11. Emergency and Abnormal Situations
11.1 General
Emergency and abnormal situations require immediate, structured, and decisive action.
The Approach Controller shall prioritise safety while maintaining separation and providing assistance to the affected aircraft.
11.2 Types of Situations
Emergency and abnormal situations may include:
- Radio communication failure (SSR 7600)
- General emergency (SSR 7700)
- Unlawful interference (SSR 7500)
- Aircraft technical or operational issues
The Approach Controller shall remain vigilant for both declared and undeclared emergencies.
11.3 Controller Priorities
The Approach Controller shall prioritise:
- Safety of the aircraft
- Maintenance of separation
- Provision of assistance
All other operations shall be secondary.
11.4 Initial Actions
Upon identification of an emergency or abnormal situation, the Approach Controller shall:
- Acknowledge the situation immediately
- Identify the nature of the problem (if not already known)
- Provide priority handling
- Ensure the frequency remains clear
- Maintain situational awareness of all traffic
Immediate action is critical.
11.5 Radio Communication Failure (7600)
The Approach Controller shall:
- Continue to transmit instructions assuming the aircraft can receive
- Apply procedural separation where required
- Anticipate aircraft intentions based on flight plan and procedures
- Protect the expected routing and airspace
The Approach Controller shall not assume communication has been restored without confirmation.
11.6 Emergency Handling (7700 / Declared Emergency)
The Approach Controller shall:
- Provide immediate priority handling
- Ensure the runway or required airspace is available
- Issue clear and concise instructions
- Avoid unnecessary questioning
- Coordinate with adjacent units and emergency services
The Approach Controller shall minimise workload for the pilot.
11.7 Unlawful Interference (7500)
The Approach Controller shall:
- Handle the situation discreetly
- Avoid broadcasting sensitive information
- Follow established security procedures
- Continue providing service unless otherwise directed
11.8 Communication Discipline
During emergency situations, the Approach Controller shall:
- Keep transmissions concise and relevant
- Use plain language where necessary
- Avoid frequency congestion
- Ensure all instructions are clearly understood
11.9 Coordination
The Approach Controller shall:
- Coordinate with Tower, ACC, and adjacent sectors
- Share relevant and accurate information
- Ensure all units are aware of the situation
Coordination shall not delay support to the aircraft.
11.10 Limitations
The Approach Controller shall not:
- Delay action while seeking complete information
- Overload the pilot with unnecessary instructions
- Compromise separation or safety for efficiency
- Assume the situation is resolved without confirmation
11.11 Key Principle
Emergency handling shall be immediate, structured, and prioritised.
The Approach Controller shall:
- Act without delay
- Maintain separation
- Provide assistance
Safety shall always take precedence over all other considerations.