Section 7, Chapter 6 - Identification Of Hijacks / Airborne Security Situations

Question 1

How are aircraft subject to hijacking identified to ATC staff?

Answer 1

Aircraft subject to hijacking are identified to ATC staff by:

• Selection of Mode A code 7500 on the aircraft’s transponder
• Declaration on the RTF frequency

Question 2

What steps should be taken if a watch manager becomes aware of a hijack or airborne security situation?

Answer 2

Steps to take in the event of a hijack or airborne security situation:

Ascertain and pass the following details to the PC Ops Supervisor:

• Aircraft callsign, type, operator, and last assigned Mode A code
• Point of departure and notified/intended destination
• Current position (bearing/distance from aeronautical reference point), altitude/flight level, and expected route (either as per flight plan or as notified via RTF)
• Indicative factors of the aircraft’s hijack status (e.g., A7500 code selection, declaration on RTF, unusual event)
• Current RTF frequency and controlling agency

PC Ops Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Onward notification to military authorities and other government agencies

Local Watch Manager Responsibilities:

• Ensure any parallel reporting action as determined by local aerodrome emergency orders is completed

If A7500 code is observed on radar but in airspace handled by an adjacent unit:

• Contact PC in the first instance

Question 3

How should ATC handle military responses to hijack or airborne security situations, and what considerations should be made for Air Defence Priority Flights and airspace restrictions?

Answer 3

Handling military responses and Air Defence Priority Flights:

ATC Coordination:

• Conduct through normal channels for any military aircraft engaged in the response.
• Military aircraft will operate as Air Defence Priority Flights and take precedence over all other traffic except aircraft in an emergency.

Disruption Management:

• If the subject aircraft causes disruption to the normal traffic pattern.
• If transit or tactical operations by Air Defence Priority Flights cause similar disruption.
• Required ATC and ATFM actions will be coordinated by PC.

Local Watch Manager Considerations:

• Assess the impact on the airport if such an incident occurs at a neighboring unit.
• Consider the likelihood of diverting traffic and its effects on airport operations.

Question 4

What actions should be taken when an aircraft with the callsign DOUGHNUT is pre-notified or free-calls, and what are the communication guidelines?

Answer 4

Actions for handling aircraft with the callsign DOUGHNUT:

Immediate Notification:

• Advise the watch manager immediately upon pre-notification or free-call of an aircraft with the callsign DOUGHNUT.

Flight Priority:

• Afford the aircraft Category ‘A’ flight priority.

Communication Guidelines:

• Do not discuss the purposes of the flight over the RTF.
• Seek further guidance from the PC Ops Supervisor if needed.

Note: Refer to MATS Part 1; Section 5, Chapter 5, for general guidance.

Question 5

What local actions should be taken in the event of a hijack/airborne security situation involving EGAA?

Answer 5

Local actions for a hijack/airborne security situation involving EGAA:

Collate the following information:

• Aircraft type
• Registration
• Call sign
• Name of operating company
• Point of origin of flight
• Last known bearing if hijack originated at Aldergrove

Pass the information to:

• BIA Operations Control Centre via ADC Emergency Line or IPOS - APRON or ext 4444
• Military Operations
• NATS General Manager
• NATS DAS/MAS as appropriate

Priority Parking Areas for Hijacked Aircraft:

• First Priority: Runway 17-35 abeam the DA2 at the loop
• Second Priority: DA 2

Note: Runway 17 is the preferred runway for landings.

Refer to AA/MAN/39 (Blue Book) for detailed reporting actions.