RADAR Assistance to VFR Aircraft in Weather Difficulty
The type of RADAR assistance that can be provided to a VFR aircraft in weather
difficulty depends upon whether the pilot is IFR qualified or not and whether the pilot
wants to file an IFR flight plan.
If a VFR aircraft requests RADAR assistance when it encounters or is about to
encounter IFR weather conditions, ask the pilot if they are qualified for and capable of
conducting IFR flight.
If the pilot states that they are qualified for and capable of IFR flight, request that the
pilot file an IFR flight plan, and then issue the pilot clearance to destination airport, as
appropriate.
If the pilot states that they are not qualified for or not capable of conducting IFR flight, or
if they refuse to file an IFR flight plan, take whichever of the following actions is
appropriate:
Inform the pilot of airports where VFR conditions are reported, provide other
available pertinent weather information, and ask them if they will elect to conduct
VFR flight to such an airport.
If the pilot declines to conduct VFR flight to another airport, provide RADAR
assistance if the pilot:
1. Declares an emergency
2. Refuses to declare an emergency and you have determined the exact
nature of the RADAR services the pilot desires
If the aircraft has already encountered IFR conditions, inform the pilot of the
appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude. If the aircraft is below
appropriate terrain/obstacle clearance minimum altitude and sufficiently accurate
position information has been received or RADAR identification is established,
furnish a heading or radial on which to climb to reach appropriate terrain/obstacle
clearance minimum altitude.
The following shall be accomplished on a Mode C equipped VFR aircraft which is in
emergency but no longer requires the assignment of Code 7700:
TERMINAL Assign a beacon code that will permit terminal minimum safe
altitude warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
ENROUTE An appropriate keyboard entry shall be made to ensure enroute
Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) alarm processing.
Hijacked Aircraft
Aircraft hijacking is a special emergency that constitutes a condition of air piracy, or
other hostile act by a person(s) aboard an aircraft, that threatens the safety of the
aircraft or its passengers.
Hijack attempts or actual events are a matter of national security and require special
handling. Policy and procedures for hijack situations are detailed in FAAO JO 7610.4,
Special Operations. FAAO JO 7610.4 describes reporting requirements, air crew
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