Security & Unlawful Interference

071-02-09Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Transponder Codes

  • 7500: Unlawful Interference (Hijack).
  • 7600: Radio Failure.
  • 7700: General Emergency.

Hijacking Procedures

Cockpit door

  • 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.