If you are intercepted: signals, squawk and frequency
Interception is rare, and that is the reason the exam asks about it: nobody learns it by experience, so you have to learn it from the table. There are three things to know: what to do, what the interceptor’s signals mean, and what your answers mean.
What to do if you are intercepted
- Follow the interceptor’s instructions and interpret and answer its visual signals.
- Notify the ATS unit, if you can.
- Call on 121.5 MHz, giving your identity, your position and the nature of the flight. Try the intercepting unit or the control unit controlling the intercept.
- Set the transponder to 7700, unless the ATS unit tells you to use another code.
The interceptor’s signals
| What the interceptor does | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rocks its wings from slightly above and ahead, then makes a slow level turn to the desired heading | You have been intercepted. Follow me. |
| Abrupt breakaway: a climbing turn of 90° or more without crossing your flight path | You may proceed. |
| Circles the aerodrome, lowers the landing gear and overflies the runway in the direction of landing | Land at this aerodrome. |
Your answers
| What you do | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rock your wings and follow | Understood, will comply. |
| Raise the landing gear while passing over the runway at 1 000–2 000 ft, and keep circling the aerodrome | The aerodrome you have designated is inadequate. |
| Switch all available lights on and off at regular intervals | Cannot comply. |
| Flash all available lights at irregular intervals | In distress. |
Squawk codes to keep apart
- 7700: general emergency, and the code to use when intercepted.
- 7500: unlawful interference.
- 7600: radio communication failure.
Where students lose marks
- “Regular” and “irregular” lights. Regular on-off means cannot comply. Irregular flashing means distress.
- The wrong direction. Read who is doing the signal. The table for the interceptor and the table for the intercepted aircraft look alike but have different meanings.
- Landing gear. Gear down and a pass over the runway from the interceptor means land here. Gear up over the runway from you means the aerodrome is inadequate.
- The code. It is 7700 when intercepted, not 7500, even though an interception sounds like unlawful interference.
Study aid, not the regulation. The reference is SERA.11015 and the visual signals in SERA Appendix 1; the AIP lists any national additions.
Quick answers
What do you squawk when you are intercepted?
7700, unless the ATS unit instructs you otherwise.
On which frequency do you call an intercepting aircraft?
121.5 MHz, giving your identity, position and the nature of the flight.
What does an abrupt breakaway by the interceptor mean?
You may proceed. The interceptor makes a climbing turn of 90 degrees or more without crossing your flight path.
What does it mean if an intercepted aircraft flashes all lights irregularly?
In distress. Switching lights on and off regularly means that you cannot comply.
Make it stick
Fly the Interception & Squawks drill: every item is a streak you have to land.