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20 October 2006


[Federal Register: October 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 203)]

[Rules and Regulations]               

[Page 61889-61895]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr20oc06-8]                         





[[Page 61889]]



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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE



Office of the Secretary



[DoD-2006-OS-0133]

RIN 0790-AI06



32 CFR Part 245



 

Plan for the Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT)



AGENCY: Department of Defense.



ACTION: Final rule.



-----------------------------------------------------------------------



SUMMARY: This rule updates the national plan for security control of 

air traffic during air defense emergencies and has direct relationship 

with the June 22, 2006, National Security Presidential Directive/NSPD-

47 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD-16, and is 

authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 301, 

552, Executive Order 12656 (``Assignment of Emergency Preparedness 

Responsibilities'', November 18, 1988), as amended. The national plan 

defines the responsibilities and actions of agencies and personnel 

within the Departments of Defense, Transportation and Homeland Security 

with no effect to the public.



DATES: This rule is effective January 18, 2006.



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gerald F. Pease, Jr., (703) 697-

6937.



SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule updates the national plan for 

security control of air traffic during air defense emergencies and has 

direct relationship with the June 22, 2006, National Security 

Presidential Directive/NSPD-47 and Homeland Security Presidential 

Directive/HSPD-16, and is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, 

as amended, 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, Executive Order 12656 (``Assignment of 

Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities'', November 18, 1988), as 

amended.

    DoD has determined that good cause exists for exemption from public 

comment as the published change to 32 CFR part 245 is in direct 

compliance with current Presidential Directives, does not set a 

precedent in updating the National Plan, and any delay in acting on 

this request would be detrimental to U.S. aviation security and 

national commerce.



List of Subjects in 32 CFR Part 245



    Air traffic control, National defense, Navigation (air), Security 

measures.



0

Accordingly 32 CFR part 245 is revised to read as follows:



PART 245--PLAN FOR THE EMERGENCY SECURITY CONTROL OF AIR TRAFFIC 

(ESCAT)



Sec.

Subpart A--General

245.1 Purpose.

245.2 Applicability.

245.3 Responsibilities.

Subpart B--Explanation of Terms, Acronyms and Abbreviations

245.5 Terms.

245.6 Abbreviations and acronyms.

Subpart C--The ESCAT Plan

245.8 Purpose.

245.9 Authority.

245.10 Scope.

245.11 General description of the ESCAT plan.

245.12 Amplifying instructions.

245.13 Responsibilities.

Subpart D--Procedures for Implementation of ESCAT

245.15 Appropriate military authority.

245.16 ATCSCC.

245.17 U.S. civil and military air traffic control facilities.

245.18 Transportation security operations center (TSOC).

Subpart E--ESCAT Air Traffic Priority List (EATPL)

245.20 Purpose.

245.21 ESCAT air traffic priority list.

245.22 Policy for application of EATPL.

Subpart F--Procedure for Movement of Air Traffic Under ESCAT

245.24 Aircraft assigned an EATPL number 1 or 2.

245.25 Aircraft assigned an EATPL number other than 1 or 2.

245.26 Aircraft being recovered.

245.27 Data entry.

Subpart G--Test Procedures

245.29 Purpose.

245.30 ESCAT test procedures restrictions.

245.31 ESCAT test.

Subpart H--Authentication

245.33 Approval.



    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552.



Subpart A--General





Sec.  245.1  Purpose.



    This part:

    (a) Is authorized by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 5 

U.S.C. 301, 552, Executive Order 12656 (``Assignment of Emergency 

Preparedness Responsibilities'', November 18, 1988), as amended.

    (b) Defines the jointly developed and agreed upon responsibilities 

of the Department of Transportation/Federal Aviation Administration 

(DOT/FAA), Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security 

Administration (DHS/TSA), and Department of Defense (DoD) authorities 

for the security control of civil and military air traffic. It 

implements policy, assigns responsibilities, and prescribes procedures 

for implementation and performance of the ESCAT Plan. The Emergency 

Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) is an emergency preparedness 

plan that prescribes the joint action to be taken by appropriate 

elements of the DoD, the DOT and the DHS in the interests of national 

security to control air traffic under emergency conditions.





Sec.  245.2  Applicability.



    This part applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the 

Military Departments, the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 

the Combatant Commands, the DOT, the FAA, the DHS, and the TSA.





Sec.  245.3  Responsibilities.



    The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information 

Integration will ensure the responsibilities of the DoD are 

implemented. The DOT and the DHS shall implement the procedures and 

actions requested by the Department of Defense.



Subpart B--Explanation of Terms, Acronyms and Abbreviations





Sec.  245.5  Terms.



    For the purpose of this part, the words ``will'' and ``shall'' 

denote mandatory action by the affected person(s) or agency(ies).

    Air control measures. Airspace and/or flight restrictions that may 

be issued in support of National Defense or Homeland Security 

initiatives.

    Air defense. All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking 

enemy aircraft or missiles as well as enemy operated aircraft or 

missiles in the Earth's envelope of atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce 

the effectiveness of such attack.

    Air defense area (ADA). Airspace of defined dimensions designated 

by the appropriate agency within which the ready control of airborne 

vehicles is required in the interest of national security.

    Air defense emergency (ADE). An emergency condition, declared by 

the appropriate military authority, that exists when attack upon the 

continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, other U.S. territories and 

possessions or Canada by hostile aircraft or missiles is considered 

probable, is imminent, or is taking place.

    Air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Airspace of defined 

dimensions



[[Page 61890]]



within which the ready identification, location, and control of 

airborne vehicles are required.

    Air defense liaison officer (ADLO). FAA representative at a North 

American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) air defense facility (NORAD 

Region or NORAD Air Defense Sector).

    Air defense region. A geographical subdivision of an air defense 

area.

    Air defense sector. A geographical subdivision of an air defense 

region.

    Air traffic control system command center (ATCSCC). FAA Command 

Center responsible for the efficient operation of the National Airspace 

System, ensuring safe and efficient air travel within the United 

States.

    Anchor annex flight. Classified DoD mission.

    Appropriate military authority. The military commander with the 

authority to direct the implementation of this part. The appropriate 

military authorities are designated in part 245.11, (a)(1), (a)(2), 

(a)(3) and (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3).

    Chief of the Defense Staff (CDS). Canada's counterpart to the 

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Civil reserve air fleet (CRAF). Those aircraft allocated, or 

identified for allocation, to the DoD under section 101 of the Defense 

Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2071), or made available (or 

agreed to be made available) for use by the DoD under a contract made 

under this title, as part of the program developed by the DoD through 

which the DoD augments its airlift capability by use of civil aircraft.

    Combatant Command. A command with a broad continuing mission under 

a single commander established and so designated by the President, 

through the Secretary of Defense and with the advice and assistance of 

the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Combatant Commands 

typically have geographic or functional responsibilities. For the 

purposes of this part, the term ``combatant command'' also includes 

NORAD.

    Continental United States (CONUS). All U.S. territory of the 48 

contiguous states (does not include Alaska and Hawaii), including the 

adjacent territorial waters within 12 miles of the coast of the 48 

contiguous states.

    Contingency operations. A military operation that:

    (1) Is designated by the Secretary of Defense as an operation in 

which members of the armed forces are or may become involved in 

military actions, operations, or hostilities against an enemy of the 

United States or against an opposing military force; or

    (2) Results in the call or order to, or retention on, active duty 

of members of the uniformed services under section 688, 12301 (a), 

12302, 12304, 12305, or 12406 of title 10 U.S.C., chapter 15, as 

amended by E.O. 13286, February 28 2003, or any other provision of law 

during a war or during a national emergency declared by the President 

or Congress.

    Defense emergency. An emergency condition that exists when:

    (1) A major attack is made upon U.S. forces overseas or on allied 

forces in any theater and is confirmed by either the commander of a 

command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher authority; or

    (2) An overt attack of any type is made upon the United States and 

is confirmed either by the commander of a command established by the 

Secretary of Defense or higher authority.

    Dispersal. Relocation of forces for the purpose of increasing 

survivability.

    Diversion. A change made in a prescribed route or destination for 

operational or tactical reasons.

    Domestic event network (DEN). A 24/7 FAA sponsored, telephonic 

conference call network that includes all of the Air Route Traffic 

Control Centers (ARTCC) in the U.S. It also includes various other 

governmental agencies that monitor the DEN. The purpose of the DEN is 

to provide timely notification to the appropriate authorities that 

there is an emerging air-related problem or incident within the CONUS.

    ESCAT air traffic priority list (EATPL). A list comprised of eight 

priorities designed to control the volume of air traffic when ESCAT has 

been implemented.

    National Airspace System (NAS). The NAS consists of the overall 

environment for the safe operation of aircraft that are subject to the 

FAA's jurisdiction. It includes: air navigation facilities, equipment 

and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, 

information and services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical 

information, and manpower and material. Included are system components 

used by the DoD.

    National emergency. A condition declared by the President or the 

Congress by virtue of powers previously vested in them that authorize 

certain emergency actions to be undertaken in the national interest. 

Actions to be taken may include partial, full, or total mobilization of 

national resources.

    Navigational aids (NAVAIDs). Aids to navigation, including but are 

not limited to, Global Positioning System (GPS), Tactical Air 

Navigation (TACAN), VHF Omnidirectional range (VOR), VHF 

Omnidirectional range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC), Radar, and Long 

Range Navigation (LORAN). GPS also includes its Federal government-

provided augmentations, i.e., the FAA Wide Area Augmentation System 

(WAAS) and Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS), United States Coast 

Guard (USCG) Maritime Differential GPS (MDGPS) and USCG Nationwide 

Differential GPS (NDGPS).

    North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). A combined 

military command established by the Governments of Canada and the 

United States responsible for North American aerospace warning and 

control. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, NORAD is subdivided 

into three geographic regions: Alaska NORAD Region (ANR), Canadian 

NORAD Region (CANR) and the CONUS NORAD Region (CONR).

    Security assurance check. Measures taken by DoD/DHS, as 

appropriate, to ensure aircraft, cargo and crew security has not been 

compromised by hostile organizations or individuals who are or may be 

engaged in espionage, sabotage, subversion, terrorism or other criminal 

activities.

    Security control authorization (SCA). Authorization for an EATPL 

category eight aircraft to take off when ESCAT has been implemented, 

which will be coordinated between DHS and the appropriate military 

authority.

    Special Use Airspace (SUA). Airspace of defined dimensions 

identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities 

must be confined because of their nature, and/or wherein limitation may 

be imposed upon aircraft operations that are not part of those 

activities. Types of special use airspace include Military Operations 

Areas, Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas and Warning Areas.

    State and regional disaster airlift (SARDA). The plan for using 

civil aviation resources to support State and regional emergency 

response operations.





Sec.  245.6  Abbreviations and acronyms.



AADC--Area Air Defense Commander

ADE--Air Defense Emergency

ADIZ--Air Defense Identification Zone

ADLO--Air Defense Liaison Officer

AMC--Air Mobility Command

ANR--Alaska NORAD Region

AOR--Area of Responsibility

ARTCC--Air Route Traffic Control Center

ATC--Air Traffic Control

ATCSCC--Air Traffic Control System Command Center

CARDA--Continental U.S. Airborne Reconnaissance for Damage Assessment



[[Page 61891]]



CDS--Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)

CERAP--Center-RAPCON

CJCS--Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

CONR--CONUS NORAD Region

CONUS--Continental United States

CRAF--Civil Reserve Air Fleet

DEN--Domestic Event Network

DHS--Department of Homeland Security

DND--Department of National Defence (Canada)

DoD--Department of Defense

DOT--Department of Transportation

EATPL--ESCAT Air Traffic Priority List

E.O.--Executive Order

ESCAT--Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic

FAA--Federal Aviation Administration

IFR--Instrument Flight Rules

LEA--Law Enforcement Agencies

LIFEGUARD--Civilian air ambulance flights

LNO--Liaison Officer

MEDEVAC--Medical air evacuation flight

NAS--National Airspace System

NEADS--Northeast Air Defense Sector (NORAD)

NORAD--North American Aerospace Defense Command

PACAF--Pacific Air Forces

SARDA--State and Regional Disaster Airlift

SCA--Security Control Authorization

SEADS--Southeast Air Defense Sector (NORAD)

SUA--Special Use Airspace

TSA--Transportation Security Administration

USNORTHCOM--U.S. Northern Command

USPACOM--U.S. Pacific Command

VFR--Visual Flight Rules

WADS--Western Air Defense Sector (NORAD)



Subpart C--The ESCAT Plan





Sec.  245.8  Purpose.



    This part establishes responsibilities, procedures, and 

instructions for the security control of civil and military air traffic 

in order to provide effective use of airspace under various emergency 

conditions.





Sec.  245.9  Authority.



    (a) E.O. 12656, 18 November 1988, which assigns emergency 

preparedness functions to Federal departments and agencies.

    (b) E.O. 13074, Amendment to E.O. 12656, February 9, 1998.

    (c) E.O. 13286, Amendment of E.O. 13276, 13274, 13271, 13260, 

13257, 13254, and 13231, and Other Actions, in Connection With the 

Transfer of Certain Functions to the Secretary of Homeland Security, 

February 28, 2003.

    (d) Title 10 U.S.C.--Armed Forces.

    (e) Title 49 U.S.C., Subtitle VII--Aviation Programs.

    (f) Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

    (g) Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107-

71), establishes the TSA and transfers civil aviation security 

responsibilities from FAA to TSA.

    (h) Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296), establishes 

DHS and transfers the transportation security functions of the DOT and 

Secretary of Transportation and the TSA to DHS.

    (i) DoD Directive 5030.19,\1\ ``DoD Responsibilities on Federal 

Aviation and National Airspace System Matters,'' outlines DoD/ NORAD 

responsibilities for the development of plans and policies in concert 

with the DOT, FAA and USCG for the establishment of a system for 

identification and emergency security control of air traffic.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------



    \1\ Copies may be obtained at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/dir2.html

.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------





Sec.  245.10  Scope.



    This part applies to all U.S. territorial airspace and other 

airspace over which the FAA has air traffic control jurisdiction by 

international agreement.





Sec.  245.11  General description of the ESCAT plan.



    The part defines the authorities, responsibilities, and procedures 

to identify and control air traffic within a specified air defense area 

during air defense emergencies, defense emergency, or national 

emergency conditions.

    (a) For the purpose of this part, the appropriate military 

authorities are as follows:

    (1) Contiguous 48 U.S. states, including Washington, DC; Alaska; 

and Canada--Commander NORAD or individual NORAD Region/Sector 

commanders.

    (2) Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island, other U.S. Pacific Territories, and 

Pacific oceanic airspace over which FAA has air traffic control 

jurisdiction by international agreement--Commander, U.S. Pacific 

Command (USPACOM) or designated AADC.

    (3) Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands--Commander, NORAD.

    (b) This part provides for security control of both civil and 

military air traffic. It is intended to meet threat situations such as:

    (1) An emergency resulting in the declaration of an Air Defense 

Emergency by the appropriate military authority. Under this condition, 

NORAD and USPACOM Commanders have authority to implement ESCAT and may 

consider executing this part.

    (2) An adjacent Combatant Command is under attack and an Air 

Defense Emergency has not yet been declared. Under these conditions, 

NORAD and USPACOM Commanders may direct implementation of ESCAT for 

their own AORs individually, if airspace control measures are warranted 

and agreed upon by DoD/DHS/DOT.

    (3) Emergency conditions exist that either threaten national 

security or national interests vital to the U.S., but do not warrant 

declaration of Defense Emergency or Air Defense Emergency. Under these 

conditions, NORAD and USPACOM Commanders may direct implementation of 

ESCAT for their own AORs individually, if airspace control measures are 

warranted and agreed upon by DoD/DHS/DOT.





Sec.  245.12  Amplifying instructions.



    (a) Prior to any formal ESCAT implementation, the appropriate 

military authority will consult with DOT through the FAA Administrator 

and DHS through the TSA Administrator to discuss the air traffic 

management, airspace and/or security measures required. Every effort 

will be made to obtain the approval of the Secretary of Defense prior 

to ESCAT declaration, time and circumstance permitting. Any ESCAT 

implementation will be passed as soon as possible through the Chairman 

of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of Defense.

    (b) ESCAT may be implemented in phases to facilitate a smooth 

transition from normal air traffic identification and control 

procedures to the more restrictive identification and control 

procedures specific to the situation.

    (c) Once ESCAT is implemented, the appropriate military authority 

will consult regularly with DOT (through the FAA Administrator) and DHS 

(through the TSA Administrator) as appropriate, regarding any changes 

in the air traffic management, airspace, and/or security measures 

required.

    (d) Interference with normal air traffic should be minimized.

    (e) The process for implementation of measures for mitigation of 

hostile use of NAVAID signals, when required, will be subject to 

separate agreement between DoD and other Departments and Agencies.

    (f) Upon the formal declaration of ESCAT, the appropriate military 

authority has the final authority regarding the extent of measures 

necessary for successful mission completion.

    (g) The rules/procedures governing Special Use Airspace (SUA) will 

remain



[[Page 61892]]



in effect until notified by the appropriate military authority. The 

appropriate military authority will address SUA use in the ESCAT 

activation message.

    (h) Appropriate Combatant Commanders, in conjunction with their FAA 

and TSA Liaisons, will prepare supplements to this part for their area 

of responsibility. These supplements are to consider the special 

requirement of organized civil defense and disaster relief flights, 

agricultural and forest fire flights, border patrol flights, and other 

essential civil air operations so that maximum use of these flights, 

consistent with air defense requirements, will be made when ESCAT is in 

effect.

    (i) Flight operations vital to national defense, as determined by 

appropriate military commanders, will be given priority over all other 

military and civil aircraft.

    (j) Prior to or subsequent to the declaration of an Air Defense 

Emergency, Defense Emergency, or National Emergency, there may be a 

requirement to disperse military aircraft for their protection. If such 

dispersal plans are implemented when any part of this part has been 

placed in effect, operations will be in accordance with the 

requirements of that portion of the ESCAT plan that is in effect. If 

any part of the ESCAT plan is ordered while dispersal is in progress, 

dispersal operations will be revised as required to comply with ESCAT.

    (k) Direct communications are authorized between appropriate 

agencies and units for the purpose of coordinating and implementing the 

procedures in this part.

    (l) To ensure implementation actions can be taken expeditiously, 

ESCAT tests will be conducted periodically, but at least annually in 

accordance with Sec.  245.31 of this part.

    (m) The area of responsibility of the appropriate military 

authority does not always align with ARTCC boundaries, especially in 

the NORAD area where one ARTCC's boundaries may lie within two or more 

CONUS NORAD Sectors. For NORAD and USPACOM, the FAA ARTCCs/CERAPs are 

aligned as follows:



------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Command/region/sector                       ARTCC's

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONR South East Air Defense    Atlanta, Fort Worth, Houston,

 Sector (SEADS).                Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City,

                                Memphis, Miami, Washington, San Juan

                                CERAP.

CONR North East Air Defense    Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis,

 Sector (NEADS).                New York, Indianapolis, Kansas City,

                                Atlanta, Memphis, Washington.

CONR Western Air Defense       Albuquerque, Denver, Los Angeles,

 Sector (WADS).                 Oakland, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Fort

                                Worth, Houston, Kansas City,

                                Minneapolis.

ANR (Alaskan NORAD Region)...  Anchorage.

PACOM........................  Honolulu CERAP, Oakland, Anchorage.

------------------------------------------------------------------------



    (n) Commander NORAD, acting for the DoD, will process and 

distribute administrative and organizational changes as they occur; 

however, this part will be reviewed at least once every two years by 

DHS/TSA, DOT/FAA, and DoD and reissued or changed as required. 

Recommended changes should be forwarded to: Headquarters North American 

Air Defense Command, Commander NORAD/J3, ATTN: NJ33C, 250 Vandenberg 

Street, Suite B106, Peterson AFB, CO 80914-3818.





Sec.  245.13  Responsibilities.



    (a) The NORAD and USPACOM Commanders will:

    (1) Establish the military requirements for ESCAT.

    (2) Implement the plan as appropriate by declaring ESCAT (including 

the timing and scope) within their AOR.

    (3) Terminate the plan as appropriate by discontinuing ESCAT 

(including the timing and scope) within their AOR.

    (4) Coordinate with the Secretary of Defense or his designee, the 

CJCS, other Combatant Commands, the Department of Transportation, the 

Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian Minister of National 

Defence, as appropriate, regarding procedures for ESCAT implementation.

    (b) The DOT (through the FAA Administrator) will:

    (1) Establish the necessary FAA directives/plans including special 

ATC procedures to implement this part.

    (2) Maintain liaison with Combatant Commands whose AORs include FAA 

areas of authority through the appropriate LNO, or FAA ADLO offices.

    (3) Administer this part in accordance with established 

requirements.

    (4) Ensure authorized FAA ADLO positions at NORAD facilities are 

staffed.

    (5) Publish a common use document describing ESCAT and its purpose 

for use by civil aviation.

    (6) Ensure FAA participation with the Combatant Commands in the 

testing of this part.

    (7) Ensure the FAA Air Traffic Organization Service Units will:

    (i) Disseminate information and instructions implementing this part 

within their AORs.

    (ii) Place in effect procedures outlined in this part.

    (iii) Assist appropriate military authorities in making 

supplemental agreements to this part as may be required.

    (iv) Ensure each ARTCC/CERAP has a plan for diverting or landing 

expeditiously all aircraft according to the ESCAT priorities imposed 

upon implementation of ESCAT. Ensure a review and verification of the 

diversion plan is accomplished each calendar year.

    (8) Ensure the ATCSCC/ARTCC/CERAPs will:

    (i) Participate with Combatant Commanders in the training/testing 

of this part at all operational level.

    (ii) Ensure dissemination of information and instructions 

implementing this part within their AORs.

    (iii) Place in effect procedures outlined in this part.

    (iv) Develop a plan for diverting or landing expeditiously all 

aircraft according to the ESCAT priorities imposed upon implementation 

of ESCAT. Review the diversion plan each calendar year.

    (c) The DHS (through the TSA Administrator) will:

    (1) Establish the necessary TSA directives/plans including special 

security procedures to implement this part.

    (2) Maintain liaison with Combatant Commands whose AORs include TSA 

geographic areas of authority through the appropriate Federal Security 

Directors or other field offices.

    (3) Administer this part in accordance with established 

requirements.

    (4) Ensure authorized TSA liaison positions at NORAD facilities are 

staffed.

    (5) Issue security directives describing ESCAT and its purpose for 

use by airport and aircraft operators.



[[Page 61893]]



    (6) Ensure TSA participation with the Combatant Commands in the 

testing of this part.

    (7) Ensure TSA Federal Security Directors and field offices:

    (i) Disseminate information and instructions implementing this part 

within their AOR.

    (ii) Implement procedures outlined in this part.

    (iii) Assist appropriate military authorities in making 

supplemental agreements to this part, as necessary.

    (d) The Commanders of Combatant Commands will:

    (1) Ensure that departing North American strategic flights are 

coordinated with appropriate NORAD and FAA/NAVCANADA authorities.

    (2) Ensure training/testing of this part at all levels within their 

command, as appropriate.



Subpart D--Procedures for Implementation of ESCAT





Sec.  245.15  Appropriate military authority.



    Appropriate military authority will take the following actions:

    (a) Notify or coordinate, as appropriate, the extent or termination 

of ESCAT implementation with DOT and DHS.

    (b) Disseminate the extent of ESCAT implementation through the 

Noble Eagle Conferences and the FAA DEN.

    (c) Specify what restrictions are to be implemented. Some examples 

of restrictions to be considered include:

    (1) Defining the affected area.

    (2) Defining the type of aircraft operations that are authorized.

    (3) Defining the routing restrictions on flights entering or 

operating within appropriate portions of the affected area.

    (4) Defining restrictions for the volume of air traffic within the 

affected area, using the EATPL, paragraph 245.22 of this part) and 

Security Control Authorizations, as required.

    (5) Setting altitude limitations on flight operations in selected 

areas.

    (6) Restricting operations to aircraft operators regulated under 

specified security programs (e.g., the Aircraft Operator Standard 

Security Program (AOSSP), and the Domestic Security Integration Program 

(DSIP).

    (d) Revise or remove restrictions on the movement of air traffic as 

the tactical situation permits.





Sec.  245.16  ATCSCC.



    ATCSCC will direct appropriate ARTCCs/CERAPs to implement ESCAT 

restrictions as specified by the appropriate military authority. 

ARTCCs/CERAPs will take the following actions when directed to 

implement ESCAT:

    (a) Provide the appropriate military authority feedback through the 

ATCSCC on the impact of restrictions and when the restrictions have 

been imposed.

    (b) Impose restrictions on air traffic as directed.

    (c) Disseminate ESCAT implementation instructions to U.S. civil and 

military air traffic control facilities and advise adjacent air traffic 

control facilities.





Sec.  245.17  U.S. civil and military air traffic control facilities.



    U.S. civil and military air traffic control facilities will:

    (a) Maintain current information on the status of restrictions 

imposed on air traffic.

    (b) Process flight plans in accordance with current instructions 

received from the ARTCC. All flights must comply with the airspace 

control measures in effect, the EATPL, or must have been granted a 

Security Control Authorization.

    (c) Disseminate instructions and restrictions to air traffic as 

directed by the ARTCCs.





Sec.  245.18  Transportation security operations center (TSOC).



    TSOC will direct appropriate FSDs and field offices to implement 

ESCAT restrictions as specified by the appropriate military authority. 

FSDs and field offices will take the following actions when directed to 

implement ESCAT:

    (a) Provide the appropriate military authority feedback through the 

TSOC on the impact of restrictions and when the restrictions have been 

implemented.

    (b) Impose restrictions on civil aviation as directed by DOT/DHS.

    (c) Disseminate ESCAT implementation instructions to U.S. civil 

aircraft operators and airports.



Subpart E--ESCAT Air Traffic Priority List (EATPL)





Sec.  245.20  Purpose.



    When ESCAT is implemented, a system of traffic priorities may be 

required to make optimum use of airspace, consistent with air defense 

requirements. The EATPL is a list of priorities that may be used for 

the movement of air traffic in a defined area. Priorities shall take 

precedence in the order listed and subdivisions within priorities are 

equal.





Sec.  245.21  ESCAT air traffic priority list.



    (a) Priority One. (1) The President of the United States, Prime 

Minister of Canada and respective cabinet or staff members essential to 

national security, and other members as approved or designated by the 

Secretary of Defense and Chief of the Defence Staff.

    (2) Aircraft engaged in active continental defense missions, 

including anti-submarine aircraft, interceptors, air refueling tanker 

aircraft, and airborne early-warning and control aircraft (e.g., E-3, 

E-2, P-3).

    (3) Military retaliatory aircraft, including direct tanker support 

aircraft, executing strategic missions.

    (4) Airborne command elements which provide backup to command and 

control systems for the combat forces.

    (5) Anchor annex flights.

    (b) Priority Two. (1) Forces being deployed or in direct support of 

U.S. military offensive and defensive operations including the use of 

activated Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) aircraft as necessary, and/or 

other U.S. and foreign flag civil air carrier aircraft under mission 

control of the U.S. military.

    (2) Aircraft operating in direct and immediate support of strategic 

missions.

    (3) Search and rescue aircraft operating in direct support of 

military activities.

    (4) Aircraft operating in direct and immediate support of special 

operations missions.

    (5) Federal flight operations in direct support of homeland 

security, e.g., Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) and aircraft performing 

security for high threat targets such as Nuclear Power Plants, Dams, 

Chemical Plants, and other areas identified as high threat targets.

    (c) Priority Three. (1) Forces being deployed or performing pre-

deployment training/workups (e.g., Navy Field Carrier Landing Practice) 

in support of the emergency condition.

    (2) Aircraft deployed in support of CONUS installation/base 

defense, i.e., aircraft operating in direct/immediate security support, 

or deploying ground forces for perimeter defense.

    (3) Search and rescue aircraft not included in Priority Two.

    (4) Flight inspection aircraft flights in connection with emergency 

restoration of airway and airport facilities in support of immediate 

emergency conditions.

    (5) Continental U.S. Airborne Reconnaissance for Damage Assessment 

(CARDA) missions in support of immediate emergency conditions.

    (d) Priority Four. (1) Dispersal of tactical military aircraft.

    (2) Dispersal of U.S. civil air carrier aircraft allocated to the 

CRAF Program.

    (3) Repositioning of FAA/DoD/DND flight inspection aircraft.

    (4) Flight inspection activity in connection with airway and 

airport facilities.



[[Page 61894]]



    (5) Specific military tactical pilot currency or proficiency in 

support of homeland defense.

    (6) Military tactical aircraft post-maintenance test flights.

    (7) Federal aircraft post maintenance check flights in support of 

homeland security.

    (e) Priority Five. (1) Air transport of military commanders, their 

representatives, DoD/DND-sponsored key civilian personnel, non-DoD/DND 

or other Federal key civilian personnel who are of importance to 

national security.

    (2) Dispersal of non-tactical military aircraft for their 

protection.

    (3) Aircraft contracted to and/or operated by Federal agencies

    (f) Priority Six. (1) State and local LEA directly engaged in law 

enforcement missions.

    (2) Flight operations in accordance with approved Federal and State 

emergency plans.

    (3) LIFEGUARD and MEDEVAC aircraft in direct support of emergency 

medical services.

    (4) Flight operations essential to the development, production, and 

delivery of equipment, personnel, materials, and supplies essential to 

national security.

    (5) Other essential CARDA missions not covered in Priority Three.

    (g) Priority Seven. Other military flight operations.

    (h) Priority Eight. Other flight operations not specifically listed 

in priorities 1 through 7.





Sec.  245.22  Policy for application of EATPL.



    (a) The originator of an aircraft flight operation under the EATPL 

shall be responsible for determining and verifying that the mission 

meets the appropriate definition and priority in accordance with the 

list described in Sec.  245.22 of this part , and ensuring a security 

check of crew, cargo and aircraft has been completed prior to take off.

    (b) The individual filing the flight plan will be responsible for 

including the priority number as determined by the originator of the 

aircraft flight operation, in the remarks section of the flight plan.

    (c) Situations may occur that cannot be controlled by the EATPL. 

Aircraft emergencies and inbound international flights that have 

reached the point of no return, including foreign air carrier flights 

en route to safe haven airports in accordance with specific 

international agreements are examples of such situations. These events 

must be treated individually through coordination between ATC and 

appropriate military authorities in consideration of the urgency of the 

in-flight situation and existing tactical military conditions.

    (d) Priorities for air traffic clearances required under the ESCAT 

plan are not to be confused with civil priorities assigned to general 

aviation civil aircraft under the State and Regional Disaster Airlift 

(SARDA) plan. SARDA priorities are designed to provide for controlled 

use of civil aircraft capability, and they have secondary significance 

when the EATPL for the movement of aircraft is in effect.

    (e) Exceptions to EATPL. (1) DoD aircraft in priorities three 

through seven that do not meet EATPL restrictions may request an 

exemption from the appropriate military authority. For the contiguous 

48 U.S. states, Alaska, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada, 

requests shall be submitted to the appropriate NORAD Sector. For 

Hawaii, Guam, Wake Island, other U.S. Pacific Territories, and Pacific 

oceanic airspace over which FAA has air traffic control jurisdiction by 

international agreement, requests shall be submitted to the designated 

AADC.

    (2) For Federal, State, local government agencies and aircraft in 

priority eight, a Security Control Authorization may be granted on a 

case-by-case basis. Requests for SCAs will be coordinated through TSA. 

TSA will forward those requests that it recommends for approval to the 

appropriate military authority. Aircraft with a SCA shall have a 

Security Assurance Check prior to take off. Refer to specific SCA 

procedures provided in separate agreement between the appropriate 

military authority and TSA.



Subpart F--Procedure for Movement of Air Traffic Under ESCAT





Sec.  245.24  Aircraft assigned an EATPL number 1 or 2.



    Aircraft assigned an EATPL number 1 or 2 will not be delayed, 

diverted, or rerouted by Combatant Commanders. However, commanders may 

recommend that this traffic be rerouted to avoid critical or critically 

threatened areas.





Sec.  245.25  Aircraft assigned an EATPL number other than 1 or 2.



    Aircraft assigned an EATPL number other than 1 or 2 may be delayed, 

diverted, or rerouted by Combatant Commanders to prevent degradation of 

the air defense system.





Sec.  245.26  Aircraft being recovered.



    Aircraft being recovered will be expedited to home or an alternate 

base. Search and Rescue aircraft may be expedited on their missions. 

Such aircraft may be diverted to avoid critical areas or takeoff may be 

delayed to prevent saturation of airspace.





Sec.  245.27  Data entry.



    Aircraft will file IFR or VFR flight plans, assigned a discrete 

transponder code, and must be in direct radio communication with ATC. 

The appropriate EATPL number will be entered in the remarks section of 

the flight plan. The EATPL number will be passed with flight plan data 

from one ATC facility to the next, and to the appropriate air defense 

control facilities.



Subpart G--Test Procedures





Sec.  245.29  Purpose.



    The purpose of establishing training/test procedures is to specify 

procedures that will allow all participants to determine the time 

required and assure the capability to notify all agencies/personnel, 

down to the lowest action level, that ESCAT has been implemented. To 

ensure the proper level of participation, the appropriate military 

authority will provide, at a minimum, 30 days notice of a test to the 

appropriate civil agencies. Testing shall be conducted at least 

annually.





Sec.  245.30  ESCAT test procedures restrictions.



    (a) Aircraft will not be grounded or diverted.

    (b) Test messages will not be broadcast over air/ground 

frequencies.

    (c) Radio communications will not be interrupted.

    (d) Navigation Aids will not be affected.





Sec.  245.31  ESCAT test.



    For ESCAT testing, the responsible military commander will notify 

the ATCSCC using the following sample statement:

    (a) Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, this is CONUS NORAD Region with a 

NORAD exercise message for ------ (State exercise name) ------.

    Simulate implementing ESCAT for ------ (Specified Area) ------.

    The following air control measures are being implemented. (Some 

examples are: Flight restricted zones, Temporary Flight Restrictions, 

and/or other specific air control measures for operators.) ----------, 

[fxsp0]----------, [fxsp0]----------, [fxsp0]----------.

    All aircraft not previously mentioned as exemptions are restricted 

from flight in the affected area until further notice.



     and/or



    EATPL Priorities -------- through -------- are being implemented.

    ATCSCC will advise the appropriate military commander when the 

affected



[[Page 61895]]



FAA ATC facilities have reported simulating ESCAT.

    This is an exercise message for ------ (State exercise name) ----

--. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise.

    (b) ATCSCC will notify ARTCC(s)/CERAP(s).

    (c) ARTCC(s)/CERAP(s) will notify all appropriate U.S. civil and 

military approach control facilities and FSS. Upon completion of all 

actions, the implementation completion time will be forwarded to the 

ATCSCC.

    (d) ATCSCC will provide completion times to the appropriate 

military authority.

    (e) Tests should normally be conducted in conjunction with 

scheduled headquarters NORAD approved exercises. Individual NORAD 

Regions and Sectors may conduct tests when test objectives are local in 

nature and prior coordination has been effected with the ATCSCC.

    (g) A narrative summary of each test will be prepared by the ATCSCC 

and copies sent to the appropriate military authority. Each military 

authority will, in turn, forward copies of the summary to HQ NORAD and 

DHS.



Subpart H--Authentication





Sec.  245.33  Approval.



    Authentication will be accomplished via secure communications means 

between the appropriate military authority and the ATCSCC for the 

implementation of ESCAT. Implementation will be validated with a call 

back via secure communications to the appropriate military authority. 

Further dissemination of information may be accomplished over non-

secure communications.



    Dated: October 11, 2006.

L.M. Bynum,

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, DoD.

[FR Doc. E6-17179 Filed 10-19-06; 8:45 am]



BILLING CODE 5001-06-P