ESCAT Procedures

AIM ¶ 5-6-12 — ESCAT Procedures

AIM 5-6-12 explains ESCAT procedures: how the military and ATC direct VFR/IFR flights during defense emergencies. Study guide for pilot checkrides.

In Plain English

ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) is a joint military-FAA plan that activates during a defense emergency or air defense emergency. Authorized under 32 CFR Part 245, ESCAT lets the military direct landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of civil aircraft to defend U.S. airspace.

When ESCAT is implemented (in whole or in part), the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) issues instructions that ATC facilities broadcast on available frequencies. As a pilot, here's what to expect:

VFR flights may be directed to land at the nearest available airport.
IFR flights are expected to proceed as directed by ATC.
Pilots on the ground may need to file a flight plan and obtain FAA approval before any flight operation.

Operationally, this means monitoring ATC frequencies closely during heightened national security conditions and being ready to comply immediately. ESCAT is rare but critical — failing to follow instructions during an actual activation could compromise national defense and result in interception.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-6-12

5-6-12. 5-6-12. Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) During defense emergency or air defense emergency conditions, additional special security instructions may be issued in accordance with 32 CFR part 245, Plan for the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) . Under the provisions of 32 CFR part 245, the military will direct the action to be taken in regard to landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft in the defense of the U.S. during emergency conditions. At the time a portion or all of ESCAT is implemented, ATC facilities will broadcast appropriate instructions received from the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) over available ATC frequencies. Depending on instructions received from the ATCSCC, VFR flights may be directed to land at the nearest available airport, and IFR flights will be expected to proceed as directed by ATC. Pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain an approval (through FAA) prior to conducting flight operation.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is ESCAT and when is it implemented?

Per AIM 5-6-12, ESCAT (Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic) is a plan under 32 CFR Part 245 implemented during defense emergency or air defense emergency conditions. The military directs landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft to defend the U.S.

Q2If ESCAT is activated while you're airborne VFR, what should you expect?

Per AIM 5-6-12, VFR flights may be directed to land at the nearest available airport. Instructions will be broadcast by ATC facilities on available frequencies based on direction from the ATCSCC.

Q3Under ESCAT, what is required of pilots on the ground before flying?

Per AIM 5-6-12, pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain approval through the FAA prior to conducting any flight operation.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-6-1

National Security ATC

¶ 5-6-10

TSA Aviation Security Programs

¶ 5-6-11

FAA Flight Routing Authorizations

¶ 5-6-13

Aircraft Interception Procedures

¶ 5-6-14

Aircraft Interception Signals

¶ 5-6-15