AIM ¶ 6-2-3 — SAR Intercept and Escort
AIM 6-2-3 explains Search and Rescue intercept and escort procedures: when SAR aircraft assist pilots in distress or urgency situations to a safe landing.
In Plain English
AIM 6-2-3 describes how Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft can intercept and escort an aircraft in trouble, providing in-flight assistance and guiding it to a safe landing. If the situation deteriorates into a bailout, crash landing, or ditching, SAR is already on scene and can respond immediately.
Key points to remember:
- Availability depends on SAR units being on alert nearby with suitable aircraft — especially at night or in IMC.
- Other aircraft in the vicinity may occasionally provide these services.
- SAR coordinators will initiate intercept and escort if you declare distress or specifically request it.
- They may initiate it under an urgency condition if circumstances warrant.
- It is the pilot's prerogative to refuse escort services.
- Escort is normally provided to the nearest adequate airport. If you elect to continue past that airport or skip diverting, the escort aircraft is not obligated to continue.
Operationally, this is why declaring an emergency early matters — it unlocks resources that can shadow you to a safe landing.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 6-2-36-2-3. 6-2-3. Intercept and Escort
The concept of airborne intercept and escort is based on the Search and Rescue (SAR) aircraft establishing visual and/or electronic contact with an aircraft in difficulty, providing in‐flight assistance, and escorting it to a safe landing. If bailout, crash landing or ditching becomes necessary, SAR operations can be conducted without delay. For most incidents, particularly those occurring at night and/or during instrument flight conditions, the availability of intercept and escort services will depend on the proximity of SAR units with suitable aircraft on alert for immediate dispatch. In limited circumstances, other aircraft flying in the vicinity of an aircraft in difficulty can provide these services. If specifically requested by a pilot in difficulty or if a distress condition is declared, SAR coordinators will take steps to intercept and escort an aircraft. Steps may be initiated for intercept and escort if an urgency condition is declared and unusual circumstances make such action advisable. It is the pilot's prerogative to refuse intercept and escort services. Escort services will normally be provided to the nearest adequate airport. Should the pilot receiving escort services continue onto another location after reaching a safe airport, or decide not to divert to the nearest safe airport, the escort aircraft is not obligated to continue and further escort is discretionary. The decision will depend on the circumstances of the individual incident.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is the purpose of SAR intercept and escort services?
Per AIM 6-2-3, SAR aircraft establish visual and/or electronic contact with an aircraft in difficulty, provide in-flight assistance, and escort it to a safe landing. If bailout, crash landing, or ditching becomes necessary, SAR operations can be conducted without delay.
Q2Under what conditions will SAR coordinators initiate intercept and escort for a pilot?
Per AIM 6-2-3, SAR coordinators will take steps to intercept and escort if a pilot specifically requests it or declares a distress condition. They may also initiate intercept and escort during an urgency condition if unusual circumstances make it advisable.
Q3How far will an escort aircraft normally accompany a pilot, and can the pilot refuse the service?
Per AIM 6-2-3, escort services are normally provided to the nearest adequate airport. It is the pilot's prerogative to refuse intercept and escort. If the pilot continues past the nearest safe airport, further escort is discretionary and not obligated.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 6