Hijacking/

Unlawful
Seizure of
an Aircraft.
Hijacking or unlawful seizure of an aircraft is among
the most critical situations encountered in aviation
security.
The uncertainty and variability of such events demand
that flight crews are prepared with guidelines that
prioritize the safety of the aircraft and its occupants
above all.
At all times the discretion and judgment of the PIC
(Pilot In Command) will dictate the manner in which
the situation should be handled.
Cockpit Security
Flight attendants must be extremely careful when accessing the cockpit, mindfully
observing the surrounds to prevent unauthorized access.
Hijacking Initiation Patterns
1 2+
Hijack Teams
Solo Hijacker
Teams attempt to control the aircraft by
Individuals may use threats, weapons, or bombs to simultaneously overpowering both crew and
assert control over the aircraft. passengers, creating a multifaceted threat.
Evaluating Resistance Strategies
— —
Risk Assessment Defensive Action
In the case of armed hijack teams with possibly In cases where the hijackers attempt to sabotage the
other team members remaining uncommitted and aircraft, the crew may take any necessary action they
unidentified among other passengers, any attempt consider appropriate to prevent disaster.
to resist or overpower the hijackers must be carefully
evaluated
Ground Procedures
During a Hijack
On the ground, the flight crew should avoid escaping and
abandoning the cabin crew and passengers. Fleeing the
aircraft deprives authorities on the ground a valuable means
of communication. The objective of handling a hijack should
always be to attempt to bring the aircraft back to the gate and
demobilize it! This will transform a hijack into a hostage
situation where it can be dealt with by the authorities.
Cabin Crew;
• should exercise discretion and establish that they pose no threat to the
perpetrators
• show calm, professional attitude. It may compel the hijacker to
moderate his demands.
• an aggressive attitude should not be adopted.