How to Avoid Being Intercepted

The #1 reason GA aircraft are intercepted: Entering restricted airspace and not talking to ATC

How To Avoid Being Intercepted

Flight Planning

  • ALWAYS get a briefing from an FSS briefer—even for local flights—to find out if a new TFR has popped up (make sure to get another briefing before flying home)

  • Review Prohibited/Restricted/MOA airspace along route at http://www.seeandavoid.org

  • Review Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) at http://tfr.faa.gov or Twitter at @VIP TFR 

  • Review NOTAMS at http://www.faa.gov/pilots/flt_plan/notams/

  • Know where to find ATC frequencies

  • Review lost comm procedures

  • File a flight plan—IFR, DVFR, SVFR, VFR

  • Use Flight Following when flying VFR

  • Use current charts and update GPS databases

  • Review Intercept Procedures in Airman’s Information Manual 5-6-2 http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/

  • Review Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) procedures if flying into U.S. from abroad http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ifim/airspace/

  • Review Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) procedures if flying within 60 nm of KDCA https://faasafety.gov

During Flight

  • Talk to ATC

  • Squawk assigned discrete transponder code

  • Activate flight plan

  • Monitor 121.5 on back up radio (if able)

  • Get TFR updates from FSS