# Interception of Civil Aircraft: Procedures, Signals, and Emergency Communications

> Understand interception procedures for civil aircraft, including immediate pilot actions, Annex 2 visual signals, phraseology, and emergency frequency use.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-05 — Rules of the Air According to ICAO Annex 2 and SERA
- **Topic code:** 010-05-06
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/rules-of-the-air-according-to-icao-annex-2-and-sera/interception-of-civil-aircraft/

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Interception of civil aircraft should be avoided and is a measure of **last resort**. It generally occurs if an aircraft has lost communication, enters airspace without authorization, or deviates from its track in restricted areas.

## Action by Intercepted Aircraft

If intercepted by another aircraft, the civil aircraft shall **immediately**:
1.  **Follow the instructions** of the intercepting aircraft.
2.  Notify the appropriate ATS unit.
3.  Attempt to establish radio communication with the intercepting aircraft or with the appropriate intercept control unit on the **emergency frequency 121.5 MHz** (and 243 MHz if possible).
4.  If equipped with a transponder, select **Mode A, Code 7700** (unless otherwise instructed).

## Visual Signals (ICAO Annex 2, Appendix 1)

*   **Passing in front and rocking wings:** "You follow me".
*   **Abrupt break-away maneuver (climbing turn of 90 degrees or more):** "You may proceed".
*   **Lowering landing gear and showing steady landing lights:** "Land at this aerodrome".

## Interception Phraseology (If no common language)

If radio contact is established but there is no common language, the phrases in Table A2-1 shall be used (pronouncing each phrase twice):

**INTERCEPTING Aircraft:**
*   **CALL SIGN:** "What is your call sign?"
*   **FOLLOW:** "Follow me".
*   **DESCEND:** "Descend for landing".
*   **YOU LAND:** "Land at this aerodrome".
*   **PROCEED:** "You may proceed".

**INTERCEPTED Aircraft:**
*   **CALL SIGN (call sign):** "My call sign is...".
*   **WILCO:** "Will comply".
*   **CAN NOT:** "Unable to comply".
*   **AM LOST:** "Position unknown".
*   **MAYDAY:** "I am in distress".
*   **HIJACK:** "I have been hijacked".

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Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.