Aircraft Priority for Landing

If an aircraft enters an aerodrome traffic circuit without proper authorization, it shall be permitted to land if its actions indicate that it so desires. If circumstances warrant, aircraft which are in contact with AERODROME CONTROL TOWER may be instructed to give way so as to remove as soon as possible the hazard introduced by such unauthorized operation. In no case shall permission to land be withheld indefinitely.

In case of emergency it may be necessary, in the interests of safety, for an aircraft to enter a traffic circuit and affect a landing without proper authorization. AERODROME CONTROL TOWER should recognize the possibilities of emergency action and render all assistance possible.

Aircraft Priority for Landing shall be given to:

a) an aircraft which anticipates being compelled to land because of factors affecting the safe operation of the aircraft (engine failure, shortage of fuel, etc.);

Note.— The first priority shall only be given if the flight crew has reported emergency message preceded by the w ord MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY or for aircraft that has been in sight, the controller notice that aircraft condition or configuration indicating any abnormality which needs emergency action (the existence of fire, smoke or wild manoeuver).

b) hospital aircraft or aircraft carrying any sick or seriously injured persons requiring urgent medical attention;

Note 1.—The first priority shall only be given if the flight crew has reported urgency message preceded by the word PANPAN PANPAN PANPAN.

Note 2.—For the purpose of assisting the quick handling, the controllers are advised to contact the medical services unit of airport and to coordinate with apron movement control unit (AMC) for the location of parking for such aircraft.

c) aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations; and

d) other aircraft as may be determined by the appropriate authority.

Note 1.— For military aircraft, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Defense and Security, will be handled as civilian aircraft, except when there is a special letter or notification from the Ministry of Defense and Security.

Note 2.— For VIP flight will only be handled in accordance with the rules and procedure for VIP Flight Operation when there is a NOTAM containing the VIP flight activities, including the duration of closing of aerodrome.

Note 3.— The Presidential flight is usually treated as VIP flight where special handling is exercised, such as closing the aerodrome for any period of time (there may be a welcome ceremony, etc). However, even though there is a VIP flight, when there is an aircraft experiencing emergency, the latter shall have the priority over the VIP flight.

An aircraft landing or in the final stages of an approach to land shall normally have priority over an aircraft intending to depart from the same or an intersecting runway.