AFI 11-2C-130v3 - BITS

AFI11-2C-130V3 23 APRIL 2012 117
7.9.1.2.2. MAJCOM commanders in whose AOR the airfield lies.
7.9.1.2.3. Senior operational commander on scene.
7.9.1.2.4. PIC in compliance with MAJCOM directives.
7.9.2. A hijacked aircraft carrying weapons of mass destruction will not be allowed to
takeoff. Refer to DOD 5210.41M, Nuclear Weapon Security Manual, paragraph 9B(3), for
additional guidance.
7.10. In-Flight Resistance. After airborne, success in thwarting a hijacking depends on the
resourcefulness of the aircrew. Many variables of a hijacking preclude use of any specific
counter-hijacking procedure. Some key factors should be evaluated before deciding a course of
action to be taken, including the nature of the threat, danger to life or crippling damage to the
aircraft in-flight, destination indicated by the hijacker, and the presence of sensitive material
onboard. Some counter-hijacking actions the aircrew may consider are:
7.10.1. Engage the hijacker(s) in conversation in an attempt to calm them and to evaluate
what course of action might be effective.
7.10.2. Dissuade the hijacker.
7.10.3. Use facts or subterfuge to convince the hijacker intermediate stops are necessary.
7.10.4. Propose more favorable alternatives, such as landing in a neutral, rather than a
hostile, country.
7.10.5. Exploit any reasonable opportunity to incapacitate or overcome the hijacker
physically, including the prudent use of firearms.
7.10.6. In any suspected or actual hijack attempt, the aircrew basic objective is to get the
aircraft on the ground as quickly as possible and keep it there.
7.11. Communications Between Aircrew and Ground Agencies. Crews facing a hijacking
threat will transmit an in-the-clear notification of hijacking to ATC. If an in-the-clear
transmission is not possible, set transponder to 7500. If unable to set transponder, or if not under
radar control, transmit a radio message indicating transponder change to 7500. Notify ground
agencies by any means available as soon as practical and follow-up with situation reports as
circumstances permit. Covert signals are no longer to be used per FAA guidance.
7.12. Forced Penetration of Unfriendly Airspace. Refer to FIH for international signals for
air intercept.
7.13. Arming of Crewmembers. When crews are directed to be armed by the mission
execution authority, the PIC will determine which crewmembers will be armed (at least one
flight deck crewmember and one loadmaster will be armed unless directed otherwise). All
crewmembers should know who is armed. The following procedures apply when arming is
directed:
7.13.1. Weapons Issue. Before departing home station, obtain weapons, ammunition, box,
lock and key. Crewmembers will be armed according to AFI 31-207, Arming and Use of
Force by Air Force Personnel and MAJCOM publications. If an armed crew member must
leave the crew enroute, transfer the weapon to another authorized crew member using AF
IMT 1297, Temporary Issue Receipt.