Interception of Civil Aircraft — SERA Appendix 1 / ICAO Annex 2 Appendix 2
General (ICAO)
ICAO Annex 2 Appendix 2 defines standard signals for the interception of civil aircraft by the military.
Radio contact on interception
The pilot of an aircraft being intercepted by a military aircraft shall establish radio contact with the intercepting aircraft or the appropriate interception control unit on frequency 121.500 MHz:
- 121.500 MHz = international emergency frequency.
- The intercepted pilot follows instructions.
Standard intercept signals (air-to-air)
"You may proceed"
The aviation intercept signal of a military aircraft rocking its wings (by alternately deflecting ailerons) followed by an abrupt climbing turn of 90° or more, without crossing the track of the intercepted aircraft, indicates to the pilot 'You may proceed':
- Wings rocking + climbing turn 90° without crossing track.
- Meaning: identification complete, pilot may proceed.
"Follow me"
From his aircraft, a pilot observes a military aircraft which alternatingly deflects its ailerons and, after acknowledgment of the signal, performs a wide horizontal turn. This means 'Follow me':
- Wings rocking → wait for acknowledgment (pilot rocks back) → wide horizontal turn.
- Meaning: the pilot follows the intercepting military aircraft (to land).
Other standard signals
- Daytime: additional visual signals (flaps out, gear out = "land here").
- Night: lights flashing instead of wings rocking.
Pilot reactions
- Do not suddenly turn or change altitude without coordination.
- Follow.
- Radio on 121.500 MHz.
- Squawk 7700 if no other instruction given.
Europe (EASA / EU)
SERA Appendix 1 equivalent to ICAO Annex 2 Appendix 2.
Germany (national)
In Germany interceptions are performed by Bundeswehr Luftwaffe (German Air Force) — e.g. for no-com aircraft, no-fly-zone violations.
Interception of Civil Aircraft*; EU Reg 923/2012 SERA Appendix 1; LuftVO; ICAO Doc 9554 Manual Concerning Interception.*