pass warning messages to their pilots should contact the Watch Supervisor at the appropriate Area Control Centre (ACC).

Question 2

How are bomb warnings involving an aircraft assessed and categorized?

Answer 2

Bomb warnings are typically anonymous and communicated via telephone or in writing, identifying a specific aircraft in flight. Each warning should be assessed to determine its credibility and risk level. While Air Traffic Control (ATC) plays a crucial role in communication and support, they do not take part in the threat assessment. Aerodrome Authorities and Airline Operators lead the threat assessment with specialist assessors, often consulting the Department for Transport (DfT) and the police.

Threat assessors categorize bomb warnings as follows:

• Category RED: A credible threat to a specific target, likely involving danger, requiring immediate protective measures (e.g., diversion of the aircraft).
• Category AMBER: A threat of doubtful credibility but prudent to consider additional protective measures due to uncertainties.
• Category GREEN: A non-credible threat requiring no further action.

Question 3

What are the general procedures for handling bomb warnings involving aircraft?

Answer 3

Category Red or Unassessed Threats:

• Treat as an emergency and provide flight priority A.

Category Amber Threats:

• May be treated as an emergency based on the response by the National Representative (NatRep) of the Air Defence Authority.
• Assign flight priority A and provide assistance for the aircraft to land as soon as possible.
• Follow emergency procedures and guidance from Chapter 1.

Captain’s Actions:

• If the captain is sufficiently concerned about a bomb threat, they will declare an emergency using “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” and describe the nature of the emergency as “Bomb Onboard.”
• The captain will likely request landing at the nearest suitable aerodrome.

NatRep’s Responsibilities:

• Decides which airport the aircraft will land at and the route to take, considering advice from the Department for Transport (DfT) and NATS.
• Determines if the aircraft should avoid overflying densely populated areas.

Aircraft Operators’ Advice:

• Aircraft subject to a bomb threat should avoid overflying densely populated areas and land at the nearest adequate or suitable airport if a diversion or expedited landing is necessary.

Question 4

What are the procedures for handling bomb warnings involving aircraft at an aerodrome?

Answer 4

Local Emergency Orders:

• The senior controller must ensure that local emergency orders are carried out upon receiving a bomb warning.

Aircraft in Flight:

• Inform the Watch Supervisor at the parent ACC.
• Coordinate messages to pilots from operators with the ACC Watch Supervisor.

Potential Landing:

• If the aircraft may land at the aerodrome, local emergency orders must be executed, even if the aircraft is not in contact with the unit.

Aircraft on the Ground:

• Advise the aircraft to stay away from other aircraft and installations, vacate the runway if appropriate.
• Instruct the aircraft to taxi to a designated or isolated parking area as per local instructions.
• Disembark passengers and crew immediately and keep other aircraft, vehicles, and personnel at a safe distance.

Unlawful Interference:

• Aircraft suspected of unlawful interference should be cleared to a designated isolated parking position.
• If no designated position is available, clear the aircraft to a pre-agreed position with the Aerodrome Operator.
• Specify a taxi route that minimizes security risks to the public, other aircraft, and installations.