INTERCEPTING SIGNALS
Signals initiated by intercepting aircraft and
responses by intercepted aircraft
(as set forth in ICAO Annex 2-Appendix A, 2.1)

Series

INTERCEPTING Aircraft Signals

Meaning

INTERCEPTED Aircraft Responds

Meaning

1

DAY-Rocking wings from a position slightly above and ahead of, and normally to the left of, the intercepted aircraft and, after acknowledgement, a slow level turn, normally to the left, on to the desired heading.

NIGHT-Same and, in addition, flashing navigational lights at irregular intervals.

NOTE 1-Meteorological conditions or terrain may require the intercepting aircraft to take up a position slightly above and ahead of, and to the right of, the intercepted aircraft and to make the subsequent turn to the right.

NOTE 2-If the intercepted aircraft is not able to keep pace with the intercepting aircraft, the latter is expected to fly a series of race-track patterns and to rock its wings each time it passes the intercepted aircraft.

You have been intercepted. Follow me.

AEROPLANES:
DAY-Rocking wings and following.

NIGHT-Same and, in addition, flashing
navigational lights at irregular intervals.

HELICOPTERS:
DAY or NIGHT-Rocking aircraft, flashing navigational lights at irregular intervals and following.

Understood, will comply.

2

DAY or NIGHT-An abrupt break-away maneuver from the intercepted aircraft consisting of a climbing turn of 90 degrees or more without crossing the line of flight of the intercepted aircraft.

You may
proceed.

AEROPLANES:
DAY or NIGHT-Rocking wings.

HELICOPTERS:
DAY or NIGHT-Rocking aircraft.

Understood, will comply.

3

DAY-Circling aerodrome, lowering landing gear and overflying runway in direction of landing or, if the intercepted aircraft is a helicopter, overflying the helicopter landing area.


NIGHT-Same and, in addition, showing steady landing lights.

Land at this aerodrome.

AEROPLANES:
DAY-Lowering landing gear, following the
intercepting aircraft and, if after overflying
the runway landing is considered safe, proceeding to land.

NIGHT-Same and, in addition, showing steady landing lights (if carried).

HELICOPTERS:
DAY or NIGHT-Following the intercepting
aircraft and proceeding to land, showing a steady landing light (if carried).

Understood, will comply.

INTERCEPTING SIGNALS
Signals and Responses During Aircraft Intercept
Signals initiated by intercepting aircraft and
responses by intercepted aircraft
(as set forth in ICAO Annex 2-Appendix A, 2.2)

Series

INTERCEPTING Aircraft Signals

Meaning

INTERCEPTED Aircraft Responds

Meaning

4

AEROPLANES:
DAY-Raising landing gear while passing over landing runway at a height exceeding 300m (1,000 ft) but not exceeding 600m (2,000 ft) above the aerodrome level, and continuing to circle the
aerodrome.

NIGHT-Flashing landing lights while passing over landing runway at a height exceeding 300m (1,000 ft) but not exceeding 600m (2,000 ft) above the aerodrome level, and continuing to circle the aerodrome. If unable to flash landing lights, flash any other lights available.

Aerodrome you have designated is inadequate.

DAY or NIGHT-If it is desired that the intercepted aircraft follow the intercepting aircraft to an alternate aerodrome, the intercepting aircraft raises its landing gear and uses the Series 1 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

If it is decided to release the intercepted aircraft, the intercepting aircraft uses the Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

Understood, follow me.

Understood, you may
proceed.

5

AEROPLANES:
DAY or NIGHT-Regular switching on and off of all available lights but in such a manner as to be distinct from flashing lights.

Cannot comply.

DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

Understood.

6

AEROPLANES:
DAY or NIGHT-Irregular flashing of all available lights.
HELICOPTERS:
DAY or NIGHT-Irregular flashing of all available lights.

In distress.

DAY or NIGHT-Use Series 2 signals prescribed for intercepting aircraft.

Understood