AMC1 SERA.11005 Unlawful interference

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

(a) Whenever unlawful interference with an aircraft is known or suspected or a bomb threat warning has been received, ATS units should promptly attend to requests by, or to anticipated needs of, the aircraft, including requests for relevant information relating to air navigation facilities, procedures and services along the route of flight and at any aerodrome of intended landing, and should take such action as is necessary to expedite the conduct of all phases of the flight.

ATS units should also:

(1) transmit, and continue to transmit, information pertinent to the safe conduct of the flight, without expecting a reply from the aircraft;

(2) monitor and plot the progress of the flight with the means available, and coordinate transfer of control with adjacent ATS units without requiring transmissions or other responses from the aircraft, unless communication with the aircraft remains normal;

(3) inform, and continue to keep informed, appropriate ATS units, including those in adjacent flight information regions (FIRs), which may be concerned with the progress of the flight;

(4) notify:

(i) the operator or its designated representative;

(ii) the appropriate rescue coordination centre in accordance with appropriate alerting procedures; and

(iii) the appropriate authority designated by the State; and

(5) relay appropriate messages, relating to the circumstances associated with the unlawful interference, between the aircraft and designated authorities.

(b) The following additional procedures should apply if a threat is received indicating that a bomb or other explosive device has been placed on board a known aircraft. The ATS unit receiving the threat information should:

(1) if in direct communication with the aircraft, advise the flight crew without delay of the threat and the circumstances surrounding the threat; or

(2) if not in direct communication with the aircraft, advise the flight crew by the most expeditious means through other ATS units or other channels.

(c) The ATS unit in communication with the aircraft should ascertain the intentions of the flight crew and report those intentions to other ATS units which may be concerned with the flight.

(d) The aircraft should be handled in the most expeditious manner while ensuring, to the extent possible, the safety of other aircraft and that personnel and ground installations are not put at risk.

(e) Aircraft in flight should be given re-clearance to a requested new destination without delay. Any request by the flight crew to climb or descend for the purpose of equalising or reducing the differential between the outside air pressure and the cabin air pressure should be approved as soon as possible.

(f) An aircraft on the ground should be advised to remain as far away from other aircraft and installations as possible and, if appropriate, to vacate the runway. The aircraft should be instructed to taxi to a designated or isolated parking area in accordance with local instructions. Should the flight crew disembark passengers and crew immediately, other aircraft, vehicles and personnel should be kept at a safe distance from the threatened aircraft.

(g) ATS units should not provide any advice or suggestions concerning action to be taken by the flight crew in relation to an explosive device.

(h) An aircraft known or believed to be the subject of unlawful interference or which for other reasons needs isolation from normal aerodrome activities should be cleared to the designated isolated parking position. Where such an isolated parking position has not been designated, or if the designated position is not available, the aircraft should be cleared to a position within the area or areas selected by prior agreement with the aerodrome authority. The taxi clearance should specify the taxi route to be followed to the parking position. This route should be selected with a view to minimising any security risks to the public, other aircraft and installations at the aerodrome.