10-2-1

Information Requirements

JO 7110.65BB, Change 3, effective July 9, 2026 · Official text on faa.gov

Start assistance as soon as enough information has been obtained upon which to act. Information requirements will vary, depending on the existing situation. Minimum required information for inflight emergencies is:
Note

In the event of an ELT signal see paragraph 10-2-10, Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) Signals.
1. Aircraft identification and type.
2. Nature of the emergency.
3. Pilot's desires.
After initiating action, obtain the following items or any other pertinent information from the pilot or aircraft operator, as necessary:
Note
1. Emergency Autoland systems may not provide all of the required information for emergencies. Use the information provided to develop an appropriate course of action to assist the aircraft.
2. If an emergency has been declared by an Emergency Autoland system, transmissions to the aircraft may go unanswered.
3. Normally, do not request this information from military fighter-type aircraft that are at low altitudes (for example, on approach, immediately after departure, on a low level route). However, request the position of an aircraft that is not visually sighted or displayed on radar if the location is not given by the pilot.
1. Aircraft altitude.
2. Fuel remaining in time.
3. Pilot reported weather.
4. Pilot capability for IFR flight.
5. Time and place of last known position.
6. Heading since last known position.
7. Airspeed.
8. Navigation equipment capability.
9. NAVAID signals received.
10. Visible landmarks.
11. Aircraft color.
12. Number of people on board.
13. Point of departure and destination.
14. Emergency equipment on board.