AIM Text
- 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.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-6-12.
The short answer
This advisory AIM section describes the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT). During a defense or air defense emergency, special security instructions may be issued under 32 CFR part 245, under which the military directs landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft to defend the U.S. ATC broadcasts ATCSCC instructions over available frequencies.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is ESCAT and when is it used?
ESCAT is the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic. The AIM explains that during defense emergency or air defense emergency conditions, additional special security instructions may be issued in accordance with 32 CFR part 245, the Plan for the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic.
What happens to VFR and IFR flights if ESCAT is implemented?
Who directs aircraft actions during an ESCAT emergency?
Under the provisions of 32 CFR part 245, the military will direct the action to be taken regarding landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft in the defense of the U.S. during emergency conditions. Pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain approval through FAA before conducting flight operations.