Aviation security

Security protects against unlawful interference

Use the approved programme and report a broken security chain.

Terms and purpose

Security safeguards civil aviation against unlawful interference through measures, human and material resources. Airside is the movement area and adjacent controlled-access areas; a security-restricted area is a designated higher-control airside area. Screening applies technical or other means to identify prohibited items. A security control prevents the introduction of weapons, explosives or other dangerous articles; an aircraft security check examines the relevant accessible areas under the prescribed procedure.

Unidentified baggage has no passenger or crew ownership/association established under the applicable definition and needs the prescribed security treatment. Annex 17 requires State security arrangements and operator security programmes coordinated with the national programme. The operator’s written programme assigns responsibilities, training, procedures, quality control and responses; this public course does not reproduce restricted protective procedures.

Maintain the protected chain

Prevent unauthorised introduction of firearms, explosives, incendiaries and other prohibited articles into an aircraft. Authorised carriage of weapons by law-enforcement personnel requires the applicable State/operator approvals, controls and PIC notification; a uniform alone does not remove the rules. Persons travelling under judicial/administrative proceedings require the prescribed risk information and coordination with the operator/PIC.

If screened passengers mix with unscreened persons or a protected area loses integrity, apply the prescribed re-screening, search and protective action before boarding/operation; do not assume the original screening remains valid. Flight crew compartment door access and security follow the aircraft’s required installation and the operator’s approved procedures, preserving emergency egress and crew coordination.

Aviation security in flight and on the ground

Make the aircraft’s condition known without aggravating the threat.

Notify and follow the applicable contingency

Unless circumstances aboard dictate otherwise, endeavour to notify ATS of unlawful interference, significant associated circumstances and necessary deviations. Select 7500 when possible; if circumstances warrant 7700 can be used. Attempt to land as soon as practicable at the nearest suitable aerodrome or the designated aerodrome unless considerations aboard dictate otherwise.

If departing the assigned track/level without being able to notify ATS, attempt to broadcast warnings on the emergency and other appropriate frequencies and follow the applicable regional contingency procedure. If none exists, the SERA guidance uses a level offset by half the normal vertical separation: 500 ft where 1,000-ft separation applies, or 1,000 ft where 2,000-ft separation applies. This is a conditional unlawful-interference contingency, not an ordinary pilot-selected cruise level.

State and aerodrome assistance

States provide assistance to an aircraft subjected to unlawful seizure, including navigation aids, ATS and permission to land as necessary. A State in which it lands should take practicable measures to detain it on the ground unless departure is required by the overriding duty to protect human life. Coordination must consider passengers, crew and other people’s safety.

An isolated parking position should be as far as practicable from other positions, buildings and public areas and normally at least 100 m away as specified, with underground services considered. Taxi instructions should minimise exposure of other aircraft, personnel and facilities and use the designated position/route when appropriate. The PIC and authorities need coordinated factual information, not public speculation about tactics.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.