ESCAT Plan obligations
The ESCAT Plan (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic Plan): measures Canada implements under the NORAD Agreement during an air defence emergency (CAR 101.01(1)).
- Applies to: aircraft before entering into and while operating within Canadian domestic airspace or the ADIZ (CAR 602.146(1)).
- Trigger: an air traffic control unit notifies the pilot-in-command the plan is implemented. Notice comes from ATC, not directly from the Minister of National Defence.
Pilot duties once notified (CAR 602.146(2)):
| When | Airspace | Duty (to the appropriate ATS unit) |
|---|---|---|
| Before take-off | - | Obtain approval for the flight |
| In flight | - | Comply with any instruction to land, or to change course or altitude |
| Position reports | Inside controlled airspace | As required under CAR 602.125 |
| Position reports | Outside controlled airspace | At least every 30 minutes |
Trap: ESCAT is separate from the ADIZ; its duties (pre-takeoff approval, land/course/altitude compliance, reporting cadence) add to ADIZ and flight-plan duties, never replace them.
References
- CARs 101.01(1) (definitions)
- CARs 602.146