AIM Text
- Providing airborne assistance to another aircraft may involve flying in very close proximity to that aircraft. Most pilots receive little, if any, formal training or instruction in this type of flying activity. Close proximity flying without sufficient time to plan (i.e., in an emergency situation), coupled with the stress involved in a perceived emergency can be hazardous.
- The pilot in the best position to assess the situation should take the responsibility of coordinating the airborne intercept and inspection, and take into account the unique flight characteristics and differences of the category(s) of aircraft involved.
- Some of the safety considerations are:
- Area, direction and speed of the intercept;
- Aerodynamic effects (i.e., rotorcraft downwash);
- Minimum safe separation distances;
- Communications requirements, lost communications procedures, coordination with ATC;
- Suitability of diverting the distressed aircraft to the nearest safe airport; and
- Emergency actions to terminate the intercept.
- Close proximity, inflight inspection of another aircraft is uniquely hazardous. The pilot-in-command of the aircraft experiencing the problem/emergency must not relinquish control of the situation and/or jeopardize the safety of their aircraft. The maneuver must be accomplished with minimum risk to both aircraft.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 7-6-11.
The short answer
This FAA advisory section addresses emergency airborne inspection of another aircraft—flying in very close proximity to assess a problem. It warns that most pilots lack formal training for this and lists safety considerations, stressing the distressed aircraft's pilot-in-command must not relinquish control. It complements emergency authority and responsibility under 14 CFR 91.3 and 91.111 on proximity operations.
Research Notes
Common Questions
Who should coordinate an emergency airborne intercept and inspection?
The AIM advises that the pilot in the best position to assess the situation should take responsibility for coordinating the airborne intercept and inspection, accounting for the unique flight characteristics and differences of the categories of aircraft involved. The pilot-in-command of the aircraft experiencing the problem must not relinquish control of the situation or jeopardize the safety of their aircraft.
What safety considerations apply to close-proximity inspection flying?
Per this section, considerations include the area, direction and speed of the intercept; aerodynamic effects such as rotorcraft downwash; minimum safe separation distances; communications requirements, lost-communications procedures, and coordination with ATC; suitability of diverting the distressed aircraft to the nearest safe airport; and emergency actions to terminate the intercept.
Why is in-flight inspection of another aircraft considered hazardous?
The AIM states close-proximity in-flight inspection is uniquely hazardous because most pilots receive little or no formal training in it, and doing it without sufficient time to plan in an emergency—combined with stress—can be hazardous. The maneuver must be accomplished with minimum risk to both aircraft.