Other in-Flight Contingencies

Strayed or unidentified aircraft

Note 1.— The terms “strayed aircraft” and “unidentified aircraft” in this paragraph have the following meanings:

a. Strayed aircraft : An aircraft which has deviated significantly from its intended track or which reports that it is lost.

b. Unidentified aircraft : An aircraft which has been reported to beoperating in a given area but whose identity has not been established.

Note 2.— An aircraft may be considered, at the same time, as a “strayed aircraft” by one unit and as an “unidentified aircraft” by another unit.

Note 3.— A strayed or unidentified aircraft may be suspected as being the subject of unlawful interference.

1.21.5.1.1. As soon as AERODROME CONTROL TOWER becomes aware of a strayed aircraft, it shall take all necessary steps as outlined in 1.21.5.1.1. a) and b) to assist the aircraft and to safeguard its flight.

Note.— Navigational assistance by an air traffic services unit is particularly important if the unit becomes aware of an aircraft straying, or about to stray, into an area where there is a risk of interception or other hazard to its safety.

a) If the aircraft’s position is not known, AERODROME CONTROL TOWER shall:

1) attempt to establish two-way communication with the aircraft, unless such communication already exists;

2) use all available means to determine its position;

3) inform other ATS units into whose area the aircraft may have strayed or may stray, taking into account all the factors which may have affected the navigation of the aircraft in the circumstances;

4) inform, in accordance with locally agreed procedures, appropriate military units and provide them with pertinent flight plan and other data concerning the strayed aircraft;

5) request from the units referred to in 3) and 4) and from other aircraft in flight every assistance in establishing communication with the aircraft and determining its position.

Note.— The requirements in 4) and 5) apply also to ATS units informed in accordance with 3).

b) When the aircraft’s position is established, AERODROME CONTROL TOWER shall:

1) advise the aircraft of its position and corrective action to be taken; and

2) provide, as necessary, other ATS units and appropriate military units with relevant information concerning the strayed aircraft and any advice given to that aircraft.

As soon as AERODROME CONTROL TOWER becomes aware of an unidentified aircraft in the vicinity of SHE aerodrome, it shall endeavor to establish the identity of the aircraft whenever this is necessary for the provision of air traffic services or required by the appropriate military authorities in accordance with locally agreed procedures. To this end, the air traffic services unit shall take such of the following steps as are appropriate in the circumstances:

a) attempt to establish two-way communication with the aircraft;

b) inquire of other air traffic services units within the BTF CTA about the flight and request their assistance in establishing two-way communication with the aircraft;

c) inquire of BTF FIC about the flight and request their assistance in establishing two-way  communication with the aircraft;

d) attempt to obtain information from other aircraft in the area.

AERODROME CONTROL TOWER shall, as necessary, inform the appropriate military unit as soon as the identity of the aircraft has been established.

Note.— Requirements for coordination between military authorities and air traffic services are specified in CASR Part 170 paragraph 170.017.

Should AERODROME CONTROL TOWER consider that a strayed or unidentified aircraft may be the subject of unlawful interference, the appropriate authority designated by the State shall immediately be informed, in accordance with locally agreed procedures.