# Security & Unlawful Interference

> Procedures for hijackings, bomb threats, and unruly passengers.

- **Subject:** 070 — Operational Procedures
- **Section:** 071-02 — Special Operational Procedures and Hazards (General Aspects)
- **Topic code:** 071-02-09
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-04-01
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/operational-procedures/special-operational-procedures-and-hazards-general-aspects/security-unlawful-events/

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## Transponder Codes
*   **7500**: Unlawful Interference (Hijack).
*   **7600**: Radio Failure.
*   **7700**: General Emergency.

## Hijacking Procedures

![Cockpit door](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c4/Cockpit_door_Airbus_A319-100_D-AKNM_Germanwings.jpg)

*   **Squawk 7500**: To alert ATC silently.
*   **Comply**: Generally, comply with hijackers' demands to protect life, unless doing so leads to catastrophic outcome (e.g., suicide attack).
*   **Cockpit Door**: Keep locked at all times (post 9/11 hardened doors).
*   **Land ASAP**: At a suitable airport.

## Bomb Threat
*   **Evaluation**: Assess credibility (Specific? Realistic?).
*   **Search**: Discreet search if time permits.
*   **LRBL (Least Risk Bomb Location)**: Specific area in the cabin (usually against a rear door) where a bomb should be placed to minimize structural damage if it explodes. Pad with wetted blankets to dampen explosion.
*   **Descent**: To equalizing pressure altitude (differential pressure zero) to minimize explosive force on structure.

## Unruly Passengers
Levels of threat:
1.  Verbal.
2.  Physically abusive.
3.  Life threatening / Weapon.
4.  Breach of flight deck.
Action: Warning -> Restraint -> Diversion -> Hand over to police.

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