Interception authority & pilot actions

Interception: another aircraft (military or police) directs you in flight to land or change course.

Who may give an interception signal or instruction to land (CAR 602.144(1)-(2)):

• Peace officer
• Officer of a police authority
• Officer of the Canadian Armed Forces, acting within the scope of their duties
• Person authorized by the Minister

Minister may authorize only if (CAR 602.144(2)):

• In the public interest
• Not likely to affect aviation safety

Duties (CAR 602.144(3)-(4)):

• Instruction to land from one of the above: comply, subject to any direction from an air traffic control unit.
• Intercepting and intercepted pilots-in-command both follow the interception rules in the Canada Flight Supplement.

When intercepted, do all immediately (TC AIM SAR 4.6 Schedule I):

1. Follow intercepting aircraft's instructions; interpret and respond to its visual signals.
2. Notify appropriate ATS unit, if possible.
3. Radio contact: general call on 121.5 MHz, repeated on 243.0 MHz if practicable. Give identity, position, nature of flight.
4. Transponder-equipped: select Mode A Code 7700, unless ATS unit instructs otherwise.

Conflicting radio instructions (any source): request immediate clarification, continue to comply with intercepting aircraft.

Trap: assuming an air traffic control unit or airline captain may intercept you (only the listed persons may), or obeying conflicting radio instructions over the intercepting aircraft.

Practice