Section 2. Emergency Assistance

10-2-1. INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS

  1. Start assistance as soon as enough information has been obtained upon which to act. Information requirements will vary, depending on the existing situation. Minimum required information for inflight emergencies is:
    1. Aircraft identification and type.
    2. Nature of the emergency.
    3. Pilot's desires.
  2. After initiating action, obtain the following items or any other pertinent information from the pilot or aircraft operator, as necessary:
    1. Aircraft altitude.
    2. Fuel remaining in time.
    3. Pilot reported weather.
    4. Pilot capability for IFR flight.
    5. Time and place of last known position.
    6. Heading since last known position.
    7. Airspeed.
    8. Navigation equipment capability.
    9. NAVAID signals received.
    10. Visible landmarks.
    11. Aircraft color.
    12. Number of people on board.
    13. Point of departure and destination.
    14. Emergency equipment on board.

10-2-2. FREQUENCY CHANGES

Although 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz are emergency frequencies, it might be best to keep the aircraft on the initial contact frequency. Change frequencies only when there is a valid reason.

10-2-3. AIRCRAFT ORIENTATION

Orientate an aircraft by the means most appropriate to the circumstances. Recognized methods include:

  1. Radar.
  2. NAVAIDs.
  3. Pilotage.
  4. Sighting by other aircraft.

10-2-4. ALTITUDE CHANGE FOR IMPROVED RECEPTION

When you consider it necessary and if weather and circumstances permit, recommend that the aircraft maintain or increase altitude to improve communications or radar.

10-2-5. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Consider that an aircraft emergency exists and inform the RCC or ARTCC if:

  1. An emergency is declared by any of the following:
    1. The pilot.
    2. Facility personnel.
    3. Officials responsible for the operation of the aircraft.
    4. A system-generated transmission from an aircraft.
  2. There is unexpected loss of radar contact and radio communications with any IFR or VFR aircraft.
  3. Reports indicate it has made a forced landing, is about to do so, or its operating efficiency is so impaired that a forced landing will be necessary.
  4. Reports indicate the crew has abandoned the aircraft or is about to do so.
  5. An emergency transponder code is displayed or reported.
  6. Intercept or escort aircraft services are required.
  7. The need for ground rescue appears likely.
  8. An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal is heard or reported.

10-2-6. HIJACKED AIRCRAFT

Hijack attempts or actual events are a matter of national security and require special handling. FAA Order JO 7610.4, Sensitive Procedures and Requirements for Special Operations, describes additional procedures and reporting requirements that must be followed.

  1. When a pilot notifies ATC verbally of a hijacking situation, assign code 7500 to the subject aircraft.
    1. Should the pilot acknowledge assignment of code 7500 without further communication, or fail to acknowledge or communicate further, assume that the flight is being subject to hijack.
    2. No reference to the hijacking must be made in subsequent communications unless initiated by the pilot, or unless directed by the Domestic Events Network (DEN) Air Traffic Security Coordinator.
    3. Immediately inform the operations manager, supervisor or CIC.
  2. When a pilot notifies ATC of a hijacking situation by squawking code 7500, use the following phraseology to verify that the aircrew intentionally selected code 7500.
    1. Should the pilot fail to acknowledge or communicate further, assume that the flight is being subject to hijack.
    2. No reference to the hijacking must be made in subsequent communications unless initiated by the pilot, or unless directed by the DEN Air Traffic Security Coordinator.
    3. Immediately inform the operations manager, supervisor or CIC.

10-2-7. VFR AIRCRAFT IN WEATHER DIFFICULTY

  1. If VFR aircraft requests assistance when it encounters or is about to encounter IFR weather conditions, determine the facility best able to provide service. If a frequency change is necessary, advise the pilot of the reason for the change, and request the aircraft contact the appropriate control facility. Inform that facility of the situation. If the aircraft is unable to communicate with the control facility, relay information and clearances.
  2. The following must be accomplished on a Mode C equipped VFR aircraft which is in emergency but no longer requires the assignment of Code 7700:
    1. TERMINAL.Assign a beacon code that will permit terminal minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
    2. EN ROUTE.An appropriate keyboard entry must be made to ensure en route MSAW (EMSAW) alarm processing.

10-2-8. RADAR ASSISTANCE TO VFR AIRCRAFT IN WEATHER DIFFICULTY

  1. If a VFR aircraft requests radar assistance when it encounters or is about to encounter IFR weather conditions, ask the pilot if he/she is qualified for and capable of conducting IFR flight.
  2. If the pilot states he/she is qualified for and capable of IFR flight, request him/her to file an IFR flight plan and then issue clearance to destination airport, as appropriate.
  3. If the pilot states he/she is not qualified for or not capable of conducting IFR flight, or if he/she refuses to file an IFR flight plan, take whichever of the following actions is appropriate:
    1. Inform the pilot of airports where VFR conditions are reported, provide other available pertinent weather information, and ask if he/she will elect to conduct VFR flight to such an airport.
    2. If the action in subparagraph 1 above is not feasible or the pilot declines to conduct VFR flight to another airport, provide radar assistance if the pilot:
      1. Declares an emergency.
      2. Refuses to declare an emergency and you have determined the exact nature of the radar services the pilot desires.
    3. If the aircraft has already encountered IFR conditions, inform the pilot of the appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude. If the aircraft is below appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude and sufficiently accurate position information has been received or radar identification is established, furnish a heading or radial on which to climb to reach appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude.
  4. The following must be accomplished on a Mode C equipped VFR aircraft which is in emergency but no longer requires the assignment of Code 7700:
    1. TERMINAL.Assign a beacon code that will permit terminal minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
    2. EN ROUTE.An appropriate keyboard entry must be made to ensure en route MSAW (EMSAW) alarm processing.

10-2-9. RADAR ASSISTANCE TECHNIQUES

Use the following techniques to the extent possible when you provide radar assistance to a pilot not qualified to operate in IFR conditions:

  1. Avoid radio frequency changes except when necessary to provide a clear communications channel.
  2. Make turns while the aircraft is in VFR conditions so it will be in a position to fly a straight course while in IFR conditions.
  3. Have pilot lower gear and slow aircraft to approach speed while in VFR conditions.
  4. Avoid requiring a climb or descent while in a turn if in IFR conditions.
  5. Avoid abrupt maneuvers.
  6. Vector aircraft to VFR conditions.
  7. The following must be accomplished on a Mode C equipped VFR aircraft which is in emergency but no longer requires the assignment of Code 7700:
    1. TERMINAL.Assign a beacon code that will permit terminal minimum safe altitude warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
    2. EN ROUTE.An appropriate keyboard entry must be made to ensure en route MSAW (EMSAW) alarm processing.

10-2-10. EMERGENCY LOCATOR TRANSMITTER (ELT) SIGNALS

When an ELT signal is heard or reported:

  1. EN ROUTE.Notify the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC).
  2. TERMINAL.Notify the ARTCC which will coordinate with the RCC.
  3. TERMINAL.Attempt to obtain fixes or bearings on the signal.
  4. Solicit the assistance of other aircraft known to be operating in the signal area.
  5. TERMINAL.Forward fixes or bearings and any other pertinent information to the ARTCC.
  6. EN ROUTE.When the ELT signal strength indicates the signal may be emanating from somewhere on an airport or vicinity thereof, notify the on‐site technical operations personnel and the Regional Operations Center (ROC) for their actions. This action is in addition to the above.
  7. TERMINAL.When the ELT signal strength indicates the signal may be emanating from somewhere on the airport or vicinity thereof, notify the on‐site technical operations personnel and the ARTCC for their action. This action is in addition to the above.
  8. Air traffic personnel must not leave their required duty stations to locate an ELT signal source.
  9. EN ROUTE.Notify the RCC and the ROC if signal source is located/terminated.
  10. TERMINAL.Notify the ARTCC if signal source is located/terminated.

10-2-11. AIRCRAFT BOMB THREATS

  1. When information is received from any source that a bomb has been placed on, in, or near an aircraft for the purpose of damaging or destroying such aircraft, notify your supervisor or the facility air traffic manager. If the threat is general in nature, handle it as a “Suspicious Activity.” When the threat is targeted against a specific aircraft and you are in contact with the suspect aircraft, take the following actions as appropriate:
    1. Advise the pilot of the threat.
    2. Inform the pilot that technical assistance can be obtained from an FAA aviation explosives expert.
    3. Ask the pilot if he/she desires to climb or descend to an altitude that would equalize or reduce the outside air pressure/existing cabin air pressure differential. Issue or relay an appropriate clearance considering MEA, MOCA, MRA, and weather.
    4. Handle the aircraft as an emergency and/or provide the most expeditious handling possible with respect to the safety of other aircraft, ground facilities, and personnel.
    5. Issue or relay clearances to a new destination if requested.
    6. When a pilot requests technical assistance or if it is apparent that a pilot may need such assistance, do NOT suggest what actions the pilot should take concerning a bomb, but obtain the following information and notify your supervisor who will contact the FAA aviation explosives expert:
      1. Type, series, and model of the aircraft.
      2. Precise location/description of the bomb device if known.
      3. Other details which may be pertinent.
  2. When a bomb threat involves an aircraft on the ground and you are in contact with the suspect aircraft, take the following actions in addition to those discussed in the preceding paragraphs which may be appropriate:
    1. If the aircraft is at an airport where tower control or FSS advisory service is not available, or if the pilot ignores the threat at any airport, recommend that takeoff be delayed until the pilot or aircraft operator establishes that a bomb is not aboard in accordance with 14 CFR part 121. If the pilot insists on taking off and in your opinion the operation will not adversely affect other traffic, issue or relay an ATC clearance.
    2. Advise the aircraft to remain as far away from other aircraft and facilities as possible, to clear the runway, if appropriate, and to taxi to an isolated or designated search area. When it is impractical or if the pilot takes an alternative action; e.g., parking and off‐loading immediately, advise other aircraft to remain clear of the suspect aircraft by at least 100 yards if able.
  3. If you are unable to inform the suspect aircraft of a bomb threat or if you lose contact with the aircraft, advise your supervisor and relay pertinent details to other sectors or facilities as deemed necessary.
  4. When a pilot reports the discovery of a bomb or suspected bomb on an aircraft which is airborne or on the ground, determine the pilot's intentions and comply with his/her requests in so far as possible. Take all of the actions discussed in the preceding paragraphs which may be appropriate under the existing circumstances.
  5. The handling of aircraft when a hijacker has or is suspected of having a bomb requires special considerations. Be responsive to the pilot's requests and notify supervisory personnel. Apply hijacking procedures and offer assistance to the pilot according to the preceding paragraphs, if needed.

10-2-12. EXPLOSIVE DETECTION K-9 TEAMS

Take the following actions should you receive an aircraft request for the location of the nearest explosive detection K-9 team.

  1. Obtain the aircraft identification and position and advise your supervisor of the pilot request.
  2. When you receive the nearest location of the explosive detection K-9 team, relay the information to the pilot.
  3. If the aircraft wishes to divert to the airport location provided, obtain an estimated arrival time from the pilot and advise your supervisor.

10-2-13. MANPADS ALERT

When a threat or attack from Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) is determined to be real, notify and advise aircraft as follows:

  1. Do not withhold landing clearance. To the extent possible, issue information on MANPADS threats, confirmed attacks, or post-event activities in time for it to be useful to the pilot. The pilot or parent company will determine the pilot's actions.
  2. MANPADS information will be disseminated via the ATIS and/or controller-to-pilot transmissions.
  3. Disseminate via controller-to-pilot transmission until the appropriate MANPADS information is broadcast via the ATIS and pilots indicate they have received the appropriate ATIS code. MANPADS information will include nature and location of threat or incident, whether reported or observed and by whom, time (if known), and when transmitting to an individual aircraft, a request for pilot's intentions.
  4. Report MANPADS threat/attack/post–event activity via the ATIS and/or controller–to–pilot transmissions until notified otherwise by the Domestic Events Network (DEN) Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC).

10-2-14. UNAUTHORIZED LASER ILLUMINATION OF AIRCRAFT

  1. When a laser event is reported to an air traffic facility, broadcast on all appropriate frequencies a general caution warning every five minutes for 20 minutes following the last report.
  2. Terminal facilities must include reported unauthorized laser illumination events on the ATIS broadcast for one hour following the last report. Include the time, location, altitude, color, and direction of the laser as reported by the pilot.

10-2-15. EMERGENCY AIRPORT RECOMMENDATION

  1. Consider the following factors when recommending an emergency airport:
    1. Remaining fuel in relation to airport distances.
    2. Weather conditions.
    3. Airport conditions.
    4. NAVAID status.
    5. Aircraft type.
    6. Pilot's qualifications.
    7. Vectoring or homing capability to the emergency airport.
  2. Consideration to the provisions of subparagraph a and paragraph 10-2-16, Guidance to Emergency Airport, must be used in conjunction with the information derived from any automated emergency airport information source.

10-2-16. GUIDANCE TO EMERGENCY AIRPORT

  1. When necessary, use any of the following for guidance to the airport:
    1. Radar.
    2. Following another aircraft.
    3. NAVAIDs.
    4. Pilotage by landmarks.
    5. Compass headings.
  2. Consideration to the provisions of paragraph 10-2-15, Emergency Airport Recommendation, must be used in conjunction with the information derived from any automated emergency airport information source.

10-2-17. EMERGENCY OBSTRUCTION VIDEO MAP (EOVM)/EMERGENCY ALTITUDE MAP (EAM)

  1. The Terminal Area EOVM and En Route Air Traffic Control Services EAM are intended to facilitate advisory service to an aircraft in an emergency situation wherein an appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude cannot be maintained. It must only be used, and the service provided under the following conditions:
    1. The pilot has declared an emergency, or
    2. The controller has determined that an emergency condition exists or is imminent because of the pilot's inability to maintain an appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude.
  2. When providing emergency vectoring service, the controller must advise the pilot that any headings issued are emergency advisories intended only to direct the aircraft toward and over an area of lower terrain/obstacle elevation.

10-2-18. VOLCANIC ASH

  1. If a volcanic ash cloud is known or forecast to be present:
    1. Relay all information available to pilots to ensure that they are aware of the ash cloud's position and altitude(s).
    2. Suggest appropriate reroutes to avoid the area of known or forecast ash clouds.
  2. If advised by an aircraft that it has entered a volcanic ash cloud and indicates that a distress situation exists:
    1. Consider the aircraft to be in an emergency situation.
    2. Do not initiate any climb clearances to turbine-powered aircraft until the aircraft has exited the ash cloud.
    3. Do not attempt to provide escape vectors without pilot concurrence.

10-2-19. REPORTING DEATH, ILLNESS, OR OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH RISK ON BOARD AIRCRAFT

  1. If an air traffic controller receives a report of the death of person, an illness, and/or other public health risk obtain the following information and notify the operations manager in charge (OMIC)/operations supervisor (OS)/controller-in-charge (CIC) as soon as possible.
    1. Call sign.
    2. Number of suspected cases of illness on board.
    3. Nature of the illnesses or other public health risk, if known.
    4. Number of persons on board.
    5. Number of deaths, if applicable.
    6. Pilot's intent (for example, continue to destination or divert).
    7. Any request for assistance (for example, needing emergency medical services to meet the aircraft at arrival).
  2. The OMIC/OS/CIC must relay the information to the DEN as soon as possible.