5–6–12 Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT)

a. 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).

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. Pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain an approval (through FAA) prior to conducting flight operation.