9. Provide special handling for U.S. Air Force (USAF) aircraft engaged in aerial
sampling missions using the code name ―SAMP.‖
10. Provide maximum assistance to expedite the movement of interceptor aircraft on
active air defense missions until the unknown aircraft is identified.
11. Expedite movement of Special Air Mission aircraft when SCOOT is indicated in
the remarks section of the flight plan or in air/ground communications.
12. When requested, provide priority handling to TEAL and National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) mission aircraft.
13. IFR aircraft shall have priority over Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) aircraft.
14. Provide priority and special handling to expedite the movement of OPEN SKIES
observation and demonstration flights.
15. Aircraft operating under the North American Route Program (NRP) and in
airspace identified in the High Altitude Redesign (HAR) program are not subject
to route limiting restrictions (e.g., published preferred IFR routes, letter of
agreement requirements, standard operating procedures).
16. If able, provide priority handling to diverted flights. Priority handling may be
requested via use of ―DVRSN" in the remarks section of the flight plan or by the
flight being placed on the Diversion Recovery Tool (DRT).
Light Gun Signal
ATC light signals and their meanings are depicted in Table 9-1.
Color and type of
Meaning with respect to
Meaning with respect to
signal
aircraft on the surface
aircraft in flight
Steady green
Cleared for takeoff
Clear to land
Flashing green
Cleared to taxi
Return for landing (to be
followed by steady green at
proper time)
Steady red
Stop
Give way to other aircraft
and continue circling
Flashing red
Taxi clear of runway in use
Airport unsafe, do not land
Flashing white
Return to starting point on
Not applicable
airport
Alternating red and
Exercise extreme caution
Exercise extreme caution
green
Table 9-1 -- ATC light signal meanings
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