Hijacked Aircraft

Hijack attempts or actual events are a matter of national security and require special handling. FAA Order JO 7610.4, Sensitive Procedures and Requirements for Special Operations, describes additional procedures and reporting requirements that must be followed.

1. When a pilot notifies ATC verbally of a hijacking situation, assign code 7500 to the subject aircraft.
   1. Should the pilot acknowledge assignment of code 7500 without further communication, or fail to acknowledge or communicate further, assume that the flight is being subject to hijack.
   2. No reference to the hijacking must be made in subsequent communications unless initiated by the pilot, or unless directed by the Domestic Events Network (DEN) Air Traffic Security Coordinator.
   3. Immediately inform the operations manager, supervisor or CIC.
2. When a pilot notifies ATC of a hijacking situation by squawking code 7500, use the following phraseology to verify that the aircrew intentionally selected code 7500.
   1. Should the pilot fail to acknowledge or communicate further, assume that the flight is being subject to hijack.
   2. No reference to the hijacking must be made in subsequent communications unless initiated by the pilot, or unless directed by the DEN Air Traffic Security Coordinator.
   3. Immediately inform the operations manager, supervisor or CIC.